Can an electric kettle be used for pasteurizing?

[whinnyninny]

Some of them have temperature control dials that can be set for white/green tea (160-180º). I was planning on getting one anyway to heat up water for different things, but if I can get one adjusted to where it'll heat liquids to 165º and then shut off, is there any reason I shouldn't use it for pasteurizing milk? It's supposed to heat up rather quickly, would that make it taste scalded? The heating elements never touch the liquid. (And at $40-$60, it's a LOT cheaper than a pasteurizer... plus, I only need a 2 qt capacity right now instead of a 2-gallon capacity).

The method we use now is to heat it up on a double boiler on the stovetop. We turned the water on to heat up when we go to milk, and pour the milk into the top bowl after we strain it, and it can take 5-10 minutes to get it up to 165, and we have to keep checking it with the thermometer the whole time.

[whinnyninny]

One of the reviews on this kettle says it has 2 temperature controls... 70º C (158º F... I saw a pasteurizer that was 155-159º) and 100º C (212º F).

Well, I guess I'll go for it. I've been wanting one for ages anyway for boiling water, so I'll always have that use for it. I can try it once for milk, and see if it works!

[mygoat]

Any water bath that will hold the temp will work for pasteurizing. I use a turkey frier.

[Alice In TX/MO]

Do let us know if it works!

[whinnyninny]

NOPE. This method didn't work. I put water in it and it heated right to 166º... I poured milk in it and it got scorched to the bottom of the kettle and wouldn't heat up any higher than 110 (because it was scorched, probably). Now I'll bet the milk will have a scorched taste, gotta dump it out...

[mygoat]

You still do a double broiler method. Put the milk in ziploc double zipper bags (no offbrands, all other types leak besides the glad double zippers) and then immerse the bags full of milk in a water-filled electric kettle. Trust me, it'll work.

good luck!