Plastic Boiling Kettle

[alexacuna]

Anyone used a plastic bucket that store LME from the HBS? I've got one today and i'm either gonna use it as a primary or modify it to boil water for 10g batches. It hold 15 gallons or so.

I have a 1500 watt heat stick, but a few thrifted boiling kettles that i can remove the elements from and install in the sides.

 

[slym2none]

That... does not sound like a good idea.

 

[brewshki]

I wouldn't do that unless you know that the bucket is safe at boiling temperatures. Pretty sure certain chemicals leach out of plastics at high temps

 

[bransona]

*grabs popcorn*

This is either gonna be genius...or hilarious

 

[tracyk]

Maybe use it as a fermentor, but not to boil in.

 

[alexacuna]

Maybe use it as a fermentor, but not to boil in.

deal

 

[estricklin]

This might help you:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=573330

People have been doing it for years, and with pretty good success it would seem.

 

[aeviaanah]

Forget the element just use propane.

 

[ultravista]

Forget the element just use propane.

 

[Wldthang87]

Totally works and works great!!!! I've made one from a YouTube video, I made one last March as a kettle. Used it for a batch or two. And it still serves as a hot liquor tank of sorts for me. This of it was a big kettle. It does get a bit soft at 212F. However I saw the need to upgrade to stainless right away.

 

[alexacuna]

Totally works and works great!!!! I've made one from a YouTube video, I made one last March as a kettle. Used it for a batch or two. And it still serves as a hot liquor tank of sorts for me. This of it was a big kettle. It does get a bit soft at 212F. However I saw the need to upgrade to stainless right away.

Just about setup the installation of the elements. It cost about $12 for all supplies, since the drum was free. Using two 1500w heating elements. I'll do a leak test and a boiling of tap water this weekend to see how it goes.

 

[alexacuna]

45 minutes to get cool tap water boiling with one of the elements installed on 3.5 gallons. Will re-seal and install a second element tomorrow. Planning on adding a spigot to another side. It might be limited to 6.5 gallon batches (or maybe even 5) with the 3000w setup, which is fine.