Boiler build

[NorfolkBrew]

I'm currently putting together a DIY brewery and am looking into heating elements for my boiler/mash tun, does anyone have any experience with this kind of build?

For my design, I'm basically making a home made grainfather so the vessel will be recirculating my mash water which is being kept to temperature with an element wired into a thermostat, but will also be boiling the wort after mashing.

So my issue is, I need an element that will be powerful enough to boil about 30L but not so powerful that it can't keep a temperature to 67.

I've done some reading and it looks like a 2kw element would do the trick, but some people use 2 of those and some people just use cheapo kettle elements.

Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[Budgie]

I've just installed a 2.4kW element from Brew Builder. It was £33 delivered so a bit more expensive than the tesco kettle route, but it's a big solid looking bit of kit. It also came with a hot condition IEC cable which plugs directly into the back so it's a nice tidy job. (But then if you're wiring into a thermostat that might not be of concern). I've yet to actually do a brew with it but I did a quick test with water once I'd fitted it and it held a good rolling boil. I might upgrade to a second element at some stage to bring wort to the boil sooner and to have a back up incase one fails.

With the addition of a thermostat, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't suit your needs.

 

[NorfolkBrew]

I've just installed a 2.4kW element from Brew Builder. It was �£33 delivered so a bit more expensive than the tesco kettle route, but it's a big solid looking bit of kit. It also came with a hot condition IEC cable which plugs directly into the back so it's a nice tidy job. (But then if you're wiring into a thermostat that might not be of concern). I've yet to actually do a brew with it but I did a quick test with water once I'd fitted it and it held a good rolling boil. I might upgrade to a second element at some stage to bring wort to the boil sooner and to have a back up incase one fails.

With the addition of a thermostat, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't suit your needs.

Ah great thanks for that, do you know the ampage of your new element?

 

[BeerCat]

Funny i had a dream about Raspberry Wheat Beer last night. Will be adding some to my Weissbeer this weekend. Sounds like a great idea.

Please delete this post, no idea how it ended up here sorry!

 

[Budgie]

I'm note sure of the amperage, sorry. It's this element if it helps,
https://www.brewbuilder.co.uk/2-4kw-kettle-elements.html

You could always drop him an email, he usually replies pretty quickly.

 

[airymary]

I think these are good value, and far less hassle than taking out and bodging a kettle element:

http://www.appliancespares-direct.co.uk/kettle-element-ks16-p-1766.html

Plus £3 delivery. They're 2kw IIRC. I secure mine to a s/s boiler with an M40 locknut - just needs a large spanner, not the specialist item the KM8 needs to secure it. AND there's enough extra thread to cover the back with a plastic shroud

 

[strange-steve]

I'm note sure of the amperage, sorry. It's this element if it helps,
https://www.brewbuilder.co.uk/2-4kw-kettle-elements.html

You could always drop him an email, he usually replies pretty quickly.

Divide the power (watts) by voltage to give amperage, so 2400/230 gives 10.4 amps.