bonus is in, so I’m looking for ideas (post your pics, equipment, etc) on all electric mash and boil kettles. contemplating getting all my brewing indoors, and looking for recommendations. I’ll be running 220V electric.
Budget:< $2K (negotiable :P)
EDIT: FWIW, just looking for some thoughts and advice on equipment, not financial advice ;D
But back to OP, you can build yourself a nice little E-Brewery for $2k. Notice I said “build yourself”. That $2k would be the parts to build one without a full control box. High Gravity out of Tulsa sells ‘dial type’ switches for electric elements, which would bring down the cost of going electric considerably. Dave Knott is a great guy and will probably be who I go to when I break down and convert the Sabco to electric.
My BK and HLT are electric with Blichmann BoilCoils. I have 1 electric Tower of Power to control them both. I installed some pumps for good measure, but currently only use 1 with any regularity. Ventilation system was probably the trickiest part of brewing inside. DIY hood and a vortex fan vent to the basement window with a snap in removal vent. Mash tun is still a cooler.
Hope this doesn’t ruffle any one’s feathers but, after brewing on one for about 2 years I’d recommend against an all electric system. I never want to brew on one again. Not that I hated it, I just think that the element creates some different flavors with the hops when you are doing IPAs. And if you get any scorching at all the batch is ruined. And it is a PITA to clean the element. Direct fire (or steam) all the way. Now, electric HLT is preferable.
Instant hot water heaters rock, especially if you can get industrial ones that pump out 170-180 degree water. Grain mills that turn grinding grain into a task of minutes are awesome (MM 3.0 is just a friggen kick ass mill.). Spiedel tanks kick ass, so easy to clean and rack and hold an entire batch and easy to carry. These are all the types of upgrades I have made for my 12 gallon home brew system. I like to save time during the brew day. That’s the best way to spend your money IMO.
So then you’re saying using instant hot water heaters and reg kettles vs electric kettles? No feathers ruffled here just looking for ideas and what’s going to work best for me.