Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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.
Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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.
Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
I forgot to add that I hadn't have a lib on my 14.25"W X 15"H pot
- still_stirrin
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Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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:
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
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.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.
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
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
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
- still_stirrin
- Master of Distillation
- Posts: 10337
- 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
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
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
I'll try again with the lib. If that doesn't work I'll have to break down and get a cadco.
Thanks again
Thanks again
- Saltbush Bill
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Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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
Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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.
Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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.
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.
Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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.
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- Master of Distillation
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Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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
- Yummyrum
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Re: Hotplate - Gets 2 gallons of water only to 160oF
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
https://www.amazon.com.au/Portable-Buta ... B09PGHDYLJ
My recommended goto .
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.ph ... ion_Theory
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.ph ... ion_Theory