Gas or Electric?

[YeastFace Brew Co.]

I've got a good few BIABs under my belt now, as I've only got a 14l stockpot I've mostly been brewing 5-8l batches.

In the not-to-distant future I want to upgrade, but unsure between continuing with gas or going electric.

I brew in a shed at the moment (using the hob attachment of the BBQ), however I will need to purchase a new gas ring to support the larger volume.

I've found a 50l Stock Pot with Tap, Sight Glass and Thermometer for around £130, plus a 7.5kw gas burner for £25. Add in a regulator and some gas hose and total would be c£170.

The other option is to get a commercial electric boiler, either homebrew specific (Brupaks) around £140 or a catering boiler (not looked into this too much). These would be lower volume that the stock pot, 32l for the Brupaks and either 30l or 40l for the catering boiler?

What are people's thoughts?

I'm comfortable enough with gas, although the weather can interfere, but wondered if there are any pros or cons anyone else can offer?

[Coffeeuk]

I tried the same, got a 50 l boiler with a burner and gas bottle. Some of the downsides I discovered.

If doing BIAB, it's a nightmare to try and relight the burner with a 50l pot full on it after the mash.

The cost is a lot more than electric

Brewing outside in summer is a flying insect fest.

I sold it all after the first 2 brews, got a 40l buffalo boiler and have been delighted since.

[seymour]

It's a personal choice, like everything else. There's no wrong answer.

I like using my "turkey fryer" propane burner outside, it brings to a boil much faster than my stove-top and it's super easy to transport to off-site gatherings. But I'll admit I've never had an electric boiler to compare, and it is a pain to replace/refill the propane tanks. If you're planning to "hard-wire" into utilities, that would eliminate that problem anyway.

...Brewing outside in summer is a flying insect fest...

Sometimes yes, but that could be true brewing outside/in a shed whether gas or electric. It's never been a big problem for me, and I usually relish the excuse to get out.

[bluezephyr]

I've done nearly 10 brews with a 19k calor propane tank and there is still plenty of gas left.
Fairly sure it's under £40 to get it refilled when I need to from go outdoors.
I have a splitter and a bullfinch gas lamp for power cuts so if that happened I can cook on the ring and light up too.

[YeastFace Brew Co.]

Thanks for your thoughts.

I need to keep one eye on the future as we're hoping to get our own place in the next year or so. Doubt I'll have a shed or even a garden on my budget so electric may be the way to go. Although the Father-in-Law has caught the brewing bug so I'm sure he wouldn't mind keeping the equipment in his shed.

[spanspoon]

i am switching to gas, main reason being i used to use a burco boiler and after even a 60 minute boil the power leads and plug socket were hot!
i used to stick my boiler outside anyway and never encountered a problem with flies plus i'll be boiling in my well ventilated garage.
i have bought one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pardini-700-C ... 3397a915ca
i'm sure i picked it up cheaper from ebay though and i've converted it into what will be a hlt then boiler. i've only added a tap and hopstrainer, which set me back £6 (parts from toolstation). i may add a sight glass later but will be using a trusty ruler.
i used to run a 3v set up, producing some great beers, but decided to simplify the process due to time constraints so i've got hold of a 50 litre coolbox which i will use a mash tun. i will run full length no sparge brews from, this would be an added option but in essence taking inspiration from biab and my coolbox was £50 plus I don't have the hassle of buying/making a biab bag.
i've got a 7.5kw propane burner, regulator etc.
i'm planning to transfer liquor and wort using a solar pump but this isn't crucial.
Total cost;
liquor/boiler or biab pot if you like £60
7.5kw burner £30
Regulator, hoses etc £10
25kg propane gas £30 which i picked up from ebay and it was a full bottle. if i'd have gone to a calor dealer i'd be looking at more like £80 to cover bottle rental and charge for gas. obviously this might be a deal breaker but worth keeping an eye out for a bargain.
not sure of how everything will work or whether i prefer gas to electric but i'll stick a post up of my first brew.

[snowbeast]

I currently use gas and am upgrading my gas due to the fact I am on a huge electricity saving run in the house. I think gas costs a touch more, but I need to set an example.
Otherwise I would love to put a thermostat into my pot for the mash.