CoalCracker
Well-Known Member
I am currently in the process of building a HERMS system. I have reached somewhat of a fork in the road. My initial plan was just to buy a 15gallon boil kettle and have a three vessel system. I then thought why don't I just use the HLT as the boilkettle like so many do. My dilemma is that I only have 120v as I live in an apartment. They are 20a breakers, the whole kitchen is wired for 20a. I currently have a 1500w element in there hooked to a ranco. I would like to boil and I know 1500w isn't going to boil. Here are my options:
1. install a 2nd element. A 2000w. On it's own circuit.
2. Build a heat stick with the 2000w.
3. Revert to original idea and buy the kettle. Price will be about same as heatstick. Just have propane to contend with and NE winters.
Aluminum kettle from Sams Club is 43.00
I can also eventually change the element in the HLT from 1500w to 2000. Of course then the Ranco will have to be changed to a PID and SSR. Help me out guys. I really can't decide.
I know 2 x 2000w elements should get 7.5 gallons boiling. Might not be super agressive but it should work.
Also, will a PID control two heatsticks? Or will I need one for each?
1. install a 2nd element. A 2000w. On it's own circuit.
2. Build a heat stick with the 2000w.
3. Revert to original idea and buy the kettle. Price will be about same as heatstick. Just have propane to contend with and NE winters.
Aluminum kettle from Sams Club is 43.00
I can also eventually change the element in the HLT from 1500w to 2000. Of course then the Ranco will have to be changed to a PID and SSR. Help me out guys. I really can't decide.
I know 2 x 2000w elements should get 7.5 gallons boiling. Might not be super agressive but it should work.
Also, will a PID control two heatsticks? Or will I need one for each?