adam01

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I've been getting tired of the instability of the water temp for mashing and for sparging. I use a jet burner to heat water, but it always seems to be just not the right temp.

I was wondering if there was an electric HLT that I could just fill with water and heat
the water to a specific temperature.

Seeing this forum, I see there are several, but usually as part of a complete electric brewery.

Would just an eHLT be good enough, or would I be wanting something more later ?
Anybody with experience in this decision ?

Thanks.

onthekeg

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I started with an eHLT and used it for my boil kettle as well for a couple years.

BrewBarron

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I use an EHLT and propane for my kettle. I highly recommend an EHLT. Can't beat just programming a temp and walking away to do something else. I am also in no rush to complete the all electric upgrade. I really enjoy my system and probably won't think about changing it unless I decide to go bigger. Even then, not sure I would change the hybrid system.

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P-J

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Subscribed to the thread.

rosier9

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I started with the eHLT and a propane bk. The eHLT works great, and it's cheap and easy to build! The eHLT can be built using 110v if you don't have 220v readily available. I think most of us eventually move on to a completely electric system, but an eHLT is a great starting point that can easily be incorporated at a later point.

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Cpt_Kirks

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My eHLT has two 2000 watt elements built in. That heats my mash and sparge water pretty fast. The elements are manually controlled now.

When I get around to it, I'm adding automatic temperature control and will use the eHLT as part as a HERMS setup, too.

Walker

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I have just one electric kettle, and I use it as my HLT at the start of the session and then use it for the boil kettle after the mash is done.

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AiredAle

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I love my PID controlled eHLT. It is part of a complete electric system, but doesn't need to be. Mine is also controlled by a timer stolen from a coffee maker, so it comes on while I am still sleeping and is at temp waiting for me to mash in before breakfast.

acefaser

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Great idea. I may have to incorporate something like that into my build.

AiredAle

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Thanks, I also wired a level switch into the eHLT control circuit so I won't dry fire the element when I forget to turn it off as I drain the water. So far it has saved the element twice in six brews on the new system....