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jdlev · 05-31-2011, 05:18 PM

I've got a 20 gallon sparge tank. All I've got to heat it is a 2 burner hot plate (which it fits on). Do you guys think that would be enough or should I upgrade to a heat stick or internal element for the pot?

If upgrade, what product would you guys recommend that has had good results for quickly hitting strike temperatures?

**kal** · 05-31-2011, 05:40 PM

What's the wattage of the hot plate?

Kal

jdlev · 05-31-2011, 05:54 PM

1440w

wildwest450 · 05-31-2011, 06:15 PM

Not enough, imo. Unless you have a good long time to wait.

_

jdlev · 05-31-2011, 06:29 PM

I don't have a 220 to pull from, so I can't go too high on the wattage...

**wilserbrewer** · 05-31-2011, 10:17 PM

If I wanted a large volume, low wattage HLT, I would look towards insulation (maybe a cooler) and a submersed heating element on an appliance timer. I'm afraid a 1440 w hotplate under a 20 gallon pot would be like watching grass grow. A pot that large w/ 1440w externally applied may never reach temp. But w/ an insulated vessel, and an internal submerged element, given enough time it will get very hot.

**Dgonza9** · 06-02-2011, 01:49 AM

Just my two cents.. I've found that I quickly migrated from heat sticks to elements mounted in the kettle. I think the work involved is probably pretty equal and mounting probably costs less. I still have a heatstick and use it when needed, but Prefer the mounted elements.

**kal** · 06-02-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdlev

1440w

Agreed that heating 20 gallons with 1440W is going to take a looooong time.

I have 5500W in my HLT and always heat 20 gallons from about 50-60F (ground water temp) up to about 150F mash temp. That takes an hour for me and I do it while I prep for the brew day.

You have 5500/1440 or 3.8 times less power so it will take you almost 4 hours to heat assuming your ground water's the same temp as mine. It's probably a bit warmer so assuming 3.5 hours. That's a long wait.

Kal

Cpt_Kirks · 06-02-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dgonza9

Just my two cents.. I've found that I quickly migrated from heat sticks to elements mounted in the kettle. I think the work involved is probably pretty equal and mounting probably costs less. I still have a heatstick and use it when needed, but Prefer the mounted elements.

This.

Putting the elements in my HLT worked out great!

I still use heatsticks in my BK, but I'm installing elements in it, too. I'll be keeping the heatsticks as backups.

jdlev · 06-02-2011, 01:46 PM

What do you guys use to get up to a quick rolling boil for boiling your wort? I've heard that adding an element to your boil kettle and giving it direct contact with the wort is a bad idear?