Boilermaker Heatshield- I did a dumb thing

**rcrabb22** · 02-01-2011, 02:01 PM

I recently bought the Blichmann 20 gal Boilermaker kettle. After 2 trial boils runs I had water boiling in the sight glass so I decided to use the 10"x6" stainless steel sheet heat shield to deflect the heat away from the sight glass per the kettle's instructions.

I failed to notice the peel off clear plastic sheet protective covering on the SS sheet and after a couple of minutes of flame the smell of melting plastic and smoke presented itself. I shut down right away and drained the kettle but of course, the plastic was now melted to the shield and it ain't comin' off easy. The good thing is the plastic did not melt on the kettle. The temperature of the water must have kept the sheet cool enough to stop the transfer.

Dag Nabbit!

Coldies · 02-01-2011, 04:31 PM

Elbow grease.......

Bokonon · 02-01-2011, 04:42 PM

Join the club. I only looked at one side and didn't notice the other side had the plastic on it. I haven't worked at removing it yet, I might just take a torch to it and burn it off.

**rcrabb22** · 02-01-2011, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bokonon

Join the club. I only looked at one side and didn't notice the other side had the plastic on it. I haven't worked at removing it yet, I might just take a torch to it and burn it off.

+1 EXACTLY Plastic only on one side!!! I thought about a torch too or putting on the burner without the pot. I called our local Ace Hardware and they carry SS sheet goods. Maybe the best option would be to replace it.

Bokonon · 02-03-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcrabb22

+1 EXACTLY Plastic only on one side!!! I thought about a torch too or putting on the burner without the pot. I called our local Ace Hardware and they carry SS sheet goods. Maybe the best option would be to replace it.

I'm not sure why you would even consider replacing it. Use the burnt side down and you'll never even see it.

You might not even need it depending on how much heat is coming up the side of your kettle

strat_thru_marshall · 02-03-2011, 05:02 PM

For me I gave up on that heat shield after the first two batches. The sight glass boils while the burner is on full tilt, and during the boil, but the only time you really need it is while running your wort off into the kettle anyway. Refractometer readings during the boil will let you know if your boil off rate is correct, no need for volume measurements.

**rcrabb22** · 02-20-2011, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strat_thru_marshall

For me I gave up on that heat shield after the first two batches. The sight glass boils while the burner is on full tilt, and during the boil, but the only time you really need it is while running your wort off into the kettle anyway. Refractometer readings during the boil will let you know if your boil off rate is correct, no need for volume measurements.

Good point! Still a rookie with a boil kettle sight glass and wanted to make the most of it. But I agree with your point. The only time I think I will use it is to record pre boil and post boil volumes.

Oldyote · 02-20-2011, 01:19 AM

The heat shield also protects the valve and temp gauge. I wouldn't give up on it, it just has patina.

splashmike · 02-05-2012, 02:25 PM

Wish I had seen this before trying my first brew on my new BM 10 gallon. Not only did I not notice the peel away on the heat shield, I melted the rubber cover on the handle to the ball valvue. What a way to start.

**Bobby_M** · 02-05-2012, 04:03 PM

Do yourself a favor and just cut the vinyl wrap off the handle from day one, then slide a 3" piece of silicone tubing over it.