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
I’m boring when it comes to spending bonuses. The first things that came mind were:
I’m sure you can come with something more fun. :
Paul
+1
I am the same way Paul.
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.
yeah i have buckets for everything; college, emergency, 401k, and the bucket called "Ken’s do whatever the *#%! he wants ".
good info, thanks.
DIY adds the benefit of understanding how it works and how to fix if something is broken. Be sure to consult with an electrician.
I’m using my bonus this year to go on a trip to Belgium. So I would suggest something you have been thinking about doing “if I only had the money.”
Building an electric brewery is not rocket science, but it can be dangerous if one does not understand basic electrical principles.
Exactly. Just a bunch of parts and wires, but it can go south if something is wrong. Having electrician buddies is helpful.
so with electric mash kettle, do you need to install a HERMS coil and pump to circulate wort as you heat it?
found this site-looks like some good information. http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/
Blichmann makes an electric version of their “brew easy” system.
http://www.blichmannengineering.com/products/breweasy
They also sell electric versions of their new G2 kettles.
I don’t have any personal experience with either product.
HERMS is one way to do it. Another is RIMS.
The cheapest way is to just replace the BK and HLT propane burners with electric elements and use your normal mash tun.
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.
I’m leaning towards 3 inline 20gal blichmann electric kettles and adding the herms coil for mash tun. No hurry so exploring at this point.
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.
Big +1 for High Gravity. I’ve known Dave and Desiree for years, judged with them in FOAM Cup, and shopped there many a time back when it was my LHBS.
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Keith- what does that mean?