Best element for electric brewing setup

A spot to talk general homebrew
User avatar
Jimmy
Site Admin Award Winner
Site Admin Award Winner
Posts: 6984
Joined: Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:35 pm
Location: Halifax, NS

Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by Jimmy » Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:12 pm

Prepare to be bombarded with electric brewery questions :lol:. I'm putting them in separate threads for future searches of the same topic on the site.

Is there an consensus on the best element to use for an electric setup? I was thinking I'd go with the 5500w Camco:

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-02963-Screw ... B000BPG4LI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Any reason not to, is there a better choice?

User avatar
jtmwhyte
Verified User
Verified User
Posts: 1934
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:21 pm
Name: Trevor Whyte

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by jtmwhyte » Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:38 pm

I use the uhwd version and love it. It's a beast!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Nova Prime Taproom
Tap 1: Festa Brew Scotch Ale
Tap 2:
"Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chamber of my brain -
Quaintest thoughts - queerist fancies
Come to life and fade away;
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today." ~ Poe

User avatar
LiverDance
Award Winner 6
Award Winner 6
Posts: 4013
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 4:50 pm
Name: Brian
Location: Sprybeeria

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by LiverDance » Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:41 pm

Jimmy wrote:Prepare to be bombarded with electric brewery questions :lol:. I'm putting them in separate threads for future searches of the same topic on the site.

Is there an consensus on the best element to use for an electric setup? I was thinking I'd go with the 5500w Camco:

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-02963-Screw ... B000BPG4LI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Any reason not to, is there a better choice?
That's what I use and its great
"Twenty years ago — a time, by the way, that hops such as Simcoe and Citra were already being developed, but weren’t about to find immediate popularity — there wasn’t a brewer on earth who would have gone to the annual Hop Growers of American convention and said, “I’m going to have a beer that we make 4,000 barrels of, one time a year. It flies off the shelf at damn near $20 a six-pack, and you know what it smells like? It smells like your cat ate your weed and then pissed in the Christmas tree.” - Bell’s Brewery Director of Operations John Mallet on the scent of their popular Hopslam.

User avatar
RubberToe
Award Winner 13
Award Winner 13
Posts: 3743
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:47 am
Name: Rob
Location: Dartmouth
Contact:

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by RubberToe » Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:57 pm

For a kettle that's pretty much the one to get, ULWD, etc. It's what most of the electric gang uses. Some people get the 4500W one instead. I run the 5500W and run it from 60-100% when in manual mode depending on what I'm doing.
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter

User avatar
mr x
Mod Award Winner
Mod Award Winner
Posts: 13764
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 5:30 pm
Location: Halifax/New Glasgow

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by mr x » Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:58 pm

I scoured ebay for 4700w stainless cartridge heaters. They kick ass.
At Alexander Keith's we follow the recipes first developed by the great brewmaster to the absolute letter. :wtf:

User avatar
GuingesRock
Award Winner 20+
Award Winner 20+
Posts: 5190
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 2:26 pm
Name: Mark
Location: Wolfville, NS

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by GuingesRock » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:00 pm

The Blichmann one is available in March. That one looked really good to me, but I don't know anything about them. I was sort of thinking I might get one when they do come out.

http://www.blichmannengineering.com/new ... oming-soon" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Last edited by GuingesRock on Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:02 pm, edited 2 times in total.
-Mark
2nd place, Canadian Brewer of the Year, 2015
101 awards won for beers designed and brewed.
Cicerone Program - Certified Beer Server

User avatar
mr x
Mod Award Winner
Mod Award Winner
Posts: 13764
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 5:30 pm
Location: Halifax/New Glasgow

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by mr x » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:01 pm

Forgot about that one, looked good too....
At Alexander Keith's we follow the recipes first developed by the great brewmaster to the absolute letter. :wtf:

User avatar
Jimmy
Site Admin Award Winner
Site Admin Award Winner
Posts: 6984
Joined: Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:35 pm
Location: Halifax, NS

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by Jimmy » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:12 pm

GuingesRock wrote:The Blichmann one is available in March. That one looked really good to me, but I don't know anything about them. I was sort of thinking I might get one when they do come out.

http://www.blichmannengineering.com/new ... oming-soon" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I was thinking about that but don't know much about it. I'm assuming it will only come in the sizes for the blichmann pots, no clue on how expensive it will be, etc.

User avatar
Jimmy
Site Admin Award Winner
Site Admin Award Winner
Posts: 6984
Joined: Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:35 pm
Location: Halifax, NS

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by Jimmy » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:13 pm

mr x wrote:I scoured ebay for 4700w stainless cartridge heaters. They kick ass.
What's the benefit, other than it being stainless?

User avatar
GuingesRock
Award Winner 20+
Award Winner 20+
Posts: 5190
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 2:26 pm
Name: Mark
Location: Wolfville, NS

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by GuingesRock » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:18 pm

Jimmy wrote:
GuingesRock wrote:The Blichmann one is available in March. That one looked really good to me, but I don't know anything about them. I was sort of thinking I might get one when they do come out.

http://www.blichmannengineering.com/new ... oming-soon" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I was thinking about that but don't know much about it. I'm assuming it will only come in the sizes for the blichmann pots, no clue on how expensive it will be, etc.
YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 5mtSpVAuh8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
-Mark
2nd place, Canadian Brewer of the Year, 2015
101 awards won for beers designed and brewed.
Cicerone Program - Certified Beer Server

User avatar
canuck
Award Winner 6
Award Winner 6
Posts: 1960
Joined: Wed Mar 07, 2012 11:54 am
Name: Shane
Location: Quispamsis, NB
Contact:

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by canuck » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:24 pm

I purchased four of the 14" 5500w 430 stainless elements from Brewmation and certainly no complaints so far.

http://brewmation.com/Heating_Elements.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

User avatar
mr x
Mod Award Winner
Mod Award Winner
Posts: 13764
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 5:30 pm
Location: Halifax/New Glasgow

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by mr x » Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:48 pm

Easy to clean. Easier install afaiac.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
At Alexander Keith's we follow the recipes first developed by the great brewmaster to the absolute letter. :wtf:

User avatar
dexter
Verified User
Verified User
Posts: 994
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:59 am
Name: Phil
Location: Halifax

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by dexter » Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:02 pm

GuingesRock wrote:
Jimmy wrote:
GuingesRock wrote:The Blichmann one is available in March. That one looked really good to me, but I don't know anything about them. I was sort of thinking I might get one when they do come out.

http://www.blichmannengineering.com/new ... oming-soon" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I was thinking about that but don't know much about it. I'm assuming it will only come in the sizes for the blichmann pots, no clue on how expensive it will be, etc.
YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 5mtSpVAuh8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So they're guessing that an average home brewer will spend 575 on a controller, 200$ on a coil, 150 for the rocket and 120$ for the hop rocket? How much is the average one being done home made? I'm assuming its substantially cheaper?

User avatar
Jimmy
Site Admin Award Winner
Site Admin Award Winner
Posts: 6984
Joined: Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:35 pm
Location: Halifax, NS

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by Jimmy » Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:07 pm

dexter wrote:So they're guessing that an average home brewer will spend 575 on a controller, 200$ on a coil, 150 for the rocket and 120$ for the hop rocket? How much is the average one being done home made? I'm assuming its substantially cheaper?
I don't know the exact cost, but I'm actually surprised that the controller and coil aren't more expensive. I wouldn't be able to build it myself, so I wouldn't mind spending that much on the blichmann gear.

User avatar
dexter
Verified User
Verified User
Posts: 994
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:59 am
Name: Phil
Location: Halifax

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by dexter » Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:14 pm

Jimmy wrote:
dexter wrote:So they're guessing that an average home brewer will spend 575 on a controller, 200$ on a coil, 150 for the rocket and 120$ for the hop rocket? How much is the average one being done home made? I'm assuming its substantially cheaper?
I don't know the exact cost, but I'm actually surprised that the controller and coil aren't more expensive. I wouldn't be able to build it myself, so I wouldn't mind spending that much on the blichmann gear.
In the video he mentioned guestimated prices. I see most homebrewers as creatively frugal bunch and have a tendency to make things rather than buy them, I couldn't make it either but I would also love to be able to justify ~1300$ on beer gear.

User avatar
Keggermeister
Verified User
Verified User
Posts: 1143
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 6:50 pm

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by Keggermeister » Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:29 pm

mr x wrote:Easy to clean. Easier install afaiac.
How do you have them installed through the keg wall? I don't see any threads on them.
Some sort of compression fitting? Heat Stick?

User avatar
mr x
Mod Award Winner
Mod Award Winner
Posts: 13764
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 5:30 pm
Location: Halifax/New Glasgow

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by mr x » Wed Jan 22, 2014 7:04 pm

Compression fitting. If i was to start over, I would have done it heat stick style. There's an old thread here somewhere with links to a sweet setup.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
At Alexander Keith's we follow the recipes first developed by the great brewmaster to the absolute letter. :wtf:

User avatar
GuingesRock
Award Winner 20+
Award Winner 20+
Posts: 5190
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 2:26 pm
Name: Mark
Location: Wolfville, NS

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by GuingesRock » Wed Jan 22, 2014 7:07 pm

dexter wrote:
Jimmy wrote:
dexter wrote:So they're guessing that an average home brewer will spend 575 on a controller, 200$ on a coil, 150 for the rocket and 120$ for the hop rocket? How much is the average one being done home made? I'm assuming its substantially cheaper?
I don't know the exact cost, but I'm actually surprised that the controller and coil aren't more expensive. I wouldn't be able to build it myself, so I wouldn't mind spending that much on the blichmann gear.
In the video he mentioned guestimated prices. I see most homebrewers as creatively frugal bunch and have a tendency to make things rather than buy them, I couldn't make it either but I would also love to be able to justify ~1300$ on beer gear.
I think the cost is supposed to be $200 for the coil and $575 for the controller = $775. A simple justification argument ...brewing isn’t a very expensive a hobby, especially if you compare to people who have skidoos, 4-wheelers, Harleys, Yachts and the like. :)

It’s probably better to get something that will be fully functional at the outset and that you’ll be happy with. If you get something that isn’t what you want and end up upgrading, it might cost more in the long run. Time/labour is also something to factor in.
-Mark
2nd place, Canadian Brewer of the Year, 2015
101 awards won for beers designed and brewed.
Cicerone Program - Certified Beer Server

User avatar
jeffsmith
Verified User
Verified User
Posts: 4922
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:18 pm
Name: Jeff Smith
Location: Amherst, NS
Contact:

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by jeffsmith » Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:37 pm

dexter wrote:
Jimmy wrote:
dexter wrote:So they're guessing that an average home brewer will spend 575 on a controller, 200$ on a coil, 150 for the rocket and 120$ for the hop rocket? How much is the average one being done home made? I'm assuming its substantially cheaper?
I don't know the exact cost, but I'm actually surprised that the controller and coil aren't more expensive. I wouldn't be able to build it myself, so I wouldn't mind spending that much on the blichmann gear.
In the video he mentioned guestimated prices. I see most homebrewers as creatively frugal bunch and have a tendency to make things rather than buy them, I couldn't make it either but I would also love to be able to justify ~1300$ on beer gear.
They're hitting a pretty sweet spot with price. If you look at some of the other pre-assembled electric setups, you're looking at over $2K to get setup.

User avatar
jeffsmith
Verified User
Verified User
Posts: 4922
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:18 pm
Name: Jeff Smith
Location: Amherst, NS
Contact:

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by jeffsmith » Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:39 pm

GuingesRock wrote: Time/labour is also something to factor in.
^ this too. If I had the time I'm sure I could research and build my own element enclosures and panel, but I'd rather spend that time brewing more beer. :mebeer:

User avatar
RubberToe
Award Winner 13
Award Winner 13
Posts: 3743
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:47 am
Name: Rob
Location: Dartmouth
Contact:

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by RubberToe » Wed Jan 22, 2014 9:42 pm

What, it only took me about a year to build mine. :P
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter

User avatar
jeffsmith
Verified User
Verified User
Posts: 4922
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:18 pm
Name: Jeff Smith
Location: Amherst, NS
Contact:

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by jeffsmith » Wed Jan 22, 2014 10:14 pm

RubberToe wrote:What, it only took me about a year to build mine. :P
:lol: Exactly. My goal is to be brewing inside by the time the cold weather hits next fall.

User avatar
GuingesRock
Award Winner 20+
Award Winner 20+
Posts: 5190
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 2:26 pm
Name: Mark
Location: Wolfville, NS

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by GuingesRock » Thu Jan 23, 2014 7:03 am

dexter wrote: I would also love to be able to justify ~1300$ on beer gear.
One I've used before: "It will pay for itself in no time since we won't be buying booze and paying high taxes at the liquor store." :lol:

Is anyone considering forking out for the entire Blichmann system in the video ...RIMS, pump, controller, chiller, boil coil? any arguments for and against?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5mtSpV ... detailpage" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (can't get it to embed)
-Mark
2nd place, Canadian Brewer of the Year, 2015
101 awards won for beers designed and brewed.
Cicerone Program - Certified Beer Server

User avatar
GuingesRock
Award Winner 20+
Award Winner 20+
Posts: 5190
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 2:26 pm
Name: Mark
Location: Wolfville, NS

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by GuingesRock » Sun Jan 26, 2014 11:26 am

Would this be of any use? http://www.homebrewsupplies.ca/product/ ... heater-15/

Cheap, no installation, easy to clean, 2200W, 110 V (needs 20A outlet), can be moved from one pot to another, has a thermostat so doesn't need a controller, has ground fault interrupter in plug.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
-Mark
2nd place, Canadian Brewer of the Year, 2015
101 awards won for beers designed and brewed.
Cicerone Program - Certified Beer Server

User avatar
jtmwhyte
Verified User
Verified User
Posts: 1934
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:21 pm
Name: Trevor Whyte

Re: Best element for electric brewing setup

Post by jtmwhyte » Sun Jan 26, 2014 12:05 pm

GuingesRock wrote:Would this be of any use? http://www.homebrewsupplies.ca/product/ ... heater-15/

Cheap, no installation, easy to clean, 2200W, 110 V (needs 20A outlet), can be moved from one pot to another, has a thermostat so doesn't need a controller, has ground fault interrupter in plug.
Looks pretty neat. I'm thinking all of these options are great if you are impatient or unwilling/unable to DIY, but the fact of the matter is I put my controller and kettle element with a thermo kit together for ~$100 (not including the pot, obviously), so I'd be inclined to go that route again as opposed to paying more for the same idea.
Nova Prime Taproom
Tap 1: Festa Brew Scotch Ale
Tap 2:
"Fill with mingled cream and amber,
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chamber of my brain -
Quaintest thoughts - queerist fancies
Come to life and fade away;
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today." ~ Poe

Post Reply

Return to “General Homebrew Discussion”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest