How To Boil Water - UPDATE -

[Jimbo357mag]

I had a little discussion with my wife today about which way is cheaper/more efficient to boil enough water for a pot of tea. She says an electric burner with a correct sized kettle on it is more efficient than a microwave. I did some research and the answer is not as straight forward as you might assume. There are a lot of variables. I did find out that a microwave is only about 66% efficient in converting electricity into heat and that an electric burner can be pretty efficient when given enough time.

....so maybe someone on the forum has done some experimenting with heat transfer and boiling water? :mrgreen:

- UPDATE - Turns out the best explanation I got off the internet supports the Electric Kettle as the most efficient.

https://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/ask-pablo-electric-kettle-stove-or-microwave-oven.html

quote> The clear winner is the electric kettle, at 81% efficient, followed by the microwave, at 47% efficient, with the stove being the Hummer H2 of the bunch at 30.5% efficient. <end quote

I did read elsewhere the Microwave is 66% efficient but it still falls in the middle between the Electric Kettle and the Stove Top. ...of course there are some variables.

 

[SR1911SHOOTER]

I had a little discussion with my wife today about which way is cheaper/more efficient to boil enough water for a pot of tea. She says an electric burner with a correct sized kettle on it is more efficient than a microwave. I did some research and the answer is not as straight forward as you might assume. There are a lot of variables. I did find out that a microwave is only about 66% efficient in converting electricity into heat and that an electric burner can be pretty efficient when given enough time.

....so maybe someone on the forum has done some experimenting with heat transfer and boiling water? :mrgreen:

Jimbo,
Above my pay grade. Also I do not argue with SWMBO. (She who must be obeyed)
Blackie

 

[Jeepnik]

I follow Blackie's lead. Sometimes it's best just to keep quiet and not confuse them with facts. They won't listen anyway.

 

[Don Lovel]

Magnetic Induction burner will heat cold water to boiling in one minute 25 seconds at 8000ft, a propane range top burner takes over 5 minutes, regular electric hotplate is only slightly less than the electric hotplate.

 

[pete44ru]

.

Hit the water kettle with a shot of napalm for quicker heat...... :mrgreen:


.

 

[gramps]

70 seconds in the microwave gives me the correct temperature in my 12 oz coffee mug. Good luck!
gramps

 

[WendyZXZ]

Knowing how to boil water is a must to make one of the greatest dishes ever:

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

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Knowing how to boil water is a must to make one of the greatest dishes ever:

Ramen Noodles???

I just think a little empirical science is in order. A measuring cup, an amp meter, a clock, a thermometer and a calculator should do the trick. It should be easy to compare one with the other. The only difference would be the time to get the water to a boil.

...and then I could dispute this one website I found that said that a microwave is 80% more efficient for heating up some soup than a stove and that we should use the microwave to save energy and the planet. I just don't buy that.

http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2012/09/microwave-or-stove-whats-efficient.html

quote> A microwave is a lot more efficient way to reheat than a stovetop, partly because a stovetop wastes a fair amount of heat. According to the EPA, the microwave uses 80 percent less energy when heating up relatively small amounts. Although the microwave needs a lot of electricity, it’s a relatively short burst of power. <end quote

 

[wolfsong]

The material(s) and design of the receptacle containing the liquid and the starting temperature of said liquid play significant roles in the equation. And another obvious factor is the wattage of the microwave.

Further, the optimum temperature of the water used for steeping hot tea is 150 to 180 degrees f. Boiling water is not used. So, the discussion is actually moot.

 

[eveled]

The argument that the stove top wastes heat, can be disputed in the winter the extra heat warms the room saving the central heat from coming on, of course in the summer the energy lost from the extra heat is multiplied because the air conditioner has to work harder.

 

[Colonialgirl]

GO to Walmart and buy yourself an Electric Tea Kettle; they work great !

 

[Galaxiedan]

I've actually had that same discussion. But it was microwave versus our gas stove for hot water for tea or ramen. I think the microwave is more efficient.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

"Efficiency?" Sounds like one of those definition of terms discussions!

Maybe I'm missing something, because to me that would be measured by comparing the amount of water that can be heated to a given temperature by burning a given amount of fuel to first generate electricity which is used to heat the water using some kind of electric device, and burning the same amount of fuel directly under a pot (however large it may be) as an open flame. BTU's out divided by BTUs in or something like that. All other things being equal, the method that boils more water per unit of fuel burned is the more efficient. The speed with which the water boils reflects how many of those BTUs were used and how quickly they were applied, but I think I might call that "effectiveness" rather than "efficiency." In other words, if time is of the essence, the microwave may be more effective but possibly less efficient. Perhaps I should have stayed awake more in that HS physics class?

For myself, looking at "efficiency", the preponderance of gas fired water heaters over electric makes the answer seem pretty clear...

Rick C

 

[Jimbo357mag]

For myself, looking at "efficiency", the preponderance of gas fired water heaters over electric makes the answer seem pretty clear...

Having worked in the gas business for 30+ years appliance 'efficiency' came up often. An easy way to compare the cost/efficiency of gas and electric water heaters is to read the label. The government has done all the heavy lifting for us but an easy way to check this at home is to have your electric water heater replaced and compare the decrease in your monthly electric bill against the increase in your gas bill, or vice versa. ...of course there are some variables, like local rates.

 

[wolfsong]

For myself, looking at "efficiency", the preponderance of gas fired water heaters over electric makes the answer seem pretty clear...

Having worked in the gas business for 30+ years appliance 'efficiency' came up often. An easy way to compare the cost/efficiency of gas and electric water heaters is to read the label. The government has done all the heavy lifting for us but an easy way to check this at home is to have your electric water heater replaced and compare the decrease in your monthly electric bill against the increase in your gas bill, or vice versa. ...of course there are some variables, like local rates.

My electric kilowatt hour rates don't fluctuate from month to month or even year to year. My propane rates change with the daily weather, it seems.

 

[Mike J]

GO to Walmart and buy yourself an Electric Tea Kettle; they work great !

That is what my wife uses. Me? I am smart enough to let her handle her business & stay out of the way.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

My electric kilowatt hour rates don't fluctuate from month to month or even year to year. My propane rates change with the daily weather, it seems.

When the government tests water heaters they project the average cost to operate the appliance for a whole year under average conditions and average electric and gas rates around the country. ...of course few folks have the 'average' rate but the comparisons are accurate.

 

[wolfsong]

My electric kilowatt hour rates don't fluctuate from month to month or even year to year. My propane rates change with the daily weather, it seems.

When the government tests water heaters they project the average cost to operate the appliance for a whole year under average conditions and average electric and gas rates around the country. ...of course few folks have the 'average' rate but the comparisons are accurate.

You may recall that I live in California. Propane prices, like any type of gas here, ranges anywhere from 1.79 per gallon to 3.29 per gallon in the span of 3 or 4 months. Different regions of the state have vastly different daily rates. And due to the static kilowatt rates in comparison to the fluid propane rates the government projections are purely wild guesses.

I trust the reliability and veracity of government numbers about as much as I trust a junkyard dog.

 

[toysoldier]

It was my understanding that electric resistance heating was the least efficient---that microwaves convert more of the electricity to heat energy in the food.

 

[daveg.inkc]

Knowing how to boil water is a must to make one of the greatest dishes ever:

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

Green Acres was one of the best shows. I always laugh. You would not catch Mr Douglas kneeling for anthem!

 

[Sin6Sec63451022]

Turn off all your breakers but one that you know has nothing on it. Plug your microwave in and put your water in and turn it on. Run outside and count the revolutions of the electric meter. After that turn on just the breaker to your stove and put your kettle on and again run out to the meter and count revs. You'll have to factor in revs not counted while trying to get to the meter. Maybe some mirrors would help you to see the meter without going the whole distance. Have you considered going to iced coffee/tea? But, that would have its own dynamics to deal with. Nobody said it was gonna be easy.

 

[daveg.inkc]

Is it true, if you watch, it wont boil?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Turn off all your breakers but one that you know has nothing on it. Plug your microwave in and put your water in and turn it on. Run outside and count the revolutions of the electric meter. After that turn on just the breaker to your stove and put your kettle on and again run out to the meter and count revs. You'll have to factor in revs not counted while trying to get to the meter. Maybe some mirrors would help you to see the meter without going the whole distance. Have you considered going to iced coffee/tea? But, that would have its own dynamics to deal with. Nobody said it was gonna be easy.

That's kinda the idea I had but an amp meter and a watch would work better than watching the meter turn. I might try that anyway just for fun. Cell phones would work for communication, I'm sure.

...of course I would have to standardize the procedure with respect to the amount of water and the water temps and the setting of the burner etc.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I think this is the answer I was looking for. btw the electric meter at my house doesn't have a wheel, it is digital.

from the internet. https://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/ask-pablo-electric-kettle-stove-or-microwave-oven.html
quote> The clear winner is the electric kettle, at 81% efficient, followed by the microwave, at 47% efficient, with the stove being the Hummer H2 of the bunch at 30.5% efficient. <end quote

 

[Colonialgirl]

I think this is the answer I was looking for. btw the electric meter at my house doesn't have a wheel, it is digital.

from the internet. https://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/ask-pablo-electric-kettle-stove-or-microwave-oven.html
quote> The clear winner is the electric kettle, at 81% efficient, followed by the microwave, at 47% efficient, with the stove being the Hummer H2 of the bunch at 30.5% efficient. <end quote

What did I TELL YOU:

Colonialgirl
Post subject: Re: How To Boil WaterPostPosted: 03 Nov 2017 21:14
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Joined: 07 Dec 2008 22:07
Posts: 15586
Location: Wesley Chapel, Florida
GO to Walmart and buy yourself an Electric Tea Kettle; they work great !

 

[protoolman]

My all time favorite is Buddy Hackett in the movie, Herbie-The Love Bug. Anyone remember him making coffee in his shop with a welding glove on to hold the pot and using his acetylene torch to heat it?

 

[coach]

Way too much time on people’s hands. I think I’ll grab a cold beer and not think about it. ;)

 

[wolfsong]

Way too much time on people’s hands. I think I’ll grab a cold beer and not think about it. ;)

Oh, great. Now we'll have to determine the most efficient way to chill a beer!

I'll pop some popcorn. Should I use the microwave or the old pan-on-the-stove method?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Way too much time on people’s hands. I think I’ll grab a cold beer and not think about it. ;)

Oh, great. Now we'll have to determine the most efficient way to chill a beer!

I'll pop some popcorn. Should I use the microwave or the old pan-on-the-stove method?

I don't know about efficiency but this thing does it fast. Add ice and plug it in. Takes 1 min for a can.:D

http://coopercooler.com/

 

[Pierow]

How to boil water: Place receptacle of water into vacuum chamber, flip switch on vacuum pump, boiling water within seconds.

Oh, great. Now we'll have to determine the most efficient way to chill a beer!.....

Oh, I got this one Wolf. Place warm beer in cooler surrounded by ice. Place index finger on top of can and spin for 60 seconds. Result, ice-cold beer. You can decrease time by 30 seconds if you spin with a power drill. Don't tell me college was a waste of time :)

Pierow