Looking for ready-made heating element + temperature controller kit

[samall415]

I want to add a heating element to my HLT and have a simple temperature controller (with a panel to set the temperature and a temperature probe to measure the temp in my HLT). However, all the research I've done seems to involve buying parts separately and some assembly is required. Electricity isn't my strong suit, so I'm browsing for "pre-made" systems where all I would have to do is drill a hole in my HLT to install the element and could just plug in the controller to a 120V outlet.

Just wondering if anyone knows of something like that. I've seen lots of helpful threads on different controllers, but they involve taking the controller apart so you wire your element or they don't come with an element.

FYI, this is for my HERMS HLT. I use propane to bring the water up to the temperature I want and plan to use the element for getting that perfect mash temperature.

 

[Bowtiebrewery]

Your request is somewhat difficult to answer. There are already pre-made controllers and corresponding elements which you can add on to any system, however it will require some work on your end. Most are 240v systems.
If you are going to drill a hole and put an element in it, check out ebrewsupply: http://www.ebrewsupply.com/complete-heating-element/ $175

http://www.ebrewsupply.com/30a-pid-biab-control-panel-1-element/ $550

For the controller pretty much everything out there that controls it is for a 240v. There is a 120v option I see here:

http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/Temperature-Controller-UNI-STAT-IIa-272p4903.htm $80

You could theoretically use the Blichman Boil Coil:
http://www.highgravitybrew.com/store/pc/BoilCoil-10-Gallon-120V-423p4480.htm $140

However you would have to convert the plug end on this to a regular 3-prong plug end. That technically should all work for you.

 

[dyqik]

The 10 gallon Blichman coil draws more current (18.75A) than that Highgravity controller can supply (13A), so you can't use them together.

The Highgravity $80 option plus a "some assembly required"* BrewHardware Hot Rod with a 1500W element should work for you, if the HERMS coil is large enough to insert the Hot Rod. No drilling holes in the vessel required.

You may find you need to either stir or recirculate the HLT water with a pump to get reliable temperature control. Without that, the temperature will not be consistent across the vessel.

*It's pretty easy, and comes with instructions, and it's no more work than installing any other element, even to a premade hole. You'll need a crimp tool, but that's it for specialist tools.

 

[samall415]

Yeah, sorry, I know this was kind of an ambiguous question, but thank you for the replies.

I have been doing a lot of research on what it would take to install a 120V heating element, and it seems that the easiest way to go (without too much daunting electrical work) is to get a controller like the Highgravity and an immersion heater like the Hot Rod. It's comforting to know that the Highgravity controller comes with instructions. This combination would work well enough, it seems.

I guess I was looking for a whole kit (controller + element) because I wanted to avoid the possibility of making a wiring error and making my whole brewing setup an electrical hazard.

P.S. Yup, I recirculate my HLT water to have a more uniform temperature bath.

 

[dyqik]

It's the hot rod that comes with instructions you need for wiring. Wiring the element really isn't possible to get wrong if you can wire a plug (which you'll need to do on the other end of the cable unless you chop up a 14 guage extension for the cable - probably the cheapest option). Black and white go to each side of the element, green or bare ground to the screw.

Doesn't actually matter which way round you get the black and white wires, the element doesn't care.

 

[Bowtiebrewery]

The 10 gallon Blichman coil draws more current (18.75A) than that Highgravity controller can supply (13A), so you can't use them together.

Shame on me for not checking the draw on that Boil Coil. Thanks for setting that straight. I had made an assumption that it would operate off a 15A circuit.