Magnetic stove, maybe good for making wort
Check out this interesting contraption. It’s an induction cooktop, meaning that it uses a magnetic field to heat the pot. The burner never actually even glows hot. It’s all magnetic. This thing might be good for making wort. From: ThinkGeek
Drew
September 9, 2010 at 3:14 am
I use this same unit as my primary heat source for my brewing system, but it required much tweaking. The frame/chassis started cracking from the weight, so I had to disassemble the unit and JB Weld in place a series of precisely cut-to-length sections of hardwood dowels serving as internal support columns (having to drill holes for the purpose of ventiliation though some dowels to promote airflow/cooling of the unit). Additionally, the heat loss via Newton’s Law of Cooling was sufficient that I had to make a fleece “jacket” that I place around my kettle during strike water heating/boil (so as to retain more radiant heat). The boil itself isn’t as vigorous as is that of a gas flame, so I raise the kinetic profile of the boil by placing ~20 marbles in the bottom of the kettle (so as to create a more turbulent boil), and I use a medium-fime stainless steel mesh overtop the kettle, so as to allow sufficient evaporation for the purpose of DMS boiloff (always do a 90 minute boil) while maintaining a sufficient boil intensity to get proper hop isomerization. All of this for 5 gallon batches, but it works great. As you have noticed, it took much work to arrive at a fully functional system, but I had no other choice, as I can have neither propane nor natural gas in my apartment building. I have won multiple medals with beers that I’ve brewed with the system. I have a 2nd identical unit that I use to perform decoction mashes, and it makes for a badass hefeweizen. One just has to learn to adjust for the relatively slow heating process (relative to gas or propane). The brew days are longer with this system, but I can cook food with the same unit AND I can put this 7 pound gem away in a drawer at the end of the day. As you may have already perceived, it’s not for everyone.
steve
September 9, 2010 at 7:29 am
Incredible! Sounds like you’ve figured it out! Brilliant with the use of marbles. I’d love to see some pics if you’ve got any!
Drew
September 27, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I Have some brew day pictures for you – how do I send them to you?
steve
September 27, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Looking forward to seeing your pics, Drew!