Help--Electric BIAB Temp Controller suggestions

[scsjohn]

Hello All,

I am interested in setting up my BIAB with an electric 5500W element. I know I'll need to install a 240V 30A outlet (by an electrician). I can drill holes with a step bit, but I need help with the temp controller and attaching the element to the controller (and the controller to the outlet, I guess). I've seen several places and ebay that you can buy just the controller for around $250-350, and I'd rather do this than try to build one my self. I really like BIAB but am trying to move it downstairs into the basement.

Here is what I'd like it to be able to do:

1. have on/off switch
2. Adjust temp using a simple control
3. have digital display for temp, and be able to maintain that temp
4. Remove power cord easily from element (quick disconnect)

Is there such a device available for purchase? I don't need it to control a pump.

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

 

[BigFloyd]

I built my E-BIAB rig earlier this year and really enjoy brewing on it.

First, you don't just need a 240V 30A outlet, you need to have the electrician install a 50A CGFI Spa Panel.

Take a look at some of PJ's schematics for a single vessel 240V BIAB system. I found one that perfectly suited what I wanted to build and it was invaluable.

You'll need, among other things:
-PID controller
-SSR and heat sink
-contactor
-switches/lights or lighted switches
-Some kind of project box
-temp sensor, cable and receptacle
-element box
-element
-power cable from control panel to element box and receptacle(s)

I suggest that you go ahead and set it up for a switch and 110V outlet for a pump. You may not include the pump right now, but you want to be ready to add one down the road if you like. Being able to recirculate during mashing and chilling certainly helps quite a lot.

 

[BigFloyd]

Here are some helpful threads that I bookmarked during my planning/building. If you read these carefully, you will gain a much better understanding of what is involved before you dive into this.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/my-e-kettle-toolbox-control-panel-221700/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/240v-5500w-30a-50l-ebiab-keggle-conversion-w-recirculation-pics-394656/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/ready-not-e-biab-here-i-come-312256/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/240v-5500w-ebiab-planning-please-help-401409/

Also, does you basement have good ventilation? You'd be surprised at how much water is put into the air when you're doing a 60-90 minute boil.

If building all of this yourself doesn't float your boat, here's another option-

http://www.highgravitybrew.com/productcart/pc/BIAB-Electric-Brewing-System-269p3987.htm

 

[wilserbrewer]

Is there such a device available for purchase? I don't need it to control a pump.

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

Unless you are pumping and recirculating the wort, temp control is a bit finicky. You will need to stir or mix the wort so the temp probe can actually give accurate feedback to power the element. If the wort is stagnant, the temp probe calls for heat and the element will heat the wort without the temp controller in communication, so to say...

 

[scsjohn]

Thanks, BigFloyd and Wilserbrewer,

I've resigned my self to a less aggressive idea of just having the controller and element.

The two controllers I'm looking at are:

1. http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/me...de=W&Product_Code=EB-240V&Category_Code=CNTRL $220 for a basic controller

2. http://www.highgravitybrew.com/ProductCart/pc/Electric-Kettle-Controller-269p3084.htm $250 for basic

Both of these just controller the element with no monitoring of temp and neither have control of a pump.

The next controller from highgravity is this and it would allow for a pump (but still no temp monitoring): http://www.highgravitybrew.com/ProductCart/pc/EBC-II-with-Infinite-Power-Control-269p3073.htm $300



I haven't really ever thought of or used a pump, but just now after viewing the eBIAB system at HighGravity, it looks pretty cool.

Thanks for your input,

JA

 

[scsjohn]

Also--has anyone hear of picoBrew?

 

[BigFloyd]

Also--has anyone hear of picoBrew?

They have a website. Nothing listed for sale there though.

I suggest that you hold off buying anything right now and think about exactly what it is that you want to accomplish by going electric.

One of the aspects of it most attractive to me is the ability to establish and maintain/monitor a precise, constant mash temp. For that, I concluded that a basic recirculating single vessel system with a PID was the best choice for me. Most of the cost of building my system was for stuff other than the PID, SSR and temp probe.

 

[jeffmeh]

They have a website. Nothing listed for sale there though.

I suggest that you hold off buying anything right now and think about exactly what it is that you want to accomplish by going electric.

One of the aspects of it most attractive to me is the ability to establish and maintain/monitor a precise, constant mash temp. For that, I concluded that a basic recirculating single vessel system with a PID was the best choice for me. Most of the cost of building my system was for stuff other than the PID, SSR and temp probe.

Very well stated.

 

[scsjohn]

Good points!

The main reason for the switch to electric is that I'm being moved to the basement. My wife was concerned about me using gas (either propane or natural), and thus I'm confined to electric. I already use BIAB and love it. I love its simplicity. However, while trying to find a way to use electricity other than using an induction plate, I stumbled upon many folks using a recirculating system with a controller. I think I got excited about it and then fizzled when I saw everyone making their on control box. Then I found a few prebuilt systems, like high gravity and picobrew (now selling machines for $795 with a touchscreen control panel) but don't want to spend that much.

I want to stick with BIAB. I have to use electricity in the near future. After thinking and reading this stuff ad nauseam, I think I really just want a simple box that allows me to turn it on/off and the temp up/down.

Some folks make thinks this is crazy, but here's an awesome brew day for me (during the work week). Get up at 6am. Have coffee. Turn on stove to heat up water to 158. While waiting approx. 55-65 minutes for water to heat up, grind the barley twice. Throw in the grain, check the temp, adjust, cover with a few towels and go to work. Come home, turn on the heat for the water, pull the bag and add FWH. Bring to boil, 60 minutes. Add hops to cube, and transfer wort to cube. Clean up. Next day or even a week later, transfer cooled wort to bucket and add yeast.

There. I said it. I think I got caught up in the fact that there was more that I could now get. (I turned 40 and my present was to take over a portion of the basement for brewing--including getting what was needed for this.) I just drank an IPA using this method and loved it.

Thanks for listening and for your opinions and help!!

 

[MercMan]

Thanks, BigFloyd and Wilserbrewer,

I've resigned my self to a less aggressive idea of just having the controller and element.

The two controllers I'm looking at are:

1. http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/me...de=W&Product_Code=EB-240V&Category_Code=CNTRL $220 for a basic controller

2. http://www.highgravitybrew.com/ProductCart/pc/Electric-Kettle-Controller-269p3084.htm $250 for basic

Both of these just controller the element with no monitoring of temp and neither have control of a pump.

The next controller from highgravity is this and it would allow for a pump (but still no temp monitoring): http://www.highgravitybrew.com/ProductCart/pc/EBC-II-with-Infinite-Power-Control-269p3073.htm $300



I haven't really ever thought of or used a pump, but just now after viewing the eBIAB system at HighGravity, it looks pretty cool.

Thanks for your input,

JA

Did you decide which of these to go with?

 

[kenh]

I moved into the basement 2 years ago. It's the best brewing decision I ever made!

 

[Willum]

I moved into the basement 2 years ago. It's the best brewing decision I ever made!

I EBIAB in my Garage, but my Utility sink is in the basement. I am seriously considering running the 220 line to basement and brewing there.

 

[Oddball]

You should check in Pj's diagram thread. You will find what you need there to build one for cheaper than what you will find pre-fabed. That is the way to go really if you have the resources to do it. I am pretty sure there is a biab pid build diagram in the first or second post that pretty much fits the description you gave. That thread really helped me with my build...

Otherwise check this out and see if it is what you are looking for:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200880601044?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[kenh]

Thanks, BigFloyd and Wilserbrewer,

I've resigned my self to a less aggressive idea of just having the controller and element.

The two controllers I'm looking at are:

1. http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/me...de=W&Product_Code=EB-240V&Category_Code=CNTRL $220 for a basic controller

2. http://www.highgravitybrew.com/ProductCart/pc/Electric-Kettle-Controller-269p3084.htm $250 for basic

Both of these just controller the element with no monitoring of temp and neither have control of a pump.

The next controller from highgravity is this and it would allow for a pump (but still no temp monitoring): http://www.highgravitybrew.com/ProductCart/pc/EBC-II-with-Infinite-Power-Control-269p3073.htm $300



I haven't really ever thought of or used a pump, but just now after viewing the eBIAB system at HighGravity, it looks pretty cool.

Thanks for your input,

JA

Which controller did you buy?

 

[helibrewer]

Go here and read through the entire site: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/

They have everything from buy it from them off the shelf to modularized DIY kits and plans including ver detailed parts list. They cover it all and you should be able to get all your answers there.