Portable induction cooktops

[mtb]

Does anyone use them? I have two of these, and my 70L stainless pot already has an 1800W heating element. If I can get a nice rolling boil without using gas I'll take the opportunity.

 

[mr_wibble]

Can you just set the target temperature on these?
Looks like there's only 2 digits for the scale.

It would be nice not to have to boil in the rain on the gas.

 

[sp0rk]

I bought a 2000w induction hotplate at Ikea on the weekend and I'm liking it so far
plan on using it mostly for starters and small cereal mashes

 

[mtb]

Can you just set the target temperature on these?
Looks like there's only 2 digits for the scale.

It would be nice not to have to boil in the rain on the gas.

There are power settings (1-8) and they relate to the wattage supplied. P8, for example, is maximum at 1800W. P7 is 1400W, etc etc. Temp control using an external temperature controller wouldn't work if you wanted to switch the units on automatically, since you need to press a button after powering them on to begin the heating cycle.

What I'd mainly want to use them for is achieving and maintaining a nice boil, I might do some testing this weekend to find out if they have the grunt. 70L SS pot, 34L pre-boil volume.

 

[MAX POWER]

If avoiding gas is your main concern, I'd just go with an OTS immersion element.

I got one for about $40 second hand. 2200w

 

[mtb]

Avoiding gas is not my main concern, I can keep using it, but I've already made the investment in the induction cooktops so if I can use them in place of gas I might as well.

 

[huez]

There are power settings (1-8) and they relate to the wattage supplied. P8, for example, is maximum at 1800W. P7 is 1400W, etc etc. Temp control using an external temperature controller wouldn't work if you wanted to switch the units on automatically, since you need to press a button after powering them on to begin the heating cycle.

What I'd mainly want to use them for is achieving and maintaining a nice boil, I might do some testing this weekend to find out if they have the grunt. 70L SS pot, 34L pre-boil volume.

Is that thing going to be able to take the weight of a 70litre pot with 34litres of wort in it? I'd also question how you will be able to get at the controls when the pot is bigger then the cooker.....

 

[mtb]

Is that thing going to be able to take the weight of a 70litre pot with 34litres of wort in it? I'd also question how you will be able to get at the controls when the pot is bigger then the cooker.....

Main reason for buying two, I'm hoping they take the load.. h34r: It'll be even heavier during the mash. I am considering getting some supports made up but they'd have to be well measured and made, otherwise I'll elevate the pot too much and induction will not work or become inefficient.

As for reaching the controls, if I place them with control panels facing outward at directly opposite sides of the pot, I'll be okay. This also allows the installed element in the pot to heat the center while the cooktops heat the sides.

 

[huez]

Yeah i've other peoples setups with stands and the induction perfectly seated under it.

Take some photos when you're trying it out! i'll be interested in seeing how it works, also just to see the power cords running everywhere! I'f i ever get around to building a brew stand i'd like to have induction for the boil kettle.

 

[matchu]

otherwise I'll elevate the pot too much and induction will not work or become inefficient.

I had a similar issue - the easy way was to have the pot elevated about 3cm too much and use 4 little springs on the induction cooker's feet so it was gently smooshed against the surface it's heating.

They kept turning off if the contact wasn't good.

 

[mtb]

My testing worked out pretty well. The two cheap Kogan cooktops handled the weight well enough (ie they're not broken), but I was hesitant to fill the pot with more than 40L. Achieved strike temp in around 30min which isn't bad considering Canberra is shrivelingly cold this time of year.

I don't think I'll employ them in place of a gas burner though. Good for prepping sparge water or mini batches.

 

[Jack of all biers]

Does anyone use them?

I believe Lyrebird_Cycles uses one for his mashtun. Along with a self made stirrer (these are popular in Germany and commercially made by Mattmill) these can do quite well at mashing without scorching the grist.