Any reason to choose 4500 over 5500?

[cbzdel]

With only making 5 gallon batches is the 5500 watt element overkill?

I am set on going 240, because I have an available outlet in the garage.

In a case with a smaller batch if there a reason that a 4500watt would be any more beneficial than a 5500watt?

I am set on the ripple element as it "looks cooler" but I do see the 4500watt is a bit more expensive, but before ordering I just wanted to make sure the 5500 is to TO powerful for what I want to do.

 

[TNugent]

Only reason would be if you need to run a secondary element at the same time for a RIMS or some other use and needed to stay below a certain amps.

5500w @ 240v = ~23a
4500w @ 240v = ~18.75a

 

[jeffmeh]

Yes, the amperage rating of your circuit is the only real consideration. Assuming that you will be using a PID or PWM to regulate the element, bigger is better (time is money).