Boiler Questions

[Rottweiler22]

Hi all, I have a few questions regarding All-Grain boilers. It's been a little project for the college holidays, to convert to AG brewing, & so far I've built the mash-tun.

1) I was wondering if a home-made boiler from a FV & a kettle element, would be more cost-effective than a Burco style boiler ? (The one I fancy is a Buffalo 30L for £105).

Money isn't really an issue, but like most people I don't really want to pay £100 for something I can make for less than £30, if you get my drift

2) Would a single kettle element be capable of boiling 5 gallons of wort, if a FV boiler would be better ? (Time is no issue, but our home electrics are very dodgy, I wouldn't like to risk running 2 elements on it :cry:

Anyone's advice is greatly appreciated :)

 

[will_raymo2000]

Hi all, I have a few questions regarding All-Grain boilers. It's been a little project for the college holidays, to convert to AG brewing, & so far I've built the mash-tun.

1) I was wondering if a home-made boiler from a FV & a kettle element, would be more cost-effective than a Burco style boiler ? (The one I fancy is a Buffalo 30L for £105).

Money isn't really an issue, but like most people I don't really want to pay £100 for something I can make for less than £30, if you get my drift

2) Would a single kettle element be capable of boiling 5 gallons of wort, if a FV boiler would be better ? (Time is no issue, but our home electrics are very dodgy, I wouldn't like to risk running 2 elements on it :cry:

Anyone's advice is greatly appreciated :)

Hello!

I built a very effective boiler using a 33L plastic FV and a pair of cheapy ASDA elements. Brought 24/25L to the boil in 30mins or so. The alternative to this, slightly safer too, is to locate a stainless keg or stockpot (from ebay) and install the value elements or some pigtail elements.

I have chosen the keg + pigtail elements option. Kegs were free from a mate and 25quid for the pigtail elements from the heating element company. I am just using one element on this design as its 3kW instead of the 2.4kW of the budget elements.

 

[BigYin]

lucky you, if money is no object :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I'd certainly advice building your own, and if you can afford to, go stainless and shiny :thumb:

That said, yes, a plastic fv and a single element will do the job - it'll take a bit longer to reach the boil than with two, but it WILL work :thumb: :drink:

 

[Runwell-Steve]

My question would be where are you planning to brew, if it's in a shed, or outdoors or in a garage or outbuilding I would be very tempted to look at heating with Gas.

I have electrical challenges in my house, therfore I went down the Gas route, and brew in the garage.

Of course if you do decide on the gas route a shiny pan is your only option.

 

[jampot]

If you go down the buffalo route, go for the 40 litre one..

 

[Rottweiler22]

Thanks dor the advice everyone :)

I think I'll go on the search for a stockpot or two ( eBay, boot-sales, freecycle. Etc)

Wiring up a kettle element's not hard, so I should be OK with that

My question would be where are you planning to brew, if it's in a shed, or outdoors or in a garage or outbuilding I would be very tempted to look at heating with Gas.

I have electrical challenges in my house, therfore I went down the Gas route, and brew in the garage.

Of course if you do decide on the gas route a shiny pan is your only option.

I'll do all of the brewing in our barn. It's got running water & drains, as well as power. I'll have to have a look at gas, but i know one element will run on our mains.

 

[mattybabsy]

hi there

I too am considering going over to AG

I am going to get a pot off ebay. it's £45 for a 50l ss pot with a lid.

an incredible deal even if i buy a gas burner for it

 

[WelshPaul]

I just use a 30l stockpot on my kitchen stove...