Will this cheap 3500 watt induction burner work?

[brewman !]

You want a 20A 240 GFCI breaker installed and a wall outlet to match whatever unit you are going to buy.

Note that the plug you gave the image for is only 3 poles and supplies 240VAC only. There are 4 pole plugs that can supply both 120VAC and 240VAC. It doesn't sound like your induction heat unit will need both voltages but thinking ahead you may someday install a panel that does need both. You could have the electrician run 12/3 + ground to the outlet box and use a 3 pole plug for now and then change it to a 4 pole plug later on. If he runs 12/2 + ground to the outlet box, you'll have to rerun the wire to 12/3 + ground later on.

FYI, if you are using a pump, you'll also need a 120VAC GFCI breaker and outlet installed.

I just installed a 4 pole plug under my kitchen sink for my custom DIY 5 Kw induction brew stand.

 

[gromitdj]

I would request prices for both a 20 amp and 30 amp 4 wire GFCI protected circuit to see if you might prefer just to upsize it in case you decide to change things up later.

The Avantco 3500 uses a 20 amp, 3 wire plug (NEMA 6-20) so you wouldn't "need" a 4 wire installation if you're sure you'll never do a panel that would require it.

If you did install a 4 wire circuit, you'd need to buy or build a short pigtail to use with the Induction cooktop's 3-wire plug.

 

[brewman !]

If you did install a 4 wire circuit, you'd need to buy or build a short pigtail to use with the Induction cooktop's 3-wire plug.

You can install 12/3 (+ground) wire right to the outlet box and still install a 3 pole plug in the box. To do this, don't connect the neutral wire at either end or connect it in the panel and put a wire nut on it in the outlet box.

If you want to install a 4 pole plug later on, just turn off the breaker, open the outlet box, remove the old outlet and install the new outlet.

I think 30A wire and a 30A GFCI is overkill unless you plan to go with a 3 vessel system where you would potentially be heating 2 vessels at once.

 

[brewman !]

FYI... my 5 Kw induction unit runs fine on 20A. I suspect that even the 5500 watt elements will run OK on 20A, but that would be pushing it.

 

[Carolina_Matt]

Thanks for the responses - they were very helpful! I would not be using a pump or a 3 vessel system, but I do have a 15 amp GFCI outlet in the garage already. If anything, I can use my Anova Sous Vide (900 watts, I think) to speed up the mash temp process.

It looks like it would be about $90 in parts (or $20 if I didn't get GFCI, but better safe than sorry). Installation seems very easy too, since it's so close to the panel and I wouldn't need to run lines very far.

Install the breaker to the panel ($77).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens...F2-GFCI-Circuit-Breaker-US2-QF220AP/206965328

Attach 12/3+ground wire ($3.50 for 3 feet, but I might need less).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwi...x-SIMpull-CU-NM-B-W-G-Wire-63947699/204724937

Put a hole in the drywall, then attach the wire to the outlet ($5).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...ickid=R4NUwQQEUzeI15Txpd2EByKfUkgVwPUXC2fx0o0

Install wall plate ($1.60)

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Legrand...e-Wall-Plate-Stainless-Steel-SL7CC5/202655370

Between my dad, stepdad, and a buddy that renovated his basement, it can probably be done without pay for labor.

 

[IslandLizard]

Install the breaker to the panel ($77).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens...F2-GFCI-Circuit-Breaker-US2-QF220AP/206965328

Attach 12/3+ground wire ($3.50 for 3 feet, but I might need less).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwi...x-SIMpull-CU-NM-B-W-G-Wire-63947699/204724937

That's a not a bad price for a GFCI panel breaker. For my SQ-D panel it would be around $180 last time I checked.
Make sure it's the right model for your panel.

Ideally, that breaker should be installed in the top section of the panel so the white pigtail wire can be connected directly to the neutral bar, which is most often at the same potential as the ground bar. Not sure if "code" allows that pigtail wire to be extended.
So you may need a bit more length of 12/3 W/G wire.

Now, for your induction plate you really don't need a GFCI. The unit is grounded through the plug. That's all that's required, unless you make a habit of severely drenching or flooding that area it sits on.

I have the IC3500, it's in the kitchen, I use it for other cooking purposes than just brewing and making starter wort. Like stir fry, chili, stews, kettles of soup stock, etc. For the price it's hard to beat, although the $120 Evergreen you mentioned got me intrigued now.
Likely due to that extra use, I've had to clean the internal fan and re-oil the bearing a few times over the past 4-5 years. That fan is fairly low quality, but is essential to cooling the power regulators mounted on a large heat sink. I haven't found a suitable replacement for that fan so far. It only takes me about 30-40 minutes to do the job now.

 

[brewman !]

Ideally, that breaker should be installed in the top section of the panel so the white pigtail wire can be connected directly to the neutral bar,

Code generally disallows extension wires via wire nut connections in a panel.

which is most often at the same potential as the ground bar.

You cannot rely on Neutral being at ground potential. It should be, but you can never assume that and never connect the two together in a panel.

Not sure if "code" allows that pigtail wire to be extended.

See above.

Now, for your induction plate you really don't need a GFCI. The unit is grounded through the plug. That's all that's required, unless you make a habit of severely drenching or flooding that area it sits on.

Grounding an appliance does not prevent it from shocking the user in wet conditions. This is why GFCI were invented. Any appliance that is operated within a certain distance of water is supposed to be plugged into a GFCI outlet.

 

[cbier60]

I know this thread has gone dormant, but figured I'd post here anyway if it helps anyone considering induction. The IC3500 is $139.99 with free shipping with code 224DEALS through midnight tomorrow (2/26/2020).

 

[IslandLizard]

I know this thread has gone dormant, but figured I'd post here anyway if it helps anyone considering induction. The IC3500 is $139.99 with free shipping with code 224DEALS through midnight tomorrow (2/26/2020).

Wow, that's a deal!
Everyone on the fence should now get one, no excuse.

I already have 2 of them. Makes me think, hmm...

 

[Dancy]

I know this thread has gone dormant, but figured I'd post here anyway if it helps anyone considering induction. The IC3500 is $139.99 with free shipping with code 224DEALS through midnight tomorrow (2/26/2020).

Just went there - $156.

 

[phyllobeddo]

I double checked it and after I applied the coupon code 224DEALS it went to 139.99 with free ground shipping. What a great deal! I think I bought mine for close to $300 in 2016.

 

[Dancy]

I applied the coupon code 224DEALS it went to 139.99 with free ground shipping. What a great deal! I think I bought mine for close to $300 in 2016.

Thnx so much!

 

[Cato1507]

I bought mine off of Amazon and at the time was able to get a 2 year replacement warranty on it. Warranty was like 9-10 $ and I think I paid about $160 for the IC3500.

 

[carlk47]

Mines still chugging along after 5ish years?! Great investment

 

[cbier60]

Mine's been cranking for 3 1/2 years. I hope someone was able take advantage of this great deal. I paid $170 + $7.50 shipping for essentially local delivery.