Running W/O PID

Hey Guys,

I'm almost done with my build, but I'm having trouble coming up with funds for the PID and the control panel. But, I just got a scotch ale extract kit in the mail from MoreBeer and would love to cook it up, so I have two questions.

Could I run my 2000W 120V heating element in my BK by just plugging it into the wall and unplugging to maintain a good boil to make this, or is the PID absolutely necessary?

If I can't, do you think I could cook with the pot on the stove, without damaging my element?

You will be able to leave it plugged in, it wont be overly vigorous. No worries.

5 gallon boils utilize 3000-4000W to maintain a vigorous boil.

970 BTUs are required to boil off 1 pound of water once you reach a boil.

1kW is 3412 BTUs

You have 6824 BTUs and are probably about 95% eff (radiant heat losses)

You net 6482 BTUs/970 BTUs to boil off a pound of water

You could boil off 6.5 pounds of water in an hour, .8 gal. hour

Getting 3 gallons from 60F to boiling will take about 35 mins.

Since most guys are boiling off 1.5 gallons/hour with 3000-4000W, your boil will be less vigorous and therefore you can leave it plugged in more than likely.

I'd think you'd want to leave the heatstick running AND supplement with heat on the stove as necessary.

2000W will not boil more than 5g. Even with very good insulation.

I do a 4g finished batch with a 2000W element but cannot go larger.

Since it is extract, I assume he is doing less than a full boil

willynilly said:

Since it is extract, I assume he is doing less than a full boil

Click to expand...

Why?

567890

weirdboy said:

Why?

567890

Click to expand...

Because it is pretty typical, I thought...

Then instead of using a chiller, they top up with cool water.

Thanks for the responses guys, I was hoping to do a full boil, but I'll drop it down to 3-3.5 gal.

You could swing more that that, but obviously don't have to.

I start my boils with 5g, and boil down to about 4g over an hour boil. That way you would only need 1 gallon of top up water for a 5g batch.

Brew on!

Good luck bra!

Boerderij, that was exactly what my plan was, I guess we'll play it by ear.

Thanks Willy!