Temperature Controllers

[Todd Butts]

Hey all! I need some clarity on the various temperature controllers out there, and how they work exactly.

Let's say I have a Boilcoil in my kettle, and I have that power connected to a Inkbird temperature controller. I set my temp to 212 degrees. Will it shut off and on all the time to keep it at that temp, or will it stay on to keep it at the temp? Of course, the temp probe is in the water.

Specifically, we want to keep a rolling boil of the wort for 60 minutes for example.

If this isn't what people do, what am I missing? Is the Inkbird ITC310 not really the thing to use in this situation?

 

[Ahks]

Itc310 isn't really useful for the high cycle time required to maintain a boil.

Folks typically use a controller that employs a solid state relay (SSR) to switch the current to your element. Auber EZBoil is my personal recommendation for the controller component.

If you aren't in the know or the mood to learn the electrical, Auber also makes some ready made controllers to do specifically this task

 

[Todd Butts]

I knew I was missing something! Thank you so much.

 

[bleme]

The ITC310 is a great choice for things like fermentation chambers (fridges) though.

 

[Bent-Brewer]

It is also very important to use equipment rated for the application. The ITC 310 can handle 220V but is maxed out at 10A.

The Auber ezBoil is very popular, and Auber offers both a plug-and-play option and a DIY kit. Others use PID controllers, and some use a PWM dial (sort of like adjusting a gas stove).