Which elements?????

[london_lhr]

Hi all,
I have read quite a lot about heating elements for the HLT and the boiling tun.
Varied views are offered regarding the use of kettle elements etc.
I also read on this forum that 5.5kW heating element is too much for a 23L brew.
I am thinking of fitting a 3.5kW heating element to my boil tun as well as a 5.5kW heating element.
When brewing 23L (5G) use the 3.5kW element and when brewing 46L (10G) or more, use the 5.5kW element. Would a 3.5kW element be sufficient for 10G and larger brews?
Both elements will be fitted to the tun but only one plugged in at a time.
This would also mean that I have a backup element for the boil in case an element fails.
I have a spur from my consumer unit that will handle 30 Amps so the electric supply is not a concern.
Or is this total overkill?????????

Thanks.

Barry.

 

[Fil]

YES overkill..

2 x 2.5-3kw will be ample boilling power i have 1 x 2.4kw and 1 x 3kw elements fitted to a 98l pot which needs a bit of throtteling back when boiling down 80L

 

[london_lhr]

Would one 3.5kW element do the trick?
Or do you need a bit of a boost when boiling larger batches?

Barry.

 

[Fil]

i had 3kw in a 67l hlt, it would boil but remove the lid and u loose the boil. not a prob in a hlt but not good enough for a boiler.

fitting 2 elements has other benefits too with a smaller volume brew u can use 2 elements to bring the boil up quickly and switch one off to maintain the boil, if an element packs up u still have power and the brewday isnt wasted. and for most of us allows us to use lower power elements plugged into a standard domestic ring with 13a plugs, afaik 3kw is about the limit of a 13a plug/socket..

Also higher power elements will have a higher watt density, a higher watt density can scorch the wort,
a 3kw element with a 2ft length of heating tube will have double the watt density of a 3kw element with a 4ft heating tube.. Low watt density is what u want..

 

[Cactus]

I've gone with a single 2.4kw / 10 amp backer element in the hlt and 2 of those in the boiler.

Both 50ltr stainless bergland pots. I use both elements on the boiler to get to the boil then part cover the top and use a single element. This was in the garage with temps around 8c.

2 elements are too much of a boil and boil off rate was excessive as a result. Single element without covering and outside temp was too little. Ymmv though.