5 gallon Igloo cooler to HLT

[ajs349]

Since upgrading to a larger MLT I have a 5 gallon Igloo cooler sitting in the garage without a purpose. I'd like to make a HLT but I had a few questions.

I was planning on heating it with a heating element should I be looking for a "screw in" type like these?

Could I then wire it into a RANCO controller and finally a wall outlet?

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

Sounds like you have the right plan. My only concern would be the amount of heat it puts out. Because you're using a plastic cooler, I would be worried about it melting if you place the element within a few inches of the cooler walls. It's been done before though, so it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[freddyb]

Yes, and yes. I did this with my old 10 gallon MLT. It's now a 1440W HLT. I don't see the need to use a temperature controller as the temp doesn't rise all that quickly. Just give it a stir and check the temp periodically and turn it off (unplug it) when you're at your target temperature. You can always drop it down a few degrees by adding some cool water if necessary. I used the stainless steel lock nut from Bargain Fittings with their high-temp o-ring and it doesn't leak. Very happy with this setup.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Yes an electric element will power a cooler HLT nicely...rather than using the ranco, you could put it on a timer...with a bit of trial and error, you will be close or over strike temps and can temper w/ a few ice cubes or cold water.

 

[ajs349]

Thanks guys for the quick responses. I'm going to go out this weekend and see if I could find one at Lowes or Home Depot. If everything works as planned it should be an inexpensive HLT (since I already have the cooler and valve).

 

[Cybershadow]

what size hardware did you use to do this? Is there some sort of "spacer" you can use to keep the heatstick away from the bottom of the HLT?