I'm making the move to all-grain and trying to get my equipment together. I want to go electric, but I really wasn't happy with the idea of drilling a hole in my kettle and mounting an element, even though a number of people here seem to be perfectly happy with that method. I saw a post by Wayne at Bargain Fittings in which he showed how he had taken three coil elements from an electric stove and mounted them close together so he can get plenty of heat in a small area.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/alternative-electric-solution-144016/index4.html#post1665600
I liked the idea and decided to build my own version of it. I had mentioned this in an earlier post and got a few laughs - someone even called it "Stovezilla" (thanks to "diatonic" for the name). I'll admit that it is not the most efficient method in terms of either time or money, but based on initial testing, I think I'm going to be very happy with it.
I got an old drop-in range top cheap from CL. Whirlpool unit with stainless steel top - 2 2600 watt coils and 2 1500 watt coils.
I could have built mine like Wayne, but I don't have a welder. I wanted to use the original reflector pans, hoping that would help to concentrate the heat - these pans are mounted in large holes in the top. I could have taken a large piece of steel plate and cut the holes in that, but I don't have a torch or plasma cutter. What I decided to do was to build a frame from one inch and 3/4 inch square steel tubing (screwed together, not welded), use my angle grinder to cut up the stainless top, and screw three of these pieces, containing one large hole and two small holes to the frame. Also, I wanted to use the original control panel and wiring.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/alternative-electric-solution-144016/index4.html#post1665600
I liked the idea and decided to build my own version of it. I had mentioned this in an earlier post and got a few laughs - someone even called it "Stovezilla" (thanks to "diatonic" for the name). I'll admit that it is not the most efficient method in terms of either time or money, but based on initial testing, I think I'm going to be very happy with it.
I got an old drop-in range top cheap from CL. Whirlpool unit with stainless steel top - 2 2600 watt coils and 2 1500 watt coils.
I could have built mine like Wayne, but I don't have a welder. I wanted to use the original reflector pans, hoping that would help to concentrate the heat - these pans are mounted in large holes in the top. I could have taken a large piece of steel plate and cut the holes in that, but I don't have a torch or plasma cutter. What I decided to do was to build a frame from one inch and 3/4 inch square steel tubing (screwed together, not welded), use my angle grinder to cut up the stainless top, and screw three of these pieces, containing one large hole and two small holes to the frame. Also, I wanted to use the original control panel and wiring.