I'm looking to upgrade from stove top brewing and start brewing on a permanent set up. I'm on a tight budget, but at the same time I don't want to buy/build anything that I'm going to grow out of. So, a couple of questions (a little long so bare with me ):
1. Whats is the bare minimum to start e-brewing? Any problem with this kettle or either of these elements in a e-BIAB setup? LWD good enough or do I need ULWD so I don't burn the grain bag?
40qt aluminum Pot
4500w Element 1
4500w Element 2
2. Can I just plug in/plug out or add a switch to turn on and off the element until I get a proper controller? I have an old sleeping bag I have no problem using for temporary insulation while mashing, and I don't mind thermometer watching, for now.
3. What are the requirements for building the power cord? Couldn't I just use a dryer/water heater power cord rated for 240v/30a? I think I have a spare somewhere around the house.
4. Could I run these elements at 120v for 2.5 gallon batches? I wouldn't be against making small batches until I upgrade my set up. Which in this case would just be swapping out the power cable and plug from a 120v to a 240v.
5. Will a 4500w element boil off too much of my wort? If so, would a 3500w element work for 5 gallon batches and still be useful as I expand?
3500w Element
6. Could I eventually use the kettle as a HLT for 10 gallon batches? I don't really see myself ever making 10 gallon batches, but never say never!
7. Other then the outlet box, anything else I missed? It seems to me I could almost pull this off with about $100, which is about the same amount of money I would need to buy the kettle and a propane burner.
1. Whats is the bare minimum to start e-brewing? Any problem with this kettle or either of these elements in a e-BIAB setup? LWD good enough or do I need ULWD so I don't burn the grain bag?
40qt aluminum Pot
4500w Element 1
4500w Element 2
2. Can I just plug in/plug out or add a switch to turn on and off the element until I get a proper controller? I have an old sleeping bag I have no problem using for temporary insulation while mashing, and I don't mind thermometer watching, for now.
3. What are the requirements for building the power cord? Couldn't I just use a dryer/water heater power cord rated for 240v/30a? I think I have a spare somewhere around the house.
4. Could I run these elements at 120v for 2.5 gallon batches? I wouldn't be against making small batches until I upgrade my set up. Which in this case would just be swapping out the power cable and plug from a 120v to a 240v.
5. Will a 4500w element boil off too much of my wort? If so, would a 3500w element work for 5 gallon batches and still be useful as I expand?
3500w Element
6. Could I eventually use the kettle as a HLT for 10 gallon batches? I don't really see myself ever making 10 gallon batches, but never say never!
7. Other then the outlet box, anything else I missed? It seems to me I could almost pull this off with about $100, which is about the same amount of money I would need to buy the kettle and a propane burner.
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