building a basic boiler

Godsdog · Nov 3, 2016

Hi,ive finally decided to leave kits in the new year and go BIAB all grain,so in the next couple of months can folk link me to where I can get the necessary bits and pieces to build a cheap basic boiler.ive decided on building one after reading reviews on boilers like the electrim because of cutting out issues.first off would using a 33 litre standard fermentation bucket be sturdy enough for doing a boil also what cheapo kettles are any good for scavenging the element,would I need two of them? they need to be of the type that fits a kettle lead and be a straight out and back into a hole in the bucket no faffing about with moderations.any help and tips over the next few weeks will be most welcome
ta

Chippy_Tea · Nov 3, 2016

This may help - http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=49121&highlight=build+boiler

.

Bigjas · Nov 3, 2016

I built my HLT and boiler using 33l FVs and kettle elements from Wilkos value kettles. The buckets I got from eBay and were about 10 each. The kettles were a fiver each. When you take the kettles apart it looks like this

Just take the metal disc out that turns off the switch at boiling point. I used two elements for each boiler and just leaving one on once it's boiling keeps 30l at a nice rolling boil. I have completed 8 brew days with these and no problems at all so far. It's a really cheap boiler but it works for me. These elements have the 3 prongs on them that fit straight on to a kettle lead. I then added a standard lever valve and tank connector. I have since bought a couple more kettles just in case the elements pack up, but not needed them yet. I also had to draw on the graduations with a sharpie.

Jas

yeastinfection · Nov 3, 2016

Erm. As above ...sorry nothing to add to that :grin:

Pjam · Nov 3, 2016

Yep, that's what I did ........ except with a big blue chutney barrel.

Godsdog · Nov 3, 2016

Bigjas said:
I built my HLT and boiler using 33l FVs and kettle elements from Wilkos value kettles. The buckets I got from eBay and were about 10 each. The kettles were a fiver each. When you take the kettles apart it looks like this

Just take the metal disc out that turns off the switch at boiling point. I used two elements for each boiler and just leaving one on once it's boiling keeps 30l at a nice rolling boil. I have completed 8 brew days with these and no problems at all so far. It's a really cheap boiler but it works for me. These elements have the 3 prongs on them that fit straight on to a kettle lead. I then added a standard lever valve and tank connector. I have since bought a couple more kettles just in case the elements pack up, but not needed them yet. I also had to draw on the graduations with a sharpie.

Jas

was the kettles recent purchases and still the same design element for a kettle lead,and how long to get 23 litres up to a boil

yeastinfection · Nov 3, 2016

id use two elements if poss, i have the peco boiler with one, im thinking of fitting a second one to bring it to the boil quicker, seems to take an age to get their. boils ok when it reaches boil though,,

chrisbjones202 · Nov 3, 2016

Hi,
I made one out of a 50l bucket and on a couple of times been lucky to have the extra headroom when it comes to the boil.

I have one people element and one value kettle element. I use both to come to boil and use people for the boil as it's easier to clean but probably 2 value would be OK. Good to have 2 for fast heat up and backup if one fails.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Godsdog · Nov 3, 2016

chrisbjones202 said:
Hi,
I made one out of a 50l bucket and on a couple of times been lucky to have the extra headroom when it comes to the boil.

I have one people element and one value kettle element. I use both to come to boil and use people for the boil as it's easier to clean but probably 2 value would be OK. Good to have 2 for fast heat up and backup if one fails.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

need to ask the question,people element?

Bigjas · Nov 3, 2016

Godsdog said:
was the kettles recent purchases and still the same design element for a kettle lead,and how long to get 23 litres up to a boil

Yes I bought them back in the summer, can't see them changing the design in that time. I have a couple of spare kettles that I bought last week as a back up, I'll look at them at the weekend. I have never timed how long it takes to get to the boil, but I would guess it's under half an hour when both elements are on?

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