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Hey All,
Slowly getting into the all grain brewing and had a couple questions.
1. Propane Vs Electric?
2. If I pursue propane, what kind of BTU load would I need to boil 5,8,10 gallons?

Looking forward to your input!
- Josh

I prefer electric over the finer control, consistency, hands off, etc but its more complicated equipment.

How so?

I don't know anything about electric? What would your setup be?

When I say more complicated I mean you have to deal with a 240V electrical source, GFCI, a pot that has an element, hood range as you likely are brewing indoors.

With propane you simply need a burner or two (in most cases).

Electric hands down. It's alot cozier brewing in my basement brewing than watching the forecast in the winter time waiting for a break in temp.

Electric is way cheaper in the long run and you can get a good boil with 2 x 1500 watt elements (2 x 120 circuits) rather than setting up 240. But propane works too and a simple lobster boiler will be more than enough for 5 or 10 gallon batches, but the propane is expensive and it can be a bit dirty to clean.

I've been converted to electric and love it. I'll always feel like a propane brewer at heart but don't miss lugging all my gear outside or into the garage. Electric is like having all the utensils in the kitchen when cooking and propane you need to move it all. That is at least my experience. When I did propane I used the KAB6 210,000 btu propane burner for 10-12 g batches and it was a breeze. Others have used allot less power with success & propane savings ha ha. I'm sure 72,000 btu's would do the trick if it's not cold outside for 5-10 gallons. I don't miss frozen propane tanks on brew days. If you are able I'd go electric. I now run a 5500-6000 watt element on my hot rod stick and have everything wired into a spa panel in my basement. I had allot of help with my set up but love it.

Another option which is very cheap is induction.

joe_r_harvie wrote:Electric is way cheaper in the long run and you can get a good boil with 2 x 1500 watt elements (2 x 120 circuits) rather than setting up 240. But propane works too and a simple lobster boiler will be more than enough for 5 or 10 gallon batches, but the propane is expensive and it can be a bit dirty to clean.

do you use 2 x 1500w elements now? if so I'm curious what the cost was to get that going.

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Halifax_Jeff wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 23, 2017 5:24 pm

joe_r_harvie wrote:Electric is way cheaper in the long run and you can get a good boil with 2 x 1500 watt elements (2 x 120 circuits) rather than setting up 240. But propane works too and a simple lobster boiler will be more than enough for 5 or 10 gallon batches, but the propane is expensive and it can be a bit dirty to clean.

do you use 2 x 1500w elements now? if so I'm curious what the cost was to get that going.

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Most kitchens have 20A circuit which you can use with a separate 15A outlet.

I'm thinking of gearing up to do it in the bathroom in my basement. close to my brew gear and I'm the only one who uses it.

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I'm so vexed that I run propane in the shoulder seasons and run electric when I need to stay inside...that being said I still drink too much of everyone else's beer! The best of all situations though...

Halifax_Jeff wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 23, 2017 5:24 pm

joe_r_harvie wrote:Electric is way cheaper in the long run and you can get a good boil with 2 x 1500 watt elements (2 x 120 circuits) rather than setting up 240. But propane works too and a simple lobster boiler will be more than enough for 5 or 10 gallon batches, but the propane is expensive and it can be a bit dirty to clean.

do you use 2 x 1500w elements now? if so I'm curious what the cost was to get that going.

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Yes I use 2 1500 watt elements. I got a friend to hook it up for about $175 including parts. Its pretty simple - 2 elements, plug is welded on back, I use 2 male ended power cords to go from pot to wall. Takes about 20 minutes to get to boil from the mash tun. I use a stainless 19 gallon pot from Everwood.

Awesome. I would love to see a picture of the setup if you have one.

Are you running both during boil? I'm hoping I can get away without a controller and just unplug them when I hit my numbers. Mimic propane while indoors.

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Hey guys,
I’m on the same page as Jeff. If you do have any pics that be a big help. I’m not sure if it’s the smartest way to achieve your boil without a controller... but I’d be interested in trying as well.

This is a great thread and a super cheap way to get started with electric brewing (has the most basic controller):

viewtopic.php?f=41&t=4759&hilit=10000w

It's the route I went when I converted from propane and I love it.

Great thanks! its a good read.

helps a lot.