Boil Config
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:24 am
I'm curious to what everyone does to control their boil stage.
I have a a 5500 watt 240v element in a 20 gallon kettle and normally do 10 gallon batches. When I first started I figured I'd just use the PID mode and set my temp at 212 degrees. I found out quickly that would not work for me as, no matter where I put my temp probe, my boil wouldn't start until my temp probe registers somewhere around 225 degrees.
So I didn't spend too much time worrying about it and just switched to Direct Mode and put it to ON and let it rip. After a few batches I feel like leaving it fully on is actually TOO much of a rigorous boil and feel I may be boiling off more than I'd like and want to investigate other options.
Duty Cycle seems like a logical choice, and I've read the information in the wiki about it, but if I go that route do I just do trial and error to see how long I should be leaving it on before turning it off?
My current process is very simple
State One: Bring to a boil (direct mode = on, exit stage when temp gets to 225 degrees)
State Two: Maintain boil (direct mode = on, exit stage after 60/90 minutes)
State Three: Finish (turn off process, turn on process to get ready to whirlpool and chill)
FYI: I also run a boil additions process at the same time.
Anyone willing to share what works for them?
Thanks!
I have a a 5500 watt 240v element in a 20 gallon kettle and normally do 10 gallon batches. When I first started I figured I'd just use the PID mode and set my temp at 212 degrees. I found out quickly that would not work for me as, no matter where I put my temp probe, my boil wouldn't start until my temp probe registers somewhere around 225 degrees.
So I didn't spend too much time worrying about it and just switched to Direct Mode and put it to ON and let it rip. After a few batches I feel like leaving it fully on is actually TOO much of a rigorous boil and feel I may be boiling off more than I'd like and want to investigate other options.
Duty Cycle seems like a logical choice, and I've read the information in the wiki about it, but if I go that route do I just do trial and error to see how long I should be leaving it on before turning it off?
My current process is very simple
State One: Bring to a boil (direct mode = on, exit stage when temp gets to 225 degrees)
State Two: Maintain boil (direct mode = on, exit stage after 60/90 minutes)
State Three: Finish (turn off process, turn on process to get ready to whirlpool and chill)
FYI: I also run a boil additions process at the same time.
Anyone willing to share what works for them?
Thanks!