I used a $15 Space heater. I rewired the fan to run all the time and the heater to run when the controller calls for heat. Works great. I find just the fan running creates heat too.
My setup is still temporary until I fine tune things a bit. Its a HERMS with a separate heat exchanger. I'm using and BCS-460 to control the output temp of the Wort that is being recirculating. It works great for a steady mash temp and a very clear wort. Sucks to raise the temp. If I run...
I had the same Idea of site glass on the boil kettle, but I work in food plant and have to deal with micro issues. I decided not to go with the site glass. Our kill step is at 187 degrees Fahrenheit, I feel that it's not worth the site glass.