Will this cheap 3500 watt induction burner work?

[TorMag]

Got to say, I am pretty impressed and very happy I pulled the trigger on this bad boy. The electrician was here this morning to install my new breaker and outlet. As soon as he left, I filled up the kettle to the 10 gallon mark, bigger than anything I've brewed so far. I got to mash in temps in 30 minutes without a lid on. Then from there to rolling boil (with the lid on as it heated up) in another 30 minutes. Right now I am testing my 60 minute boil off values, and doing the happy dance.

 

[TorMag]

If anyone is interested, this is on sale the next 2 days. Only $5 off, but also free shipping which is another $11. Use Code INDUCT...

 

[MT2sum]

Are all Bayou Classic pots induction compatible?

Looking around on the web I find that the pots are reported as about 100 different grades of stainless, most of which are non magnetic.

Common sense tells me that all the pots of the same name are probably the same steel, though.

Anybody had a Bayou classic that didn't work?

cheers.

My 8 gal Bayou Classic boil pot is non-magnetic. I've been looking in to one of those induction disks that are magnetic so they can be used with non-inductive cookware.

NOTE: Just did some Googling - these disks work on your non-inductive cookware, but they heat by thermal transfer - by some reports it takes twice as long to heat (using more power to do it) and others say about 30% longer - either way, for a large 11" one it's almost $50, so I'm either looking at a new pot if I go with induction brewing, OR, I could just buy a couple of cheap 1800W/120V cooktops for mashing and sparging (about $50 each), and go with my original intention of installing an element (or two), in the 8 gallon pot for boiling, since I've already purchased the elements, etc.! I have 2 ea. - 5 gal. pots for sparge and mash which are both tri-ply/magnetic.

 

[The_Bishop]

Don't let the magnetic thing sway you. My bayou classic wasn't very magnetic and the induction cooktop worked just fine.

 

[MT2sum]

Don't let the magnetic thing sway you. My bayou classic wasn't very magnetic and the induction cooktop worked just fine.

Yeah, but mine's totally NON-magnetic :>o !!

So, I been looking at all kinds of brands, and they all have pre-set temps. With induction brewing, how do you mash @ 153 or 158? (inquiring minds, and all that) Most of them seem to jump by 40 degrees at a time - 140, 180, 220 etc.
Any idea what the temp settings are on the Avantco 3500W unit, or are they a manual set instead of pre-set?
If this is the only way to use the induction cooktop, it looks like it can only be used for the sparge or the boil!

 

[The_Bishop]

It's not currently feasible to do a temperature controlled operation on an induction burner, so heat your strike water, mash in and wrap the pot in a blanket or some other form of insulation. If you need to add heat you need to constantly stir, stir, stir.

 

[MT2sum]

It's not currently feasible to do a temperature controlled operation on an induction burner, so heat your strike water, mash in and wrap the pot in a blanket or some other form of insulation. If you need to add heat you need to constantly stir, stir, stir.

Thanks Bishop, that's the conclusion I was coming to ..... the closest I could get was 10F increments, and the cooker was $229, so I guess I'll go back to my original plan .... control panel, elements and thermometers in every pot!
Now to work on a fold-up false bottom for my old Bayou Classic 8 gal turkey fryer - the indent is near the top, so the newer false bottom won't fit ...... but ...... If I cut the false bottom in half, attach a piano hinge or other stainless hinge to/between the two pieces, I can fold it in the middle to get it below the indent! Sometimes it pays to be a redneck!
Thanks again!!

 

[TorMag]

Yeah, but mine's totally NON-magnetic :>o !!

So, I been looking at all kinds of brands, and they all have pre-set temps. With induction brewing, how do you mash @ 153 or 158? (inquiring minds, and all that) Most of them seem to jump by 40 degrees at a time - 140, 180, 220 etc.
Any idea what the temp settings are on the Avantco 3500W unit, or are they a manual set instead of pre-set?
If this is the only way to use the induction cooktop, it looks like it can only be used for the sparge or the boil!

If you want to set it and forget it, then no. However I was able to keep mine at 154 running and recirculating with keeping a casual eye on it and setting it to a lower wattage.

 

[trussell]

Yeah, but mine's totally NON-magnetic :>o !!

So, I been looking at all kinds of brands, and they all have pre-set temps. With induction brewing, how do you mash @ 153 or 158? (inquiring minds, and all that) Most of them seem to jump by 40 degrees at a time - 140, 180, 220 etc.
Any idea what the temp settings are on the Avantco 3500W unit, or are they a manual set instead of pre-set?
If this is the only way to use the induction cooktop, it looks like it can only be used for the sparge or the boil!

I've been using one for over a dozen batches. It has power level settings or a temp mode. I get to boil at 3500 W but then can cut back to 2900 W and easily maintain it.

I use mine with Bayou Classic pots no problem. I did find a single wrap of reflectix gives a bit more intense boil. Makes sense, it is heating the center bottom so the upper sides would lose the most heat.

 

[trussell]

Thanks Bishop, that's the conclusion I was coming to ..... the closest I could get was 10F increments, and the cooker was $229, so I guess I'll go back to my original plan .... control panel, elements and thermometers in every pot!
Now to work on a fold-up false bottom for my old Bayou Classic 8 gal turkey fryer - the indent is near the top, so the newer false bottom won't fit ...... but ...... If I cut the false bottom in half, attach a piano hinge or other stainless hinge to/between the two pieces, I can fold it in the middle to get it below the indent! Sometimes it pays to be a redneck!
Thanks again!!

I retrofitted my BC with a dome false bottom connected to the valve with a reinforced high temp hose. Causes enough tension that it stays in place without a problem. Only about a 1/4 gallon dead space and doesn't impede induction heating. My 10 gallon BC had the indent at the 2 gallon mark so this is a much better setup.

 

[cbier60]

I just bought a 20gal Spike Brewing kettle and am ready to move indoors. I BIAB, so I full volume mash and may need to boil as much as ~16 gallons. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with a 5000W unit, but they seem to be at least several hundreds more, even via Alibaba. I had been planning to convert an existing 20g brewpot to electric using internal elements, but induction seems so much easier and doesn't screw up my beautiful new kettle. I also have a 1kW heat stick I could use to augment the 3.5kW or 5kW induction burner. Any recommendations for whether to go with this relatively inexpensive unit, or if I really need 5kW. I'll soon have to put any cost savings into an exhaust system to be able to brew indoors anyway.

 

[TorMag]

Right after I got the outlet installed, I filled up my kettle with 12 gallons of water, first brought it up to 154 mash temps and then to boil. I did it without the lid on and no insulation on the pot. I honestly don't think this burner would have a problem with 16 gallons.

 

[TorMag]

I just bought a 20gal Spike Brewing kettle and am ready to move indoors. I BIAB, so I full volume mash and may need to boil as much as ~16 gallons. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with a 5000W unit, but they seem to be at least several hundreds more, even via Alibaba. I had been planning to convert an existing 20g brewpot to electric using internal elements, but induction seems so much easier and doesn't screw up my beautiful new kettle. I also have a 1kW heat stick I could use to augment the 3.5kW or 5kW induction burner. Any recommendations for whether to go with this relatively inexpensive unit, or if I really need 5kW. I'll soon have to put any cost savings into an exhaust system to be able to brew indoors anyway.

If you want, bring your pot over and we can test.....

 

[Tricky78]

I just bought a 20gal Spike Brewing kettle and am ready to move indoors. I BIAB, so I full volume mash and may need to boil as much as ~16 gallons. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with a 5000W unit, but they seem to be at least several hundreds more, even via Alibaba. I had been planning to convert an existing 20g brewpot to electric using internal elements, but induction seems so much easier and doesn't screw up my beautiful new kettle. I also have a 1kW heat stick I could use to augment the 3.5kW or 5kW induction burner. Any recommendations for whether to go with this relatively inexpensive unit, or if I really need 5kW. I'll soon have to put any cost savings into an exhaust system to be able to brew indoors anyway.

Dude you need to stick with the cheap avantco 3500 watt induction burner just go with a Hotrod heat stick (I went with 1500 watts) from brewhardware. I only have a 15 gallon kettle though. Works great for me. Was $175 for the 3500 watt and $150 or so for the heat stick. But the components of the hotrod are upgradable. You can use larger elements over time.

 

[trussell]

Dude you need to stick with the cheap avantco 3500 watt induction burner just go with a Hotrod heat stick (I went with 1500 watts) from brewhardware. I only have a 15 gallon kettle though. Works great for me. Was $175 for the 3500 watt and $150 or so for the heat stick. But the components of the hotrod are upgradable. You can use larger elements over time.

I second the hot rod. I brew in the basement and have 2-20 Amp GFI outlets on separate circuits and the 220V for the Avantco. Heatstick and a Neuwave to get mash water up to temp. SS Mash Tun. Then the heatstick heats sparge water during mash. After lautering, I use the Avantco with the heatstick to help speed up the the time to boil. Avantco does fine to boil on it's own.

 

[cbier60]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Sounds like it makes sense to get the 3500W Avantco. The hot rod looks like an awesome future option. I'll stick with my 1000W bucket water heater for now (which I got for $30 a year ago).

If you want, bring your pot over and we can test.....

I'll PM you to see if there's something that works.

 

[DevilsCups]

Read so much through this thread. Awesome information all around.

I'm looking for the most simple way to graduate from 2.5 gallon stove-top batches to full 5 gallon BIAB batches indoors in my apartment.

I was thinking an Avantco IC3500 paired with a Bayou Classic tri-ply 10 gallon kettle, like this one : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PS0EMY/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Is this something that should work pretty well for me? Anything I should be aware of from an equipment point of view?

 

[TorMag]

Read so much through this thread. Awesome information all around.

I'm looking for the most simple way to graduate from 2.5 gallon stove-top batches to full 5 gallon BIAB batches indoors in my apartment.

I was thinking an Avantco IC3500 paired with a Bayou Classic tri-ply 10 gallon kettle, like this one : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PS0EMY/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Is this something that should work pretty well for me? Anything I should be aware of from an equipment point of view?

Yes, that kettle will work with it just fine. Remember you will have to get an outlet installed for that burner.

 

[DevilsCups]

Yes, that kettle will work with it just fine. Remember you will have to get an outlet installed for that burner.

Very cool.

Yeah, I have an outlet that might work in the apartment. Not sure. I have a good friend that is an electrician, so I'll refer to him for guidance on that front.

 

[tmendick]

Talk with him before you buy anything, I'd be surprised if you had a 240V 20A in your apartment.

 

[DevilsCups]

Talk with him before you buy anything, I'd be surprised if you had a 240V 20A in your apartment.

Will do. Thanks very much, it's appreciated.

I'll have to pull my range to see what that looks like, but I know i have a 220v outlet in my living room for my wall-mount A/C unit. Not sure of the amperage though.

 

[cbier60]

I was thinking an Avantco IC3500 paired with a Bayou Classic tri-ply 10 gallon kettle, like this one : https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1310-Stainless-10-Gallon/dp/B007PS0EMY

Is this something that should work pretty well for me? Anything I should be aware of from an equipment point of view?

That pot would do, but this Bayou Classic 16 gallon kettle was as low as $124.41 on Monday. It's ideal for relatively low cost BIAB, but is back up to $229, so you may want to keep an eye on it. I have no clue what Amazon's pricing logic is.

I'll have to pull my range to see what that looks like, but I know i have a 220v outlet in my living room for my wall-mount A/C unit.

The A/C power may be the correct 20A outlet, but not sure you want to be brewing in the living room. There are posts in here about making adapters from standard 30A range or dryer connections to the 20A connection the Avantco needs.

 

[DevilsCups]

The A/C power may be the correct 20A outlet, but not sure you want to be brewing in the living room. There are posts in here about making adapters from standard 30A range or dryer connections to the 20A connection the Avantco needs.

For sure. If anything I would run an extension to use the burner in my kitchen, or even out on the small patio I have.

 

[IslandLizard]

For sure. If anything I would run an extension to use the burner in my kitchen, or even out on the small patio I have.

The IC3500 is wonderful!
I use it for much more than just brewing and making starter wort, like stir frying, soup stock, sauces, Indian dishes, you name it.

Just make sure you hear the internal fan run smoothly while operating it. I heard mine slow down, apparently caused by a film of grease and dust, so I opened it up and cleaned it. The fan is a cheap POS, everything else looks very good.

If you stay indoors, you'll need a decent ventilation system too. I open the top half of a double-hung window behind the induction plate and kettle and hang a box fan in front of it. It sucks all the steam out, very efficiently, you can see it.

The big pro of indoor brewing is you can brew any time, any season. The cons are it can be messy and the whole house smells of mash and boiling wort for a day.

I've not been able to brew or handle beer transfers yet without splashing, leaking, dripping, overflowing something, being it raw wort, boiling wort or beer. But I like the kitchen with the countertops and a good sink nearby. I always have towels laying on the floor to soak up any mishaps.

 

[TorMag]

I've not been able to brew or handle beer transfers yet without splashing, leaking, dripping, overflowing something, being it raw wort, boiling wort or beer. But I like the kitchen with the countertops and a good sink nearby. I always have towels laying on the floor to soak up any mishaps.

A'int that the truth.

 

[IslandLizard]

A'int that the truth.

I forgot to mention water spills, they tend to be more voluminous but less sticky...

 

[TorMag]

I forgot to mention water spills, they tend to be more voluminous but less sticky...

The towels, not a bad idea. Might stop by Walmart on the way home and buy some cheap Wally World towels to add to my brew equipment...

 

[DevilsCups]

the whole house smells of mash and boiling wort for a day.

Failing to see the con here....haha.

Thanks for the input! I'm giving it a serious look as the easiest option for full 5 gallon batches indoors.

 

[trussell]

Yes, that kettle will work with it just fine. Remember you will have to get an outlet installed for that burner.

Exactly what I use.

 

[DevilsCups]

Exactly what I use.

Nice. Thanks for the feedback.

Spoke with my good friend who's an electrician. He said he can build an in-between for my range outlet to legally/safely bring the amperage down safely to the necessary output for the IC3500. This way nothing is modified and I can bring it with me should I move to another apartment/house.

Looks like I might be seriously looking into this.