Apartment brewing: eBIAB + all-in-a-toolbox system

[Gabrew]

Exactly!

However, with the basket you loose the potential of using more grain (less dead space), but I feel more confident with the use of a basket when having an element at the bottom of the kettle. If you have access to 240V, then go ahead with a larger pot = more possibilities!

 

[mux]

Exactly!

However, with the basket you loose the potential of using more grain (less dead space), but I feel more confident with the use of a basket when having an element at the bottom of the kettle. If you have access to 240V, then go ahead with a larger pot = more possibilities!

Yeah- my current system runs on 240.

 

[Swab]

@themiller: Hope this helps, although all my measurements are in metric --> (max) stike volume is 25L, this leaves me with a pre boil volume of 23L (depending on grain qty). After boil, I end up with 18-19L of wort. Strike temps takes about 30-40mins when using cold tap water (at around 4 degrees C). The boils are good, my evaporation rates are spot on and once the boil starts, I dial down the element output to 85-90% to maintain a good rolling boil.

That does help.. thanks! I'm a cannuck too so it makes more sense to me then gallons .

I tend to go a bit bigger, strike volume 34L, start of boil 28L ending at 23L.. but I could easily dial it down a bit if the 2000W isn't enough.

Now to find a 2000W element locally... I've looked at HD, Home Hardware, etc. in Ottawa but no luck yet.. they all seem to have 1500W (120V) only.

 

[Gabrew]

Yeah, for the element. I had to go online. I used a copper rheem element. Cost around 20 with shipping, which is quite ok considering how hard it is to find stuff here.

 

[Swab]

Yeah, for the element. I had to go online. I used a copper rheem element. Cost around 20 with shipping, which is quite ok considering how hard it is to find stuff here.

Where did you order from? I haven't found a Canadian supplier.

 

[Gabrew]

Ebay.com

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...13&_nkw=rheem+2000W&_sacat=See-All-Categories

 

[tre9er]

There are guys using ULWD elements that report the bag is not affected by contacting them. That's what I've ordered are two 1500W Camco icoloy foldback elements.

 

[iijakii]

Do you just open your windows for ventilation / not worry about the moisture? I've been debating how to solve the ventilation topic. I'm in an apartment as well (making a bigger 240v system though). Don't see how I'd use a big hood. Maybe just rig up a duct to my stand.

 

[tre9er]

Maybe a steam cone, ducted, with inline fan running out window?

 

[iijakii]

Yeah. I've thought about that. Could attach a cone/small hood to my stand, and just have the ducting be removable for when not brewing.

 

[tre9er]

I think klyph had a nice steam cone that was portable. Ducting and an inline fan, done. I may use a bath fan in my basement.

 

[mux]

I think klyph had a nice steam cone that was portable. Ducting and an inline fan, done. I may use a bath fan in my basement.

I tried the bath fan 100 cfm, it couldn't keep up.

 

[tre9er]

I tried the bath fan 100 cfm, it couldn't keep up.

Time for a vortex inline fan...

 

[mux]

Time for a vortex inline fan...

More expensive but well worth it. Also if you use a 4" vortex fan you can duct it with PVC.

 

[Broham1]

So, am I understanding that with this setup, you can theoretically "plug in" at any standard wall outlet? And what is your brew process with this? I'm thinking of getting into eBrewing and your setup has me intrigued!

 

[MalFet]

So, am I understanding that with this setup, you can theoretically "plug in" at any standard wall outlet? And what is your brew process with this? I'm thinking of getting into eBrewing and your setup has me intrigued!

You definitely want to plug into a GFCI outlet, and you need to make sure your circuit has enough capacity (20A with nothing else on it should work), but otherwise...yep!

 

[Broham1]

You definitely want to plug into a GFCI outlet, and you need to make sure your circuit has enough capacity (20A with nothing else on it should work), but otherwise...yep!

Yes, that makes sense and P-J has me sufficiently aware of the gamble without GFCI

It's just an amazing surprise to see that I can actually start brewing electric without waiting to get a dream setup. I could just get a heat stick and do everything manually, but the big draws for me are the control and automation.

It'll still be a while before I've researched enough and gathered parts for this build, but at least it's within grasp and allows for the upgrade without starting over.

 

[mux]

Just Placed an order with brew hardware:
Bulkheads
Cam locks
Sight glass
Tubing

I will build this kettle set up, and use the control panel from my 3 vessel system.

 

[Gabrew]

sounds great!