Peco boilers

[Scotbrew]

I’ve seen a number of forum members state they are pleased with their Peco boilers, I’m just wondering how rigid the plastic is when you do a boil? I’m interested in any opinions on the digital control version. Oh yes whilst I’m asking questions- where do I find the GEB,d discount code. I’ve been a kit brewer and want to move to BIAB. Not interested in bigger scale brewing and thought this would a good boiler. Any benefit on something like a Burco with an enclosed element?
Cheers guys.

 

[pms67]

I’ve seen a number of forum members state they are pleased with their Peco boilers, I’m just wondering how rigid the plastic is when you do a boil? I’m interested in any opinions on the digital control version. Oh yes whilst I’m asking questions- where do I find the GEB,d discount code. I’ve been a kit brewer and want to move to BIAB. Not interested in bigger scale brewing and thought this would a good boiler. Any benefit on something like a Burco with an enclosed element?
Cheers guys.

My 30l Burco with enclosed element boils away a treat, sure you can get it for £72 online and it’s not plastic!
Not sure it hold 30l though,will check one day

 

[foxbat]

I’ve seen a number of forum members state they are pleased with their Peco boilers, I’m just wondering how rigid the plastic is when you do a boil?

Just as rigid as when it's cold. It doesn't go soft if that's what you mean.

I’m interested in any opinions on the digital control version.

The digital peco is essentially a 32 litre fermenter with a tap, kettle element, thermometer and external control box. Having the control box external fixes the earlier design flaw of fixing a box of electronics on to the side of a bucket of 100C boiling wort. Who'd have thought that'd be a problem?

I like my Peco because it's simple and easy to modify if needs be. I paid less than �£60 for the older version at my LHBS, used it as-is for about a year then built my own digital control box for about a tenner. I also have a spare element on hand (they're just standard kettle elements) in case it packs up.

It benefits greatly from external insulation and if you're using the version with the external controller you can just wrap an old sleeping bag around it without having to worry about overheating electronics.

You have to remember to clean the element and tap thoroughly after each use and over time the hops will stain the plastic green but overall I recommend it even though you could build your own very cheaply.

 

[chesters-mild]

I have the digital Pico and it works fine for me, adding temporary insulation (I wrap a doubled bath sheet around it) during the boil works very well, gets 28 lit to a rolling boil and the plastic will not distort, yes it will stain over time and you must clean the element and tap carefully - but that's true of any kettle type boiler. I'm up to my 8th or 9th brew in it now, just ordered the SS false bottom from get er brewed so will report on that in the future. The digital control is great for strike water, I use a mash tun BTW, and is also good for monitoring the temp. pre and during the boil.
Cheers

 

[Thumper]

I was going to build myself a boiler, and then remembered that Christmas is coming up... So I'm going to ask for a peco and hope that Santa is nice to me :)

Plan in buying a false bottom and an immersion chiller and moving to BIAB.

 

[Scotbrew]

Thank you very much for peoples input here. This has all been very helpful for me to consider my purchase. @Thumper - funny you should mention the feastive season as this was my thoughts too. Beats more socks or something else I don't need. There will be a lot of surprise in our house when for the first time in years I suggest what I'd like for christmas :lol:

 

[Thumper]

@Scotbrew It might mean I don't get my annual bottle of malt, but I suppose sacrifices must be made! :)

 

[AdeDunn]

I don't like mixing hot liquids and plastics, or trust the DIY nature of Peco boilers (they seem to be mostly botched together by the suppliers). So went with an ACE boiler/mash tun, currently £120 on ebay (including DPD next day shipping, quite literally they shipped 10 minutes after I ordered, it came the next day).

Digital heat control (a combined digital thermostat and thermometer, controlled by a jog dial), manual timer, 2 elements with individual switches (so you can use 1 x 900 watt, 1x 1600 watt, or turn both on together for 2,500 watts). Hop filter, false bottom, grain bag...... When you add on the bits and bobs you still need to buy it isn't any cheaper. Oh and purpose built, not a DIY job.

The only con is they're only 30 litres.

 

[pms67]

I doubt they are “botched together”
Surely they must meet a British standard?

 

[AdeDunn]

I doubt they are “botched together”
Surely they must meet a British standard?

Like the pot stills they sell do you mean? :lol: Which apparently are just ornamental......

Some of them have "Needs to be assembled, we recommend you get an electrician to do this for you" in the description. This basically means that you are buying a plastic bucket (with holes), an element, a controller and a cable with a plug on it. All of which individually meat British safety standards. If they assembled them at their end though the combined product would need to meet standards too, so they ship them in parts form. Quite a few of the folks selling electric stainless steel stock pots do the same thing. They still FEEL to me like something cobbled together from parts not actually designed for the purpose.

There are sellers who are getting them properly assembled and inspected certainly. But it still stands that by the time you spend £100 on one with digital control, £10 to £20 for a grain bag, then money on a false bottom, you've spent more than the cost of an ACE boiler anyway. :lol:

The plastic thing is just me. There's no evidence that polypropylene leaches anything ever. There was a time though they thought the same about polycarbonate... What can I say, I'm paranoid.

 

[Alside101]

Had my peco for 2 years now and iv never had a problem with it. I started with using it for extract brews then built a mash tun and now do ag with no problems