Do I need a controller

[johnwpowell]

I’m looking to switch to electric brewing and want to convert my kettle over.

Can’t I just get a 5500watt element and monitor temps myself and turn off when I hit it? That’s what I do now with propane.

Why do I need the SS Brewtech controller?

 

[harry_the_face]

How are you thinking of turning it off? Unplugging, switching the breaker or something else?

 

[augiedoggy]

bad idea. you will want at least something like a stilldragon diy ssvr pot knob controller kit..($40)

 

[mongoose33]

The issue with your idea is that you have only two speeds: full on, and off. That means you have a full-on rolling crazy-mad boil, or nothing.

I brewed today; most of the time during the boil I was at 29 percent power. A controller allows you to fine tune that.

You can do the Stilldragon controller, which is the low end, or go higher. I bought and built the Auber Instruments BiAB panel kit. Happy with it.

That's it on the right:

 

[johnwpowell]

The issue with your idea is that you have only two speeds: full on, and off. That means you have a full-on rolling crazy-mad boil, or nothing.

I brewed today; most of the time during the boil I was at 29 percent power. A controller allows you to fine tune that.

You can do the Stilldragon controller, which is the low end, or go higher. I bought and built the Auber Instruments BiAB panel kit. Happy with it.

That's it on the right:

View attachment 612028

Thanks! I didn’t even think about the ability to adjust the temps!

 

[augiedoggy]

yes a pid lets you dial in and hold a specific temp.(or use it in manual power percentage mode for boil intensity).. you can technically do that with a stilldragon too but it operates more like a burner control on a stove..