Electric HLT Question

Hey Folks,

For the last year or so i have been brewing with a turkey fryer and a converted coleman cooler. The turkey fryer served as both the Bk and the HLT. While this works, it is less than optimal. What i would like to do is set up a three tier system with an electric HLT. I wanted to use this:http://www.midwestsupplies.com/electric-brew-heater-w-11-element.html Does anyone know if the built in thermostat is enough or if i'd need a pid or temp controller for set it and forget it strike water. I know there are cheaper DIY ways but i dont like fooling with electricity as i dont have a lot of experience with it. any and all answers appreciated. Thanks


Nolan

As long as you have a 20amp GFCI near where you plan to brew, that should work... Like the description says, you will need a separate thermometer to monitor your temp...

hey duckfoot,

Thanks for the reply. I guess the "separate thermometer" is what i was asking about. To rephrase my question: Would the element be connected to the external thermometer and would it shut it self off when the desired temperature is reached, or would the brewer have to visually monitor the temperature and then shut of the element by hand? thanks in advance.

You can grab a Ranco or Johnson Controls in-line temp control... If you just use the search on here, there should be plenty of links to them... Most people use them for keezer temp control... Or you can just keep an eye on it with a handheld thermometer and shut it off by hand...

I am not sure if the ranco or johnson control units will work on a 2200 watt element, I believe they are max rated for 15A. I use one in my HLT to control a 1500 watt element, but I don't think I would go higher. I plan on doing some tests to see how many amps the 1500 watt element actually uses (I am guessing around 12). I would love to know if I could pull 2200 at 15A, but I think its higher by a hair.

what would the purpose of the built in thermostat be if not to regulate temp? also, they say one would need a thermometer, not a temp controllor or pid. is it crazy to think i could control sparge water temperature just by the thermostat?

That's so expensive. You could have a pid controlled system for that (plus a little labor on your part).

You can do it with just a thermometer and the thermostat on the heat stick... You will just have to manually monitor it... The PID / SSR or temp controller way is just a little more hands off... I use an E-HLT with just a dial thermometer in the kettle... I just have to pay attention and turn it on / off when needed...

Also, my bad on the Ranco / J.C. units and their power ratings... I have no experience using either, so I didn't even think of it...