I've been doing more thinking about whick 1500w elements to use and am debating between two options. I'd appreciate your input to either trash one or both ideas. And before anyone says it, I know, I can get a 1500w screw in water heater element. For the sake of argument lets say vessel shape keeps those from being the best option.
Idea #1: @ $45 use this McMaster element http://www.mcmaster.com/#3540k43/=112epf4
it's 1500 watt so it suits my needs, incoloy and has a bend radius of about 15/16 inch. It should be relatively easy to make a hoop like the BoilCoil or a spiral in the hobart-mixer style kettles.
Idea #2: Use a band heater clamped to the outside of the kettle toward the bottom, just before it curves. Something like this from BrewHaus http://www.brewhaus.com/1500W-Band-Heater-for-Premium-Kettle-Moonshine-Still.aspx This particular one has too large a diameter, I need a band heater suitable for 12.5 inch diameter. I've found a company called OEM Heaters that has an online customizer that spits out an estimated quote, it'd cost me about $75 for a 120V 1500W band heater with a 12.5 inch diameter.
So, I ask for your highly regarded advice; #1: more conventional immersion element in the kettle bent to shape at home -OR- #2: a sized band heater clamped to the exterior of the kettle so that there is less clutter in the kettle.
Idea #1: @ $45 use this McMaster element http://www.mcmaster.com/#3540k43/=112epf4
it's 1500 watt so it suits my needs, incoloy and has a bend radius of about 15/16 inch. It should be relatively easy to make a hoop like the BoilCoil or a spiral in the hobart-mixer style kettles.
Idea #2: Use a band heater clamped to the outside of the kettle toward the bottom, just before it curves. Something like this from BrewHaus http://www.brewhaus.com/1500W-Band-Heater-for-Premium-Kettle-Moonshine-Still.aspx This particular one has too large a diameter, I need a band heater suitable for 12.5 inch diameter. I've found a company called OEM Heaters that has an online customizer that spits out an estimated quote, it'd cost me about $75 for a 120V 1500W band heater with a 12.5 inch diameter.
So, I ask for your highly regarded advice; #1: more conventional immersion element in the kettle bent to shape at home -OR- #2: a sized band heater clamped to the exterior of the kettle so that there is less clutter in the kettle.
