Induction heating

[HopSteady]

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I am considering using a 5 kW induction heater (countertop style built into a brew stand) for the BK for the following reasons:

- no elements inside BK for unobstructed whirpool
- no elements = easier cleaning of BK

Other benefits seem to be heat transfer efficiency and very low heat density. Downsides are increased cost and inability to use blichmann boilermaker kettles.

Anything else I'm missing? Will the induction interfere with the temp gauge for example? Thanks!

[kal]

I did look at various external heating methods (hot plates) including induction when I first designed my brewery.

With the heat requirements (5500-9000W) and the weight and size of the kettles, industrial versions used in the restaurant industry were required. These sizes I was considering were quite expensive (many thousands) but more importantly do not provide the same level of control, alarming, and so on. Since it only presented downsides compared to directly heating the water or wort with an electric element, I discarded the idea.

Then there's the issue you mention that Blichmann kettles which I like due to the nature of having robust brewing specific items integrated do not have bottoms made of magnetic grade stainless steel, so induction would not have worked but a standard hot plate would have. Others kettles would work (due to their aluminum clad bottom) but many not are made for brewing so many items have to added aftermarket which may introduce problems. Clad bottom pots are also heavier. I really preferred the Blichmann kettles (and still do) so it was a non-starter along all fronts.

Kal

[kal]

I did look at various external heating methods (hot plates) including induction when I first designed my brewery.

With the heat requirements (5500-9000W) and the weight and size of the kettles, industrial versions used in the restaurant industry were required. These sizes I was considering were quite expensive (many thousands) but more importantly do not provide the same level of control, alarming, and so on. Since it only presented downsides compared to directly heating the water or wort with an electric element, I discarded the idea.

Then there's the issue you mention that Blichmann kettles which I like due to the nature of having robust brewing specific items integrated do not have bottoms made of magnetic grade stainless steel, so induction would not have worked but a standard hot plate would have. Others kettles would work (due to their aluminum clad bottom) but many not are made for brewing so many items have to added aftermarket which may introduce problems. Clad bottom pots are also heavier. I really preferred the Blichmann kettles (and still do) so it was a non-starter along all fronts.

Kal

[Diveralan]

What size of batches are you planing on making? I have an induction stove and it takes forever to boil 3 gallons and it will not boil 5 gallons. Unless you are making very small batches I don't think you would be happy with the results.

[kal]

[kal]