Stock pot or boiler?

Lars

I've been using an aluminium stock pot to brew. It holds about 10 litres before boiling so I end up topping up(been doing 13litre brews to try new recipes so dont need a huge volume). I'm considering buying a boiler along the lines of this http://www.homebrew.ie/electrim-mashing-bin.html . I've a pretty good gas wok ring but I'm wondering will a boiler reach boiling any quicker than my stock pot cos it takes a while to come up to a boil.
Also, is there a risk of the element scorching the hops or malt as its added? and how do those plastic things withstand the heat, cos they look like they'd go quite soft?
And, does it really matter --partial boil Vs full volume boil?
or should I just keep on boiling in my stock pot?

Thanks

L

BeerNut

It's really up to you to find a system that suits. If partial boil works for you, keep doing it. I stopped because cooling was just too awkward and I had a couple of nasty boil-overs. A full-boil (I have one of these) and a wort chiller is much less hassle, I found.

Lars wrote: »

is there a risk of the element scorching the hops or malt as its added?

I switch off when I'm adding extract, but otherwise, no.

Lars wrote: »

how do those plastic things withstand the heat

Fine. Polypropylene is certified for up to 120C.

mrtickel

You could always try and putting in a false bottom out of fine mesh