9 replies to this topic

[CaptRon]

After my last brew which was the first on my Grainfather I realized that I really need to have a self heated HLT instead of my current system of a Rubbermaid cooler.

 

My Grainfather connect bundle came with the original controller as an extra.  So I want to use that controller along with a heating element and have a couple of questions.

 

1) Do I really need a stainless element being all I'm doing is heating water?

2) Is something like a 1000w enough or do I need to get as close to 2000w as I can?  I'm worried about available power until I get my electrical panel in place and have a dedicated circuit put in, maybe even a 220v.  

3) I'm thinking my 7 gallon stainless pot is good enough for anything I'm doing in the grainfather?  Or would I need to use my 15.5 gallon keggle?  

4) Placement of the element.  I've seen everyone seems to install it on the side.  I'm thinking of installing it on the bottom of the pot so it sticks up vertical.  I think it might be more efficient that way.  Thoughts?

 

 

 

Thanks!

[HVB]

After my last brew which was the first on my Grainfather I realized that I really need to have a self heated HLT instead of my current system of a Rubbermaid cooler.

 

My Grainfather connect bundle came with the original controller as an extra.  So I want to use that controller along with a heating element and have a couple of questions.

 

1) Do I really need a stainless element being all I'm doing is heating water?

No, I used regular ones for years and added silicone to them.  I now use all SS so I do not need to worry about the chance or rust.  SS is not that much more these days and a lot of places have them. 

 

2) Is something like a 1000w enough or do I need to get as close to 2000w as I can?  I'm worried about available power until I get my electrical panel in place and have a dedicated circuit put in, maybe even a 220v.  

I would try and go with a 1500w element if you are staying on 120v.  This is a nice SS one for 19

 

3) I'm thinking my 7 gallon stainless pot is good enough for anything I'm doing in the grainfather?  Or would I need to use my 15.5 gallon keggle?  

SS pot or even a cooler will work.

 

4) Placement of the element.  I've seen everyone seems to install it on the side.  I'm thinking of installing it on the bottom of the pot so it sticks up vertical.  I think it might be more efficient that way.  Thoughts?

 

I would not do it that way.  If you have an issue and you are leaking water you can dry fire the element and cause other issues.  I would mount it on on the side a couple inches from the bottom.  Stir the pot to avoid any stratification that will occur.

 

If you do not want to cut a hole and mess with the pot something like this would work, but they come with a price. 

 

 

Thanks!

[djinkc]

I'm using whatever what the cheapest at the hardware store when I built mine.  Brew kettle has incoloy.  Horizontal and you won't have to worry about where you set the kettle.  I would use the highest watt element that your circuit can handle unless time isn't important.  

[HVB]

1000 watts 60*-160* will take about 93 minutes

 

1500 watt 60*-160*  will be about 62 minutes.

[CaptRon]

1000 watts 60*-160* will take about 93 minutes

1500 watt 60*-160* will be about 62 minutes.

I was thinking about using the grainfather to preheat the hlt water using the delayed start feature, transferring it to the hlt and using that to finish up and hold temp at 170. Then maybe if/when I get 220v circuit to get a bigger/badder element like a 5000w or something.

[HVB]

What are you planning to use for a controller for this?

[CaptRon]

What are you planning to use for a controller for this?

Well while I'm on 120v, the grainfather original controller

[HVB]

Well while I'm on 120v, the grainfather original controller

I missed the part that you had another controller as part of the package.  Before you decide on a wattage you should see what that controller is rated for.

[CaptRon]

I missed the part that you had another controller as part of the package.  Before you decide on a wattage you should see what that controller is rated for.

Dude, will you stop making sense already!  

 

 

Seriously though, probably a good idea.  lol

[HVB]

Dude, will you stop making sense already!  

 

 

Seriously though, probably a good idea.  lol

Sorry!!