What Have I Done to My Kettle Element?

[Sloobie]

I seem to have discolored my stainless steel kettle element after brewing today. The element generally builds a load of scaling during the boil, so I threw some excess star-san solution at it (25ml in 10L). This isn't the first time I have done this, but this time it seems to have caused some kind of oxidation reaction? The element used to be the color of the drain valve at the corner of the photo. I have used the kettle 20-30 times and never noticed a discoloration like this until now.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Any ideas what reaction caused it? Any potential toxins here? Any ideas would be great! Thanks!




(The Star-San solution was sitting below the level of the drain valve.)

 

[BBBF]

You stripped the zinc coating off the copper element. There is nothing to be concerned about.

 

[augiedoggy]

Yup it comes off in a short period of time regardless nothing to worry about.

 

[cilestiok]

I seem to have discolored my stainless steel kettle element after brewing today.

I believe this is where your confusion is coming from. Your element was not stainless.

 

[Finlandbrews]

Don't use Star San with copper.