Bucket Heater for Elec HLT

[Catt22]

Thanks for the update Catt22! It's always nice to get observational info. Do you think you could easily fit 2 of those in the cooler?

Yes, no problem at all. Keep in mind that running two of these will exceed the load for a typical 15 amp circuit. You would need to run off of two separate circuits unless you happen to have a 20 amp circuit that you can hook up to.

 

[Catt22]

Well, it did reach a boil. Not a roiling boil, but it was boiling for sure. I don't know at what time it reached the boiling point as I was not standing over it when it did, but it was less than five hours for sure. How much less I don't know. I'll give it another test run after I insulate the lid which may not happen for a week or so. I'll post the results when I get to it.

 

[kappclark]

I could see using this to supplement energy when trying to get a full 6 gal boil going on the stovetop.

How long are these things ? Doed it reach all the way to the bottom of a 8 gal kettle, or do u need to dangle them over the side ?

 

[kappclark]

I could see using this to supplement energy when trying to get a full 6 gal boil going on the stovetop.

How long are these things ? Doed it reach all the way to the bottom of a 8 gal kettle, or do u need to dangle them over the side ?

FOLLOWUP:

Just got 2 of these delivered today ... doing a test with 4 gals (simulating what the mashtun might have for a typical 5 G mash)...1 heater in 48 qt Rubbermaid ... started at 44 degrees .. 96 after 1 hour...132 atfer 90 mins

I think this will work fine .. the second heater will be for HLT ...

glad to see that the lights didn't dim when I fired it up !

Next experiment will be how long 2 of these will take to boil 6 gallons ..

What is the best way to regulate if the boil is too vigorous ?

 

[wilserbrewer]

What is the best way to regulate if the boil is too vigorous ?

Sorry Bill, but at that kind of horsepower, I think that is the least of your worries...I predict 2000 watts will make a nice "medium boil" in 6 gallons...will take a while and might help to use the lid to get there.

Just unplug one of two to temper the boil if it is too vigorous.

 

[kappclark]

OK on 2K watt boil...I can be patient !

This is going to be fun.

Just finished getting the 4 gals up to 165..took abt 2.5 hours.. only regret not brewing right now.

not sure I like the smell that comes from the Rubbermaid cooler .. hope that isn't PVC's in the air .. almost like burning rubber smell in the steam ..

May change plan to use stainless for HLT, and transfer to cooler-Mashtun ..the steady 2 hours of heat may be outside the boundaries for the cooler...

Either way, I like the way I can brew safely indoors, without having to drill a hole in my pot or wire up 220 circuit. I have 2 sep 110 circuits in the basement..

 

[willynilly]

If you are able to reach a boil in 6 gallons with 2000W, which I am hesitant to say that you can (no insulation?) Here is the breakdown.

Not including heat loss, after you reach a boil:

970 BTUs required to boil off 1 POUND of water.

2kW is 6,800 BTUs

6,800 BTUs /970 BTUs = 7 pounds

So you will boil off less than a gallon in 1 hour with 2kw.

The problem is that your numbers posted from heating in a cooler show that you are less than 50% eff with the bucket heater trying to heat in the cooler. So it is possible that you will boil off less than .5 gal even with 2kW in the boil kettle due to heat losses.

From 160F to a boil in 6 gallons will require 2500 BTUs, according to your previous numbers posted, this will take 45 min. to accomplish. It will be a simmer when you do get there, and you will boil off .4 gallons in 60 minutes, according to your test #s, no worries about being too vigorous.

To boil off 1.5 gallons in an hour requires 12,100 BTUs of energy. If you are boiling for 60 minutes, this is a MINIMUM of 4kW, or 4000W of energy, for example

 

[kappclark]

Much better setup tonight ... put single bucket heater, fully immersed into a 4 gal SS pot..no lid, no insulation...3.5 gals in the pot (before, the heater was 85% immersed ,)

First hour and up to 147 from 44 ... no smell..heater is a perfect fit for the pot ..

Planning brew day -- maybe a 5 gal ceramic pot for the sparge water (figure I will need abt 4.5 more gals, but maybe we can dip into the brewing acct for a new HLT.

I will let the single heater go until a boil ... update on the time required ..

 

[kappclark]

Max water temp was 191 ... had to go to bed after 3+ hours...one bucket heater will work, but 2 wld be bettter.

insulation will help - can I get the foil insulation at HD ?

 

[willynilly]

I think all of the big box HD stores carry it... it would help to a degree.

 

[kappclark]

New experiment tonight ...

Got the roll of foil insulation at HW store

wrapped the 4 gal pot in reflexix (sp) insulation ... trying to time heat rate to see what improvement there is ...

this time too, I will remember to put the lid on...

Thanks for putting up with my silly experiment, but I do want to give something back for the good of the order..

 

[kappclark]

Temp rose much more quickly, obviously due to insulation...3.5 gals

lid slightly ajar bec of bucket heater,

top temp was 201 after 4 hours ....

1000W *Seems* like alot of watts, but not enough to boil .. call it on the job training. Glad I still have lots of propane !

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

My "bucket heater" is 4000 watt, if I ever finish the silly thing.

 

[Jawbox0]

I love that design! I wish I'd thought of it for my HLT, seems much better than going up through the bottom of my cooler.

 

[kappclark]

Did 2 timers last night for both bucket heaters ..90 mins and came downstairs at 7:30 - had 9 gals in the rubbermaid cooler at abt 177. My only reservation about the process is the lack of vigor in the boil .. I get a boil, but not much compared to the big propane cooker..I still enjoy the QUIET!