What size kettle for electric stove?

[Brewhaha]

I will be butting a starter kit and will be either buying a 9 gallon, or 15 gallon pot. I will be brewing 5 gallon extract batches to start, on an electric stove. Will there be any downside to brewing 5 gallon batches in a 15 vs 9 gallon pot? What is the largest pot you would use on an electric stove? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks

[GAM]

I can't see a problem with a 15g pot on a stove but don't underestimate the vapour caused during the boil.

If the larger pot may cover two burners. Do research on extract in the stove to avoid scorching.

John Palmer has his book free on line. Fresh ingredients is key.

Sandy

[Woody]

On a regular coil top stove a 15 g pot will fit. It won't quite cover to two burners but it's close. Measure the distance between the burner and the hood range above to make sure yours will fit. Your boil off regardless of batch size will be around 2 gallons for a 90 min boil for a pot that size. Other things to consider: Can you safely move the pot when it's up there including adding a wort chiller? I've seen some pretty cool stove top set ups on here that people do quite well on. Hopefully they chime in. A 9 gallon pot would be easier to use on a stove top with less boil off than a larger one. A 15 gallon pot might be the may to go if you are considering upgrading to an electric element or a propane burner down the road.

[evanisnor]

I have an 8 gal pot I use on the stove top. All good points mentioned so far. I have to wipe the condensation off my range hood every 15 minutes or so and my chiller just barely fits, but it's a little tall anyway.

The other thing you'll be concerned about is how long it will take you to reach a boil. Your stove element is probably 1500w and it might take you almost two hours to get 5 gallons to boil. I had to add a 1500w/120v heating element to the side of my kettle to cut the time in half.

If I were to do it again I'd get a 15 or 20 gal pot, a 5500w/240v element, and brew in the garage that I don't have yet. Maybe some day!

[Hobbitfu]

Be careful about weight too. 15 gallons with fluid weighs a lot. I tried 9 gallons with fluid and was too heavy for stove. And heat reflected and damaged some enamel on stove top...

[Brewhaha]

Thanks for the replies. I don't have a wort chiller to worry about fitting in, but I don't want it to take forever to boil. I was thinking about looking into heat stick or bucket heater to supplement the electric burner. I don't want to damage the stove since it isn't mine.. May have to go with the 9 gallon until I have more room to play