SS Brewtech Kettle and elements for BIAB

[Jonny Ford]

So, I’m struggling to decide what to do here.

I’d like a 10 or 15 gallon SS Brewtech Kettle for a few reasons:
- kettle quality
- whirlpool port
- covered handles
- etched litre markings

However, the biggest turn off for me is the lack of an electric element or a hole to fit one. I’m not handy with a drill and I’d be pretty worried about ruining an expensive pot if I did want to DIY.

Maltmiller look to do a cutting service for some sizes but their elements are pretty expensive.

I’m also not sure what element wattage I’d need to heat 50 litres of water. Therefore, if I do get a hole cut I might need a bigger (or multiple) element(s) and need more cutting.

The alternative I think I have here is to get either a BrewBuilder High End kettle or TriClamp kettle.

The downsides to this are:
- handles aren’t heat protected in any way
- no whirlpool port on the TC kettle
- TC kettle starts at 70L
- no whirlpool fitting offered by BB (I guess just buy the SSBT one?)
- no Trub dam which from what I’ve read works really well.
- TriClamp is bloody expensive

So, I guess questions and advise I’m looking for here is:

SS Brewtech, High End or TriClamp?
What size element for a 50L+ pot?
Any suggestions on which one to get?
Any good instructions on how to wire an element?

 

[NIGHTSKY BREWING]

Am a panel fabricator for my sins so at first it looks hard to drill stainless steel and is a bit... but it's also not a Volvo rear panel with Boron in it the spot weld drill bit was £50 each and only good for under 100 spotwelds... so use cutting oil ... and a good quality titanium drill slow around 800rpm. Then use or hire a big Q max hole punch...Utube is your friend here.

 

[NIGHTSKY BREWING]

Electrics are not my strong point but Earth the lot then earth again LOL.
A Electric specialist will be along soon

 

[Martybhoy]

I have the 10 gallon kettle and use a 3,000W buffalo induction hob. Would that be an option for you? They're powerful as hell. Would heat 15 gallons no problem.

 

[Jonny Ford]

Thanks, both.

An induction heater would have been perfect but they’re pretty expensive for the Buffallo 3000W.

Around £160/180 is what I was seeing, so similar price to the pot.

Not a bad idea at all though and I probably would have ended up doing that.

However, I managed to get a good deal on a Braumeister 20L with the old controller so I’ve bought that now.

If anyone is looking for one London Beer Lab have some they’re taking offers on.