Is this a usable heat stick?

[QuercusMax]

Hmm, good point! I have a couple 5 gallon drink coolers I may try instead.

 

[SmokeyMcBong]

So, as mentioned somewhere above, my heatstick does indeed cycle on and off at the boiling point. Its of no help to my stove in boiling my kettle. I couldn't even get 4 gallons of water to boil today. I'm sure it will still be great to heat and hold sparge and mash water in the coolers with a temp controller but I was hoping for a break during the boil.

I've been looking at the Blichmann boilcoil all afternoon though. A 2000w or 2250w unit would fit into my kettle nicely. Anyone know if either of those electric elements would be able to boil 6 gallons by itself?

 

[Staestc]

I love the idea of using one or more of these with a controller to heat an HLT. I looked them up on Tractor Supply's web site and found they also have this one available
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/allied-precision-2002dp-universal-drain-plug-de-icer

That might have potential with a cooler HLT if you were willing to drill a hole opposite the ball valve bulkhead. But would a 1500W heater in a cooler setup get you to a boil?

 

[b-boy]

That might have potential with a cooler HLT if you were willing to drill a hole opposite the ball valve bulkhead. But would a 1500W heater in a cooler setup get you to a boil?

Just my personal experience, but I don't think I'd be comfortable boiling water in a cooler. Mine makes some funky cracking and popping sounds when I mash out. I'd be worried that a cooler could not handle too much more heat.