Any recommendations for an electric hot plate?
I have this one, it’s cheap and adequate for my needs, which is mostly forced VDK testing.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C8C5I7I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
How efficient is it at bringing water to a boil for a yeast starter?
I’ve never used it to bring starter wort to a boil, but I’m sure it would be plenty efficient doing that. It’s a real beast putting out the heat. (As an aside, if you put a flask on it, make sure the glass is safe for electric burners. Not all types of lab glassware are.)
I don’t know how much wort/water you are planning on boiling on a hot plate.
I have a 1K watt hot plate that is OK for up to 2L of wort/water.
On a 20 amp 110 volt circuit, it takes 10+ minutes to bring 2L to a boil.
I just purchased a 5000ml flask to replace my 2000ml flask. I need to increase my starter volume because I’m making 15-20 gallon beers. I used to do on the stove but have since moved the system to the basement. I just purchased a 1500w burner and the reviews were positive.
Thanks for the feedback!
In an induction hot plate will do what you want but it limits you on your kettle material (it has to be ferromagnetic). You can get a ferromagnetic plate to allow you to use aluminum, copper, etc. on an induction burner but that loses the induction efficiency because it’s just conduction at that point.
+1
I highly recommend an induction burner. I believe it will better suit your needs over an electric burner of the same capacity and energy consumption.
I’ll add another plug for induction. I really am enjoying mine.