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Jester4176 · 02-05-2007, 06:06 PM

So I have 2 heaters and a thermostat that I'm thinking could somehow be used in the brewing process. I'm thinking maybe putting them on a timer and having it preheat my mash/brew water so It would be at strike temps first thing on brew morning. Here's what they look like:

Any other ideas on how they could best be used? They are new in box, and have never been used...but are 30+ years old. I still have to test them out, but am wondering how best to use them, if they do work. What do you all thing would be the best use for them? Heating strike/sparge water, keeping the mash warm, you tell me.

MA_Brewer · 02-06-2007, 01:58 PM

Those things look pretty scary - whatever you do, be careful! Are you sure they are new?

Evan! · 02-06-2007, 02:07 PM

Um, 30-year-old equipment that's never been used? How has it been stored? Even without regular usage, machinery tends to corrode due to normal atmospheric exposure. And that stuff looks moderately corroded, even the paddles that I presume get immersed. You wouldn't want your beer tasting like rust, now would you?

Honestly...given how easy it is to fire up a propane burner and get your mash water to strike temp, those things look like more of a hassle than they may be worth. Unless you just want to play with some old industrial equipment. If so, then, by all means...have a blast. And try not to burn down the neighborhood.

cweston · 02-06-2007, 02:17 PM

Why don't you just go ahead and call 911 first before you fire those babies up.

**Orfy** · 02-06-2007, 02:58 PM

Jester, do you know the specs/ratings?

If not don't think of using them.

david_42 · 02-06-2007, 03:16 PM

If they are over 1000 watts, I would keep them away from the mash. Heating strike and sparge water is probably your best bet. Verify that they can be immersed before you try them and don't turn them on without a heatsink.

Jester4176 · 02-06-2007, 03:23 PM

I have the paperwork on them, they are 250v and all the contacts are clean. The paint on the exterior is flaking off, but I'll sand them clean before use. The coils are SOLID copper, so vinegar will take care of the cleanup on them. My dad already looked at them and knows how to wire them up for me, and said all the terminals are in working order and not corroded.

I have spare room in my home breaker box for a separate circuit for them, just wondering how best to use them if they'd serve a useful purpose. If there's no use for them, I'm sure the coils could bring a few $$ just for the copper.

Jester4176 · 02-06-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david_42

If they are over 1000 watts, I would keep them away from the mash. Heating strike and sparge water is probably your best bet. Verify that they can be immersed before you try them and don't turn them on without a heatsink.

On the back of the heating elements there's a bulkhead with a washer(I'd replace it) so the coils can be mounted through the wall of a container and be submerged, while the control box can be outside the container.

**Orfy** · 02-06-2007, 03:30 PM

Well, I'd mount one each in a keg. One for a water heater and one for the wort boiler.
It's good that they are marked with the temp but you'll need to test how accurate it is.
If it's marked up to 250f then I'd suggest they have been designed for oil or something other than water.

I use an immersion heater for my Water heater for mash and sparge water.
If I had a spare I think I'd try an electric wort kettle.

jager · 02-06-2007, 03:35 PM

What were they originally used for?