Need Ideas... Brainstorm

[Eric_Duel]

I've gotten into a dilemma. I had planned on setting up a two-tiered all-grain system. I have three kegs already and I was just about to get to work on it.

Problem is, I don't think I'll be able to use propane burners anymore.

So how do I maintain heating efficiency?

My original setup was going to be a HERMS using the HLT. I can't really use electric stovetop elements because the kegs have a rounded bottom. I don't want any other electric elements to contact wort.

Ideas? Help?

Perhaps thoughts on steam injection?

 

[Orfy]

Problem is, I don't think I'll be able to use propane burners anymore.

Why can't you use the burners?

 

[Eric_Duel]

I'll be moving into a condo this coming year and they're not very fond of propane anything. I'd be brewing indoors and I wouldn't be comfortable with propane inside (it would probably be in the basement).

 

[DeRoux's Broux]

there's not a carport you can brew under? or, they don't allow it out on the driveway???

 

[Orfy]

Give electric ago. Quite a few retailers here sell electric boiling bins for around £60.

 

[Eric_Duel]

Nope, no carport. Not even a driveway at all. The complex is shaped like a U with all the parking in a lot in the middle. I don't really have a backyard either. There is space behind it, but I don't have a backdoor to get to it.

What, pray tell, is a boiling bin?

 

[Orfy]

Check my link.

 

[Eric_Duel]

That does make sense for the HLT. I don't have any problem putting an electric element in straight H2O. I was planning on a recirculating system anyway, so I won't have a burner under the Mash Tun. That just leaves the boil kettle. I'd still like to use the keg because my next largest vessel is only 30qts and I'd like to do 10+ gal batches.

Does having to use electric elements eliminate (tongue twister) the ability to use a keg as a boil kettle? One of my kegs is a euro-style which is shorter and less domed. Perhaps I can flatten the bottom out a bit...

 

[Orfy]

After Christmas I'm thinking of putting a 3kw element in a keg, I was going to put it in the side rather than the bottom.

There are cheaper (From, £12) but look here.
http://www.omega.co.uk/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=VP_VPT&Nav=heaf01
http://www.omega.co.uk/shop/subsectionSC.asp?subsection=F01&book=Heaters