Beer Forum

I currently use a magnetic stirrer when making starters but want to go to a hotplate/stirrer combo. I'd buy one today if I knew for certain that the hotplate could boil a 2-liter volume. Anyone have knowledge or experience regarding this? Thanks.

I don't think they're made for boiling, only warming a solution to a certain temp. I boil in a SS pot then transfer via funnel to the flask. Then I ice it down until it reaches pitching temp.

Triple Freak wrote:I don't think they're made for boiling, only warming a solution to a certain temp. I boil in a SS pot then transfer via funnel to the flask. Then I ice it down until it reaches pitching temp.

I've asked this question in several forums and received several different answers. It seems that a hotplate with enough wattage will boil even up to a gallon. But I have decided that even though I'm always happy to buy a new brew gadget, on this one I'll stick to my current stir plate (non-heating) and buy a Coleman propane camp stove for making starters in the brewery/garage. 11,000 BTU per burner, can run off my big propane tank and greater (I assume) control of the boil as opposed to doing it with electric heat. Plus, you can't ever have too much camping gear

Hi BearPal, I found this link to a lab equipment site: http://www.utechproducts.com/detail.asp?id=1047610

I will actually be at this company's office Monday or Tuesday next week so I will ask them about boiling liquid with it. I see it heats to 500 degrees.

Also, Jamil may have an answer to this on Sunday.

Later,

Rob

I think it would be pretty rare that you'd find a hot plate that wouldn't boil at least a couple of litters. I've never run into one.

2DogAle wrote:Hi BearPal, I found this link to a lab equipment site: http://www.utechproducts.com/detail.asp?id=1047610

I will actually be at this company's office Monday or Tuesday next week so I will ask them about boiling liquid with it. I see it heats to 500 degrees.

Also, Jamil may have an answer to this on Sunday.

Later,

Rob

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I went with the standard stir plate and use a propane camp stove to boil my starters. I'm even happier with that arrangement now, as I also use the camp stove to do a separate specialty grain steep while my kettle is coming to a boil.

Uh, sure... the question just made ME curious as to if it "would" boil on the stir plate and I glad you have something that works.

I think I'll still ask if that's ok with you >

Rob

Anonymous wrote:Uh, sure... the question just made ME curious as to if it "would" boil on the stir plate and I glad you have something that works.

I think I'll still ask if that's ok with you >

Rob

Hey Rob, as you no doubt know, one of the problems with online communications is lack of inflection. I thought you were checking with your contact about a stir plate for me. My apologies if I misunderstood you and I certainly didn't mean to infer any annoyance. Plus, good to meet you in TBN chatroom.

Matt