Timer for Heating Elements

[Kyle]

Everyone is always looking for ways to cut time from their brew day, so I was wondering if anyone had the idea of installing a programmable outlet or a different controller or something to turn on the heating elements and if so which one would be the would work best?

I currently have a single PID running 2 120v 2000w heating elements with each having their own 20A gfci circuit. Right now when I add room temp water it takes about an hour and 10 minutes to get 15 gallons to strike temperature. I usually like to start my brew day around 9 so I thought it would be cool to have a timer kick on around 8 so I can just get up, shower, feed kids, etc, and when I'm done with that the water should be at temp. Any ideas on this?

 

[jschein]

Yes I have the Grainfather which has a delay. I mash in around 0415 now, right after the first cup of coffee

 

[raysmithtx]

Search for the thread "I love waking up to hot strike water" . I would link to it but this tablet makes it tough to do on the on the mobile app. I have used the technique and it works well.

 

[golfindia]

Just put a lid on the pot and turn it on the night before?

 

[Kyle]

Search for the thread "I love waking up to hot strike water" . I would link to it but this tablet makes it tough to do on the on the mobile app. I have used the technique and it works well.

Just found that thread I will definitely try that. Thanks for the input

 

[dyqik]

Just put a lid on the pot and turn it on the night before?

With a PID controller that's probably safe enough, although SSRs can fail closed. You could also measure and treat the water in the pot the night before, then just quickly flick the switch in the morning to enable the heaters. Should only take a minute, which shouldn't get in the way of doing the other things.

 

[Kyle]

Yeah that pretty much is what happens now. Just one of those things that isn't totally necessary but just added convenience.

Just found one of these that are rated to 20A. Thinking of just plugging in one heating element to kick on about two hours beforehand. Anyone have any experience with this?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008VM6N14/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[raysmithtx]

I like the electronic timers instead of the mechanical ones. This is the one I use. I like being able to program it in advance. I run the output of the timer to a STC1000 which I set to my mash temp, then run the output of the STC to the bucket heater. That way if something happens and I'm not there it will not boil over and run the element dry and thus create a fire hazard.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TGO6RY/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[TexasWine]

Just put a lid on the pot and turn it on the night before?

This ^^^^^ No reason not to do this if you have the equipment to do so.