Electric HLT from a cooler?

[Bassius]

Hi Guys,

I've done some googling about making an Electric HLT from a cooler. Although the idea looks really great, I noticed that leaks could be a problem.

What are you thoughts about this? Has any of you figured out a way to prevent it from leaking?

I need my HLT to be heated electrically for the time being as I don't have the money to buy a separate stainless pot (with tap) and to buy a big burner yet.

My boss gave me some coupons from a shop where I can get two of those 5gal coolers for ~75 each so I was planning to buy those and let gravity do its work. Ideally have the top one heat the water with a heating element.

 

[Action]

I just put a 2000w element in a coleman 52 qt. I put an electical box at the end with a light switch. So far so good.
Jack

 

[flamingBurrito]

How has the heating times been with the 2000w element?