Need an Induction Burner for 16 qt Pot

[derekp83]

I found a decent 16 qt pot that is made for induction. I'm looking for an affordable to middle of the road induction burner that can handle the pot. This is the pot: https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.c...E9-2Efvxwf6goTNChtotlTZM1FvbQwPRoCnSsQAvD_BwE

Anyone have experience with partial boil induction brewing? I want to make sure the induction burner can handle the weight of the water especially. When I brew on my stovetop, I use a 16 qt pot and fill it 2.5 - 3 gallons. Thanks!

 

[philm63]

I'm using the Duxtop 9600LS Induction Cooktop ($100 on Amazon) for decoctions with a 3-gallon pot, and my pot diameter is actually larger than what is shown for your 4-gallon pot so this cooktop should work fine for your pot (is it really just 7.5" diameter?) The cooktop is 120 V, 1800 W.

The specs show a max weight for this cooktop of 25 Lbs so your aluminum pot with around 3 gallons of liquid would be right at this limit, but looking at how rugged this unit is, I'd say it should be able to handle that with no problems.

 

[derekp83]

I'm using the Duxtop 9600LS Induction Cooktop ($100 on Amazon) for decoctions with a 3-gallon pot, and my pot diameter is actually larger than what is shown for your 4-gallon pot so this cooktop should work fine for your pot (is it really just 7.5" diameter?) The cooktop is 120 V, 1800 W.

The specs show a max weight for this cooktop of 25 Lbs so your aluminum pot with around 3 gallons of liquid would be right at this limit, but looking at how rugged this unit is, I'd say it should be able to handle that with no problems.

Thanks for this. I'll let you know if I end up picking this up!

This model seems earlier, but you think it would work? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Duxtop-810...a=0&pg=2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

 

[Ozarks Mountain Brewery]

I bought a $60 Induction, the 1800 watt is the best you can get for 110 - 115v, the only way I can get it to work properly for a brew session is add a fan blowing underneath, it overheats and shuts down otherwise, be warned you get what you pay for

 

[jrgtr42]

Look at the Avantco IC1800.
I have the bigger version - the 3500, and I really like it.
That one takes a 240V circuit, but it's really efficient at getting 7 gallons up to a boil quickly, in a 40qt pot.
For 16qts, the 1800 will work perfectly fine - I'm actually considering getting one of those for heating strike and sparge water for brewing, and general usage otherwise.

 

[bkboiler]

I have a GoWiseUSA 1800W that was around $60 on Amazon, works well for 2.5 gallon batches...not as vigorous at boiling as my gas stove, but oh well...it's definitely more portable...and somewhat easier to clean...

 

[derekp83]

I bought a $60 Induction, the 1800 watt is the best you can get for 110 - 115v, the only way I can get it to work properly for a brew session is add a fan blowing underneath, it overheats and shuts down otherwise, be warned you get what you pay for

What size boil?

 

[derekp83]

Thought I had it in the bag when I came across this one: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/av...ction-range-cooker-120v-1800w/177ICBTM20.html

Then noticed it starts at 140 F, and like most, there are limited temperature increase/decrease possibilities. Can't steep or mash with it

 

[derekp83]

Look at the Avantco IC1800.
I have the bigger version - the 3500, and I really like it.
That one takes a 240V circuit, but it's really efficient at getting 7 gallons up to a boil quickly, in a 40qt pot.
For 16qts, the 1800 will work perfectly fine - I'm actually considering getting one of those for heating strike and sparge water for brewing, and general usage otherwise.

Does it have the capability to increase the temperature 150 F? I understand these units to have limited temperature modes.

 

[IslandLizard]

Does it have the capability to increase the temperature 150 F? I understand these units to have limited temperature modes.

You're overthinking this.
There's no precise temp/feedback control with these type of induction units. The sensor is in the glass plate...

I use the IC3500, got 2 of them actually. Love em.

 

[Ozarks Mountain Brewery]

What size boil?

4 gallon and mine is Roswill RHAI-13001

 

[derekp83]

You're overthinking this.
There's no precise temp/feedback control with these type of induction units. The sensor is in the glass plate...

I use the IC3500, got 2 of them actually. Love em.

Well sure, but at least if you set one at 150, you're likely around a mash temp. If one starts at 140 F and the next temperature increase is say 170 F, you're past the window of steeping and mashing.

 

[IslandLizard]

Well sure, but at least if you set one at 150, you're likely around a mash temp. If one starts at 140 F and the next temperature increase is say 170 F, you're past the window of steeping and mashing.

Aside from a dozen or so power setting 500-800-1000...2900-3100-3500, the IC3500 also has temp settings with 10-degree increments from 140F to 420F-something. It senses the heat from the bottom of the kettle through the middle of the glass plate, similar area where it adds it. There's no way to input a signal from a probe that measures actual mash temps. You'd need a RIMS for that.

An insulated kettle with 7 gallons of soup stock can simmer nicely that way for 4 hours (or longer, when resetting) when set to "180F."

I do step mashes on the plate without using a RIMS, under constant stirring when applying heat. That works well.

 

[IslandLizard]

The IC3500 boils 7 gallons of wort comfortably, even 12-13 gallons (for a 10 gallon batch) with some insulation around the kettle.

I also use it for wokking, easy cleanup because the glass plate doesn't get glowing hot, burning in the grease.

 

[jrgtr42]

Does it have the capability to increase the temperature 150 F? I understand these units to have limited temperature modes.

The thing is, there's no sensor for inside temperature - if the thermometer setting is in the glass plate, it doesn't know how hot the inside is - it will depend on the volume, materials of the pot, etc.
There's no in between settings, it's on or off - the power settings regulate how fast it turns on and off to get the desired setting.
I use a cooler mash tun - so I turn it on till I get to my desired strike temp (usually around 170,) then turn it off.
For the boil I adjust the power settings and watch the boil, keep it at a gentle roil.
I suppose you could attach a temperature controller, like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HXM5UAC/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A1RUFFFCQ74BCW&psc=1
to shut the burner down at mash temps - say the 150, 152, whatever.

 

[derekp83]

Aside from a dozen or so power setting 500-800-1000...2900-3100-3500, the IC3500 also has temp settings with 10-degree increments from 140F to 420F-something. It senses the heat from the bottom of the kettle through the middle of the glass plate, similar area where it adds it. There's no way to input a signal from a probe that measures actual mash temps. You'd need a RIMS for that.

An insulated kettle with 7 gallons of soup stock can simmer nicely that way for 4 hours (or longer, when resetting) when set to "180F."

I do step mashes on the plate without using a RIMS, under constant stirring when applying heat. That works well.

In that case, I wonder if the Avantco ICBTM-20 also does 10 degree increments.

 

[IslandLizard]

In that case, I wonder if the Avantco ICBTM-20 also does 10 degree increments.

Lookie here:
https://www.avantcoequipment.com/product/?id=18315

[Y]ou can cook using either a power level / wattage mode (500-1800W), or a temperature mode that ranges from 140 - 460 degrees Fahrenheit. There are 10 different power levels between 140 and 460 degrees Fahrenheit.

But again, don't stare blind on those controls/settings, it needs judgment and mostly manual intervention. IOW, don't trust your mash to it.

Heating the bottom of a kettle without stirring is not going to keep the mash inside at an even (or predictable) temp. It may even scorch, as energy is only regulated by variable on/off timing intervals. During the "On" cycle it delivers 100% of the power (1800W with that model). A thick (3-ply) bottom helps with dispersion of that heat.

 

[IslandLizard]

https://www.avantcoequipment.com/product/?id=18315
I just looked at some customer feedback in that link, this one caught my eye:

It's pretty good, but the sides are just cheap plastic so if your pan happens to move be careful cause it will melt it bro.

Many brew kettles are wider than the specs recommend. This has been NO issue with the IC3500, it has a stainless case. Overhang can be several inches, like with my MoreBeer Heavy Duty kettles. The 8 gallon is 14" wide, the 15 gallon 17".

There are several threads on the IC3500 and some posts on the lower wattage models and other brands. Worth reading.

 

[IslandLizard]

I found a decent 16 qt pot that is made for induction. I'm looking for an affordable to middle of the road induction burner that can handle the pot. This is the pot: https://www.hotelrestaurantsupply.c...E9-2Efvxwf6goTNChtotlTZM1FvbQwPRoCnSsQAvD_BwE

That's an aluminum pot! It must have a stainless or steel layer in or on the bottom to make it suitable for induction. Don't know about heating efficiency using induction, it may be OK.

Aluminum gets nasty looking (dark gray). You can probably get a induction-ready stainless kettle for not much more, alas using thinner material. A tri-ply bottom helps against scorching, as does good stirring with a single ply bottoms.
I also have an 8 gallon Polar Ware kettle that works great.
Craigslist?

No aspirations for full boil or all grain?

 

[derekp83]

That's an aluminum pot! It must have a stainless or steel layer in or on the bottom to make it suitable for induction. Don't know about heating efficiency using induction, it may be OK.

Aluminum gets nasty looking (dark gray). You can probably get a induction-ready stainless kettle for not much more, alas using thinner material. A tri-ply bottom helps against scorching, as does good stirring with a single ply bottoms.
I also have an 8 gallon Polar Ware kettle that works great.
Craigslist?

No aspirations for full boil or all grain?

It says it's an induction stock pot made of stainless steel and aluminum. Got any links to what you mentioned, though?

To your last question, nope.

 

[IslandLizard]

It says it's an induction stock pot made of stainless steel and aluminum. Got any links to what you mentioned, though?

To your last question, nope.

You can't scrub aluminum with abrasives, just use a stiff nylon brush, or it will remove the dark gray oxide layer, which then needs to be rebuild (boiling with water) before use if you removed it or when it's new. The gray oxide layer protects the aluminum from dissolving slowly in your (acidic) wort.

That aluminum pot must have a (magnetic) stainless clad on the bottom to make it induction compatible.

I asked about future full boil or all grain brewing as that would require a larger volume kettle, 8-10 gallons for 5 gallon batches. Buy only once...

If that kettle you linked to has indeed a diameter or 7.5", as mentioned in the specs, with the pictured aspect ratio it will never hold 4 gallons (16 quarts). I calculate 2.25 gallons, if it's 12" high. Something is off there.

Over the years I've seen many homebrew setups, including a kettle, listed on Craigslist. Really good bargains to be found there.
Walmart etc. also sell stainless stock pots. They're quite thin though. If a magnet sticks to it, it's induction compatible. If a magnet does not stick to it, it may still be induction compatible, but you have to actually test it on an induction plate.

 

[derekp83]

You can't scrub aluminum with abrasives, just use a stiff nylon brush, or it will remove the dark gray oxide layer, which then needs to be rebuild (boiling with water) before use if you removed it or when it's new. The gray oxide layer protects the aluminum from dissolving slowly in your (acidic) wort.

That aluminum pot must have a (magnetic) stainless clad on the bottom to make it induction compatible.

I asked about future full boil or all grain brewing as that would require a larger volume kettle, 8-10 gallons for 5 gallon batches. Buy only once...

If that kettle you linked to has indeed a diameter or 7.5", as mentioned in the specs, with the pictured aspect ratio it will never hold 4 gallons (16 quarts). I calculate 2.25 gallons, if it's 12" high. Something is off there.

Over the years I've seen many homebrew setups, including a kettle, listed on Craigslist. Really good bargains to be found there.
Walmart etc. also sell stainless stock pots. They're quite thin though. If a magnet sticks to it, it's induction compatible. If a magnet does not stick to it, it may still be induction compatible, but you have to actually test it on an induction plate.

Thanks. I still haven't jumped the gun quite yet. Looking things over, still working on my garage set up, etc. As of now, stovetop boils will continue.