Brewing on the grill?

[robtotten]

So I'm ready to make my first batch of beer. I've picked up supplies locally and through mail order. I'm extra prepared and have everything I need and more. But my 10 gallon steel pot won't fit on my stove top. The exhaust fan and microwave (they're all one unit) are too low. DOH!

What are my options?

I have a little camping propane burner, but I doubt that would generate enough heat. I have a Chargriller grill with both a gas and charcoal / wood unit. So I have the gas side of my grill. Has anyone tried brewing this way? I'm not sure if it could get 5 gallons of water to boil or not.

If I use clean charcoal on the other side of my grill, could I brew over that without imparting a funny taste?

If none of those are viable options, what about making the wort at a friend's and then driving it back home after it cooled down? It seems like the car ride would serve to aerate it, but would it cause any problems? It seems like a pain in the ass, but I'm willing to do it if that's my best option.

I'm making a 5 gallon batch w/ extract. I'm going to buy a 5 gallon pot next month, but I've already spent too much on my new hobby this month and would like to get this Kolsch going in time for March Madness.

Thanks in advance!

 

[danielinva]

Read through a couple of the posts linked at the bottom of this page. I'm thinking you're going to want to brew at a friends house this go around and then consider buying a burner for a turkey fryer. I would do that before stepping down to a 5 gallon pot.

 

[robtotten]

Thanks for the info. I may bite the bullet and go buy a burner tomorrow.

 

[McKBrew]

You will not be able to boil on a grill. Can't get close enough to the heat to make it work. (I've tried, and some other threads have discussed it).

Consider a burner.

 

[robtotten]

Before I do that, I'm going to try to boil water on my little Coleman camping stove. I've never actually used it (it was a gift), so I have no idea how it specs out but I imagine the BTU rating is too low. It's worth a shot, though. Thanks guy!

 

[gtpro]

check out this little unit

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_15490_15490

 

[captianoats]

That is a sweet little setup. Good price too

 

[slomo]

Read through a couple of the posts linked at the bottom of this page. I'm thinking you're going to want to brew at a friends house this go around and then consider buying a burner for a turkey fryer. I would do that before stepping down to a 5 gallon pot.[/QUO

+1

 

[gratefuldisc]

FWIW I boil, cool, pitch and seal up the fermentor at home then carry it out to the car and drive it to my in-laws house a mile down the road. I have had no problems except losing a little liquid from the airlock. I use vodka though, so its not the end of the world if a little ends up in the beer.

 

[robertvrabel]

I just purchased one of these on amazon, might want to take a look... they seem great!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000291GBQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[malt_shovel]

Not sure what sort of grill you have, but I just completed two full boils, one for an extract (6 gal) and one for a AG (about 7.5 gal) that I did without problems on my BBQ. I just removed the hot-plates / grills and put my 10 gal stock pot straight on the burners. No worries!

Give it a try with some water before your brew-day and if it looks like it wont work, go ahead and get some more kit.

 

[rico567]

I just purchased one of these on amazon, might want to take a look... they seem great!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000291GBQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I have this unit, and have been extremely pleased with it. I use it with a 30 qt. Proctor-Silex SS brewpot. I had to pay $5 more, so this is a good price.