Does size matter (boiler)

[jon1163]

I run a 15 and a half gallon keg boiler with a 8 gallon keg Thumper. I also have a small fat pony keg that I recently acquired and was thinking about turning into a another boiler for smaller batches. The new pony keg is 8 gallons but it's a short fat one.

I was wondering if moving to the short fat boiler would be more beneficial for smaller batches in any other way than just convenience of moving a smaller boiler around. The only things I can think of would be that I don't have as much open headspace if I were to fill my large boiler with a smaller batch.

Maybe more headspace would condense the steam a little bit? Obviously I'm assuming that my heating elements would not be exposed on either one.

[durty_dunderpants]

less metal sinking heat.. ?

[ShineRunner]

Sounds like you’re running an electric element. If so, a short wide boiler will be tough to get a lot of use out of. Most kegs can only place the element at about 2.5-3 gallons minimum fill level. So if you leave a little headspace to prevent puking and run at 6-6.5 gallons, you’re probably ok. Any less and you’d probably have issues. I would be nervous about running my element dry and it wouldn’t be worth it to me.

For a thumper, sure. But not sure if there are any pros to it over what you’re running?

I run a simple 5 gallon stockpot with upside down bowl for a small batch/gin rig. Works fine for the few times I use it.

SR

[Antler24]

If you just want to run a small batch, put 5g water in your 15g boiler (if it's safe for the element) and put the small batch in the thumper.

[jon1163]

If you just want to run a small batch, put 5g water in your 15g boiler (if it's safe for the element) and put the small batch in the thumper.

Ooo great idea! Can't belive I never thought of it. Thanks