First Timer- What to do, can't boil.

Youll find a big thing to do to help improve the quality of your beer is to do full boils. Sounds like it may be tough for you to do it if you can not brew outside... if you can you are set.

Also get a wort chilller as suggested above, an ice bath will not do the job quick enough at all.

 

An outdoor burner is, indeed, the way to go, but, if you have NG at your home, I wouldn't even consider propane. In my neck of the woods, it's about 90% cheaper, and I never run out.

 

Depending on your boil kettle you may be able to find an induction burner will work best for your needs. Works on the counter top on electricity.

 

Go to Midwestsupplies.com and get the Dark Star burner... 45 bucks. They also sell anything else you might need.

 

alcapone has it right. split boil. best way of doing it in your situation. hands down.

 

An outdoor propane burner is what I use and it works great. I would suggest getting one of those.

 

craigslist! Search for Turkey Fryer, propane burner, crab cooker and you can usually get a burner and 7.5 gallon pot for around $35.

 

In the beginning, God created for home brewers just like you, a lid for each and every kitchen stove-size boil kettle.

Of course...it's bad form to keep the pot covered during the entire boil unless you enjoy the intoxicating flavor and aroma of creme corn.

Bad form can be avoided completely by lifting and tilting the lid every so often so the condensate can run-off into a small dish every so often.

 

That's surprising...I have a crappy electric stove and i've gotten full 5 gallon batches boiling. It's not ideal but eventually it happens.

Although, If it's one of those stoves where there are no actual burners, just a flat surface where certain areas get hot - I did have problems with one of those one time when trying to brew at a friends house. Could barely even get the water hot.