Which element controller to build?

[Steveg229]

I am finally switching over to electric brewing. I am starting pretty basic for now so I can get brewing in the basement quickly. I only want to setup an electric boil kettle for now and will be mashing in the coleman extreme cooler. I will be running 220v into a 50A spa panel. I have a 10 gallon boil kettle and a 5500w heating element. What is the best basic element controller to build? SSVR with potentiometer? pwm with ssr? I will probably go the PID route later with a completely different setup. Just looking for a knob to adjust the boil rate.

suggestions and part lists?

I have read thru many threads and can't decide which one to build??

 

[augiedoggy]

a pid with ssr would be better for a HLT or mash temp control.. for the BK all you need is a ssvr unless you want to set the temp to like 209 and have an alarm go off to prevent boil overs.

 

[Steveg229]

I am going to go that route. Placed my order. Thanks.

 

[MrBaloo]

Yup, doing the same thing.. I saw a kit at still dragon for $40 with enclosure.. prob going that route.

 

[Steveg229]

Ordered the kit from still dragon as well. Hoping to start on the project this week. Just need to get over to home depot to pickup all of the other stuff.