Garland Burner

[TWhobo]

Hello

I am an All grain Beginner working on assembling a kit of equipment. My Garage is equipped with 240V and I have access to one of these burners.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/ga...hot-plate-240v-3-phase-4-kw/372ED15THSEE.html

Would this be a reasonable heat source to use? I would prefer to use something like this instead of propane in the garage. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Just want to make sure it will boil and keep a consistent temperature, I am thinking of trying the BIAB technique.

Thanks

 

[yoop89]

The burner you linked is advertised as 240V 3 Phase. "Most" residential garages are usually single phase 240V. There are ways of converting the appliance to run on single phase but could be as expensive as buying a new appliance thats already single phase.

 

[IslandLizard]

I don't think this unit is very suitable for a number of reasons.
Also, have you checked the price? $1413 plus shipping!!! And it has to be a commercial address.

First off, your typical domestic 240V is single phase, so you'd need to make sure you order the correct version of this cooker. There are 4 voltage supply options for it.

The unit contains 2 burners, so that's only 2kW per burner, which is too skimpy for brewing full volume 5-6 gallon batches, and they are relatively small, 7.5" across, which means the generated heat is fairly localized, could cause scorching.

If you can straddle your kettle over both burners, you would have access to the full 4000W.
However, stability of that setup remains questionable. The burner's vertical dimension is relatively high, kettle balanced on 1 or 2 narrow plates.

There are much better, and much, much cheaper options.
I use an Avantco IC3500 induction plate. Same supplier, for around $200 shipped. 3500W single phase 240V. I can recommend it. Make sure your kettle is induction capable.

 

[IslandLizard]

Do a search and read up on the IC3500 or Avantco there are several threads on its usage among homebrewers. We all seem to love it. I use it for a lot more than brewing beer.

Your garage most likely has a 240V dryer connection. Even if it's in the right place, it will be a different outlet (Nema 10-30 or 14-30) than the one that fits the IC3500 plug (Nema 6-20). You'd need to make an adapter, or replace the wall socket, or use an extension cord/adapter. Or install a dedicated 20A circuit for it in the right place.

You could simply replace the plug on the IC3500, but I guarantee you that will void the warranty.

 

[IslandLizard]

I just re-read your OP:

[...] and I have access to one of these burners.

Does that mean you have one, can borrow, or get one for free?

If you don't have to buy it for the astounding price commercial equipment goes for, new, it could be useful, but not great as is, see my earlier comments and concerns.
For some reference, my 8 gallon "wide ass" Morebeer Heavy Duty kettle is 14" wide (12" high). My 15 gallon one of the same is 17" wide. Using the latter, it would require less than 2" distance between the two 7.5" burners to get complete coverage. Judging by the picture, it's much more than that.

Here's the IC3500:
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/av...on-range-cooker-208-240v-3500w/177IC3500.html