Most efficient way to boil water on a boat

[CaptTom]

We use our "hot shot" all the time. Heats 1 cup of water very quickly, runs great on the inverter, small enough to stow and you don't waste a lot of energy heating up more than you need.

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by zeehag

aaaahh i see the spin here--you want me to put out my dough for some cumbersome electricity consuming thing unaffordable to most cruisers. and then get a pricy thing to suck up all the sun so i can make it go... ohkaaayyyy.
gotcha.
have fun with that.

I did say the Electric Kettle was $20 right.

Is $20 a lot of money?

[downunder]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Most efficient way to boil water on a boat

1) Electric Kettle, .....81% efficient
2) Microwave Oven, ..47% efficient
3) Gas Stove, ............31% efficient

Electric Kettles typically shut off automatically when water is boiling enhancing their efficiency.

Microwave Oven and Gas Stoves boiling methods require a watchful eye to stop the power or shut off the gas when the water has boiled.

Regardless of your method for boiling water you can ensure maximum efficiency by boiling only what you need. Use your mug to measure the proper amount you need. Heating small batches of water is quicker than heating one big batch.

What even better is that we have 500 watts of solar at the moment, so we boil water for free from sun power.

We use a Hamilton Beach 1 Liter (4cup) Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40998) $20

2 X Faster than a Microwave and Gas or Electric Stove top
Safer than a stovetop kettle
Cord-free serving
Auto shutoff with boil-dry protection
Easy-pour spout
Concealed heating element
Water-level window
Push-button lid
Illuminated on/off switch
Removable mesh filter
Dimensions (inches): 7.8 H x 8 W x 5.5 D

Here is the water boiling time results: Electric Kettle / Stove Top in minutes and seconds.

Cup size - Electric Kettle / Stove Top time
8oz ....- 1.21 / 2.22
16oz ..- 2.14 / 5.05
20oz ..- 2.44 / 6.44
1Liter .- 4.55 / 9.15

Sounds like a good observation. I note a few sailors recommending electric stoves rather than gas as well.

Surprised you only have 500 W of solar on your Helia. Its a shame FP and the other production cats don't have provision for more as a standard offering.

Many cat owners are opting to retrofit at least 1KW these days.

[Panope]

Skip to the end of the video to see the results chart. Or watch the whole 2 minutes if you're bored. REALLY bored

Steve

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoJzEDz0dqk

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by downunder

Sounds like a good observation. I note a few sailors recommending electric stoves rather than gas as well.

Surprised you only have 500 W of solar on your Helia. Its a shame FP and the other production cats don't have provision for more as a standard offering.

Many cat owners are opting to retrofit at least 1KW these days.

I agree. The factory should add more, but they do not want to change the LOOK of the boat.

I will be adding another 500 watts of solar myself, but for now all is working very well.

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by Panope

Skip to the end of the video to see the results chart. Or watch the whole 2 minutes if you're bored. REALLY bored

Steve

Now that is interesting info right their.

[sailorchic34]

There was a discussion about electric kettles a few years ago. Cotemar is of course 100% correct that a electric kettle in itself is more efficient then a gas or electric stove or microwave. That applies to cost of energy too.

Mind you I still use a stove as I don't have space for a kettle.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

Now that is interesting info right their.

Something isn't right here, a BTU is a BTU doesn't matter where it comes from, the higher BTU source will boil the water in the least time.


Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Something isn't right here, a BTU is a BTU doesn't matter where it comes from, the higher BTU source will boil the water in the least time.


Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

You are correct in theory, but much of the heat from a gas burner goes around the pot and not in the pot. So the times are a bit misleading. Burner size and shape, height of pot over flame all play a part. Same applies to an electric burner. much of the heat goes around the kettle.

With an immersion coil type electric kettle all the heat is transferred to the water first so really, near 100% eff. Same would apply to an induction hot plate like Jedi uses. Very high efficiency.

One note: cost of energy applies too. In california where electric is 0.18 cents or more a KW, electric may not be the cheapest cost. So it's almost never one size fits all.

[rwidman]

Anyone who puts more than a minute or two into studying the efficiency of boiling water on a boat needs something more important to occupy his mind.

Unless you are boiling several gallons of water each day, it doesn't really matter.

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by rwidman

Anyone who puts more than a minute or two into studying the efficiency of boiling water on a boat needs something more important to occupy his mind.

Unless you are boiling several gallons of water each day, it doesn't really matter.

We use the electric kettle to just make hot water QUICK.
Coffee
Tea
Oatmeal

The sink wastes to much water when you need a cup of hot water.

THE SPEED that it makes hot water is what is so impressive.

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by rwidman

Anyone who puts more than a minute or two into studying the efficiency of boiling water on a boat needs something more important to occupy his mind.

Unless you are boiling several gallons of water each day, it doesn't really matter.

I'm an engineer, it's what I do for fun. Though more likely with 700 BHP scotch marine steam boilers. But you are right, I still use propane for boiling water.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by rwidman

Anyone who puts more than a minute or two into studying the efficiency of boiling water on a boat needs something more important to occupy his mind.

Unless you are boiling several gallons of water each day, it doesn't really matter.

Actually it does when you are like me I only have x dollars a month to spend on stuff like propane or alcohol for my stoves and just 100 watts of solar. ( I don't plug into the marina) actually use an antique travel and store 9 cup coffee pot it uses 600 watts on inverter and takes 13 min to perk a full pot. Then its into the thermos for it.

[JerseyJoe]

Single cup immersion coil. Maybe not the safest or lowest electric load, but quick!

[Panope]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Something isn't right here, a BTU is a BTU doesn't matter where it comes from, the higher BTU source will boil the water in the least time.


Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

With my hand on the book of your choice, I solemnly swear that I did my best to be accurate with that test.

BTU ratings came from the manufacturer's technical info. No idea if they are lying.

Steve