How to build a 5 gal, 110v eBIAB kettle

[nutty_gnome]

Bravo! The simplicity is truly elegant!

 

[Arrheinous]

Have you given any thought to venting the steam coming off from the boil? I'd like to build a similar setup in my basement but don't want humidity to build up in there.

 

[Disintegr8or]

I use a heavy duty bathroom exhaust fan mounted over the kettle to take care of the steam. It works pretty well.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Have you given any thought to venting the steam coming off from the boil? I'd like to build a similar setup in my basement but don't want humidity to build up in there.

I put a fan in an open basement window, simple, cheap, and easy...and works fine.

 

[Jaimez]

I'm attempting a simular build. I've done the weldless ball valve and i'm about to add 1 element to start. I bought a 1500 watt element at Lowes. I got the PVC, silicone and JB as well. I cant find a 1' shim anywhere. I ordered 2 1" SS locknuts from Bargainfittings but no shim.
I really dont want to have to order a shim online. Is there another way i can ground the ground wire?
Also i still havnt bought the power cord yet. Harbor Freight has some cheep.
This one is rated 13 amps, 16 gauge, 125v, 1625w. Would this work?
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-x-16-gauge-outdoor-extension-cord-8857.html

Thanks!

 

[Disintegr8or]

I'm attempting a simular build. I've done the weldless ball valve and i'm about to add 1 element to start. I bought a 1500 watt element at Lowes. I got the PVC, silicone and JB as well. I cant find a 1' shim anywhere. I ordered 2 1" SS locknuts from Bargainfittings but no shim.
I really dont want to have to order a shim online. Is there another way i can ground the ground wire?
Also i still havnt bought the power cord yet. Harbor Freight has some cheep.
This one is rated 13 amps, 16 gauge, 125v, 1625w. Would this work?
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-x-16-gauge-outdoor-extension-cord-8857.html

Thanks!

You will most likely need the washer (shim) to prevent the element from crushing the o-ring too much when you are tightening everything. I haven't tried it w/o the shim, but that would be my guess. Have you installed it and done a water test?

Check out this build for another grounding option: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/my-biab-rims-e-brewery-can-341267/

His is cleaner and I will be changing to this version when I make my new 10 gallon batch kettle.

As far as the HF cord, 1,500 watts divided by 110 volts = 13.6 Amps, so It'd be cutting it close.

 

[Jaimez]

You will most likely need the washer (shim) to prevent the element from crushing the o-ring too much when you are tightening everything. I haven't tried it w/o the shim, but that would be my guess. Have you installed it and done a water test?

Check out this build for another grounding option: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/my-biab-rims-e-brewery-can-341267/

His is cleaner and I will be changing to this version when I make my new 10 gallon batch kettle.

As far as the HF cord, 1,500 watts divided by 110 volts = 13.6 Amps, so It'd be cutting it close.

Thanks for the reply. So i ended up using an electrical box and i wired a light switch to it. I Drilled a 1" hole in the box and slipped the Element through it and used the SS locknut and O-ring on the inside of the pot. No leaks with 5 gallon of water sitting in it. I surrounded the element with silicone were it meets the electrical box.
Looking back i started to think...Is is necessary to have the O ring on the outside of the pot?

 

[Mirilis]

I am planning on doing this very soon, and Ive been reading other threads about the grounding. I dont have the stuff to silver solder the ground to the pot.. is there any other way to get a good ground for the elements? I will be using a 49qt Jarhill pot and the same elements.

I also thought about putting the silicone ring inside the pot instead of outside and using a different material washer (I cant find stainless ones cheap). Would that work or should I quit trying to be a tight a$$?

 

[wilserbrewer]

The pot needs to be grounded of course, some have drilled a hole in the pot at the top above the wort level and grounded with a small bolt and nut, perhaps a nylon washer on the inside to seal? Idk
Others have clamped or bolted the ground to the kettle handle...IDK?

Regarding the element o ring, if it is inside the kettle, then you will need to seal the threads w Teflon tape...best to have the seal on the outside with the element flange making a seal IMO.


Wilserbrewer
Http://biabbags.webs.com/

 

[tennesseean_87]

I'm looking to do something similar but with a larger kettle, BUT for smaller boils (my thread here). How low (in inches) are you able to mount the elements? I do big mashes and split the runnings into separate boils for different hopping, so I'm worried in a 62 qt. pot I won't be able to do the small boils I'm used to.

 

[LLBrewer]

Has anyone tried mounting the heating element over the rim and down the side, kind of like what they do for the counter top deep fryers?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M39ML76/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I'd like to do some batches in the kitchen but I'm not about to drill any holes in my BK.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Has anyone tried mounting the heating element over the rim and down the side, kind of like what they do for the counter top deep fryers?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M39ML76/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I'd like to do some batches in the kitchen but I'm not about to drill any holes in my BK.

In the world of brewing, that is called a heatstick. There are some DIY methods but nothing nearly as nice as the Hot Rod at Brewhardware.com

http://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/hotrod.htm

 

[tjosborne]

Would this setup work for 10 gallon batches of everything including 50lb grain bill barleywine or imperial stouts? I know the kettle isn't big enough, but is there enough power?