Induction Kettle

[FuzzyIguana]

Hey y'all I recently upgraded induction-ready kettles. I'm moving my brew station from the kitchen to basement and will need to purchase a new heat source. I'm brewing 2.5 gallon batches via BIAB and need some advice.

Should I buy a quality hot plate or an induction plate? I know induction is more efficient, but will a 1500W unit (running on 110v) heat and boil 4 total gals better than a regular hot plate? Help me spend my hard earned cash!

 

[soccerdad]

Just my opinion, I would go with induction. Question - how will you vent steam?

 

[FuzzyIguana]

Just my opinion, I would go with induction. Question - how will you vent steam?

Excellent question. I have a small wood shop in the basement and have a vent fan for voatile stains, finishes, and various other chemicals (we're not talking Breaking Bad here). I'm going to keep my current hook but upgrade to a hydroponics-grade in-line vent fan. They are very effective.

 

[yowzers]

I have an 1800 watt induction plate that I bought from Amazon for $50 and it works great. I can boil 3 gallons no problem. In fact, I run it at 1200 watts once the boil starts.

 

[FuzzyIguana]

I have an 1800 watt induction plate that I bought from Amazon for $50 and it works great. I can boil 3 gallons no problem. In fact, I run it at 1200 watts once the boil starts.

Hey Yowzers:
Glad to hear that works for you it makes me feel more confident as I've never used an induction top for anything, let alone brewing. Have you ever boiled 4 gals? I've got some heavy hitters (breakfast stout) that requires more water for a 90 min boil.

Can I ask which one ya purchased? I'm starting research on the induction plate right now.

 

[phyllobeddo]

I brew 2.5 gallon to 4 gallon batches in my basement using the Avantco IC 3500 induction burner. I had to run electrical to it since it's 240V, but it's been a great burner. I would do it all over again without thinking twice. It's been up and running since January 2016, 50 brew days so far. Pricewise it's showing $173.99 on Webrestauntstore.com right now. I'm pretty sure I paid well over $200 for it. If I ever break this one, I'll order a new one.

 

[yowzers]

Hey Yowzers:
Glad to hear that works for you it makes me feel more confident as I've never used an induction top for anything, let alone brewing. Have you ever boiled 4 gals? I've got some heavy hitters (breakfast stout) that requires more water for a 90 min boil.

Can I ask which one ya purchased? I'm starting research on the induction plate right now.

You bet. I got this one. It's $46 for Prime members right now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L2OH52S/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I leave the lid on my pot when heating and take it off once it is close to boiling. That probably saves 5 or 10 minutes. You want to make sure you have an induction compatible pot. My cheap stainless kettle does not work on this unit. Yes I can boil 4 gallons no problem.