my small footprint 110volt-1500watt system

[pretzelb]

Nice setup and process!

Just a random observation. I've used that type of cart in my shop. For a lot of applications it's better for me to mount the shelf up-side-down and use the bottom as my work surface. That way I don't have the high lip around the edge getting in the way.

Funny you say that because I was thinking having the shelf mounted the way he does it might help to contain spills from the floor!

 

[MrVix]

Funny you say that because I was thinking having the shelf mounted the way he does it might help to contain spills from the floor!

I have an absorbent mat under the MashTun and the Boil Kettle and the top shelf is water tight, so I catch any spillage for easy clean up.

 

[TexasWine]

Do you have any issues running the 1500 watt element with the STC 1000? From what I've read, they're rated for 10 amps. 1500 watts at 120v is 12.5 amps. Seems like you'd fry it.

 

[MrVix]

Do you have any issues running the 1500 watt element with the STC 1000? From what I've read, they're rated for 10 amps. 1500 watts at 120v is 12.5 amps. Seems like you'd fry it.

The digital temp controller switches an SSR which fires the element.

 

[augiedoggy]

Thanks augie,

Would the smoker element still be immersible in water?

I guess it would depend on the elements mounting style... my electric smoker can get pretty humid if I use the water pan so I guess as long as the mounting is watertight it could work... you could also have the base welded and modified fairly cheap.. even JB weld is cmpletely inert and food safe when cured...(not that its an ideal solution for asthetics)
what ever you choose my vote is to keep it ULWD there are a lot of lower wattage stainless cartridge heaters out there for very little $$ you can buy a couple and mount them in one kettle by mounting them is a 1/2" or 3/8" compression fitting. ..just some options.. I used a huge 36" long element in my rims build (link in my sig) works awesome and never any buildup at all.
I just received my new 4500w all stainless ripple ulwd element which was only about $50 with shipping... My old one served me well the last few years but I damaged the base outside the pot and since I made the mistake of epoxying the electrical cover on its non repairable... the base wasnt stainless but never rusted.

 

[augiedoggy]

I don't understand the fascination with the boil coil and fail to see how it is superior to a water heater element at 10% blingmann prices?

I'm so glad someone else sees this..I think its just the name that many are attracted too..(I'm not saying this is the case here)
blichmann likely just has some company who makes fryer or smoker elements make the boil coil for pennies on the dollar... they are WAAAY over priced for what it is and they have no real benefit for the cost over an ULWD ripple... Blichmann makes some cool stuff but its mostly overpriced for what it is and does... but saying you have "Blichmann" kettles is on par with having a Porsche in the garage it seems to many...

 

[augiedoggy]

The digital temp controller switches an SSR which fires the element.

how the timing? does the stc respond quickly enough? the processor slows the temp readout refresh rate way down and it was my understanding they had so much of a time delay built in to protect the mechanical relays? unless you loaded alphas stc 1000+ firmware on it? I didnt read through the thread but if your just using it in a basically "always on" supplemental heating application then it wouldnt matter since it wouldnt be using the stc as anything more than an on switch.

 

[Egas1949]

Yeah, I have no intention of paying for a blichmann boilcoil just trying to approximate the element geometry.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Yeah, I have no intention of paying for a blichmann boilcoil just trying to approximate the element geometry.

Just curious, what is so appealing about the BC geometry?

 

[fuzzy2133]

Just curious, what is so appealing about the BC geometry?

It is curved/arched to follow the inside diameter of the kettle.

 

[steveoatley]

It is curved/arched to follow the inside diameter of the kettle.

And that means you can drop a IChiller right down in the middle of it.

Thats why i want one

S

 

[Egas1949]

I wonder if you could use a dishwasher heating element. Many of the models use circular elements that could be fit to the dimensions of a kettle. Just a matter of connecting it properly, and I think some people on the boards have managed to do that with water tight cable glands or some such.

 

[timpoulsen]

I've been working on a similar project for about a year. Seems like whenever I have time to finish it, the weather is too nice and the Harley calls me away. Great job, looks like I need to get my arse in gear. It will be nice to have all my paraphernalia stored on one mobile cart to just wheel into the kitchen to brew.

 

[MrVix]

Looks good Tim..! Dont forget to post some pics of the finished project!