Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Fittings, parrots, packing, tooling and so on.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Post Reply
aquasport
Novice
Posts: 16
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:56 pm

Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by aquasport »

I just purchased a new courant CEB 1200/200 infrared hot plate. After 3 hours on the highest setting the hot plate can only get 2 gallon of water to 160oF. I know that's not hot enough. The hot plat is rate at 1500 watts, so should I return the hotplate and get something else. What should be my next purchase.
User avatar
NZChris
Master of Distillation
Posts: 13036
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:42 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by NZChris »

A lot of hot plates have built in protection that makes them useless for distilling. Avoid the solid hot plates too.
Last edited by NZChris on Mon Jan 10, 2022 5:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
aquasport
Novice
Posts: 16
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:56 pm

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by aquasport »

I forgot to add that I hadn't have a lib on my 14.25"W X 15"H pot
User avatar
still_stirrin
Master of Distillation
Posts: 10329
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2014 7:01 am
Location: where the buffalo roam, and the deer & antelope play

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by still_stirrin »

I searched for the Courant InfraRed hotplate you referenced and found a source ($59.99USD). So I read the review of the product by a consumer, and it read like this:
It's been useful in a temp kitchen area while my kitchen is under renovation & heats up quickly, but the max heat it's capable of is disappointing so temper expectations. Tough to get a big pot of water to boil. Best for steaming/simmering/warming up.
91F0B8C0-B7E7-4137-9866-ACEF3755EFBC.jpeg
So, I would conclude that it was not the best solution for you to buy. Although the price may be in your budget, the performance, or lack thereof, would suggest it as a bad choice.

The hotplate that I selected is a Cadco-3T, a 1500W 8” element on a stainless steel base. It is unfortunately a little more expensive. I have found one online for about $190USD, including tax and shipping. But it is a good solution, as I’ve modified it. I have made countless distillations with it (successfully).
ss
D0D0A1D6-49C3-42F6-8A8D-F5E7BDFBE5A1.jpeg
Last edited by still_stirrin on Mon Jan 10, 2022 6:18 pm, edited 3 times in total.
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
User avatar
still_stirrin
Master of Distillation
Posts: 10329
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2014 7:01 am
Location: where the buffalo roam, and the deer & antelope play

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by still_stirrin »

aquasport wrote: Mon Jan 10, 2022 5:06 pm I forgot to add that I hadn't have a lib on my 14.25"W X 15"H pot
Without a lid on your stock pot, a lot of the heat is lost out the (open) top. Put a lid on and it will not only heat up quicker, but it will even bring the sauce to boil, or at least simmer (slow boil).
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
aquasport
Novice
Posts: 16
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:56 pm

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by aquasport »

I'll try again with the lib. If that doesn't work I'll have to break down and get a cadco.
Thanks again
User avatar
Saltbush Bill
Site Mod
Posts: 9643
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:13 am
Location: Northern NSW Australia

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by Saltbush Bill »

aquasport wrote: Mon Jan 10, 2022 3:17 pm What should be my next purchase.
A bottle of LPG Gas and a gas ring. No more fussing around, boiling water before you know it.
gas ring.jpg
User avatar
Demy
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3072
Joined: Fri Sep 04, 2020 1:45 pm

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by Demy »

I use the hot "traditional" hot plates with small volumes, and I am very happy .... with volumes up to 10L they go well, superior volumes are very slow. An external controller is required in any case especially if the original thermostat is on / off type
User avatar
NZChris
Master of Distillation
Posts: 13036
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:42 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by NZChris »

If you search the forum, there are many posts by newbies who have just discovered that their new hot plate doesn’t provide steady heat.
zach
Swill Maker
Posts: 386
Joined: Tue Mar 17, 2015 8:42 am

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by zach »

If you use a stock pot that is compatible with an induction cook top you might be happier.

The induction cooktops have power control, no need to make your own controller.

The only downside is the top is made of glass and if you drop it the top can shatter.
aquasport
Novice
Posts: 16
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2021 12:56 pm

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by aquasport »

Thanks for all your input - I decided to go with a propane one burner. 10,000 BTU's plate with a 20lb propane tank. I am almost ready to brew my first batch.
cob
Master of Distillation
Posts: 2691
Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2009 4:38 pm
Location: little puffs of dust where my feet used to be

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by cob »

aquasport wrote: Tue Jan 11, 2022 5:44 pm Thanks for all your input - I decided to go with a propane one burner. 10,000 BTU's plate with a 20lb propane tank. I am almost ready to brew my first batch.
Is that 2 gallon pot what you use for your still? It might work.

BUT for perspective I have a 15 gallon keg with a 200,000 BTU

bayou classic burner that works well. I think your undersizing badly.

Do the math and quit guessing.
be water my friend
User avatar
Yummyrum
Global moderator
Posts: 7596
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:23 am
Location: Fraser Coast QLD Aussie

Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF

Post by Yummyrum »

I think Cob is right . Those little camping stoves will work but its still on the small side ….. Iff’n this is what you are thinking about .

https://www.amazon.com.au/Portable-Buta ... B09PGHDYLJ
Post Reply