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bknifefight · 03-04-2013, 08:08 PM

I am looking to install a heating element into my keggle, which I will use as an HLT and BK. I want to continue to mash in my cooler tun.

With the very limited amount of electrical equipment that I need to accomplish this, I don't want to jump into a whole control panel build and everything. I found these today:

Basic 240V Electric Brew Pot Controller

http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=W&Product_Code =EB-240V&Category_Code=EBREW

240VAC Electric Brew Pot Kit with 5500 Watt Stainless Steel element

http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=W&Product_Code =240BP-EL&Category_Code=EBREW

Ignoring the fact that they come from kegkits, who have a bad reputation, would this equipment be a good way for me to get started? It looks like a sweet, simple setup to me!

Thanks everyone!

**Leadpencil** · 03-05-2013, 03:20 AM

not to take business away from a merchant but you could go to any home improvement store and pick up those pieces for half the price.

bknifefight · 03-05-2013, 10:41 AM

I have no electrical experience and am willing to pay for the convenience and safety of having someone who knows what they're doing handle the potentially deadly part. Now, do you have any input on whether or not this setup is worthwhile or is the general opinion that a control panel setup is the way to go?

**theknub** · 03-05-2013, 11:36 AM

something like this is fine but fine temp control will be an issue. however, i would NOT order from kegkits even if my life depended on it.

thargrav · 03-05-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leadpencil

not to take business away from a merchant but you could go to any home improvement store and pick up those pieces for half the price.

No you can-not because you don't know what's inside the box. You only see what's on the outside.

bknifefight · 03-05-2013, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theknub

something like this is fine but fine temp control will be an issue.

It doesnt seem like it would be any different than using propane to heat my strike water. I would need to adjust the knob and keep an eye on the temperature. Using a PID, it would just shut itself off when the temperature was hit, right?

**jCOSbrew** · 03-05-2013, 03:27 PM

Looks like a good, basic setup, just make sure you have a GFCI on the power source. Alternately you could size the element to your kettle/batch volume and omit the power control, either full power ON or OFF.

high gravity also sells some prebuilt controllers with similar element power control but they start at $250.

alien · 03-05-2013, 04:49 PM

If you are up for building an easy-ish kit (guaranteed to work or your money back) I would go for this:

http://www.stilldragon.com/diy-controller.html

Antler · 03-05-2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bknifefight

It doesnt seem like it would be any different than using propane to heat my strike water. I would need to adjust the knob and keep an eye on the temperature.

Exactly.

This controller would be just as easy/difficult as heating strike water with a propane burner.
I use a propane burner right now, and love it other than the cold weather.

I'll probably end up with a controller like this to simply be able to move my brewing into the basement.

bknifefight · 03-05-2013, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antler

Exactly.

This controller would be just as easy/difficult as heating strike water with a propane burner.
I use a propane burner right now, and love it other than the cold weather.

I'll probably end up with a controller like this to simply be able to move my brewing into the basement.

That is exactly my thought too. I have to carry everything to the garage, from the basement, and run the hose out there. Brewing in the basement would save me half an hour of moving equipment around lol