What heating element would you use?

[alohashine]

About to start a build for a keg pot still. I have a 15 gal stainless steel keg for a boiler, and a 5 gal keg I want to use as a thumper. What electric heating element would you recommend?
My current setup is a 6 gal copper Appalachian style still. I use a 1500w element that works fine. I know a lot of guys will say 4500w but I don't have access to the big outlet required for that. I'm thinking maybe drill 2 holes in the keg and using 2 elements to bring it up to boil, then cut back to 1 during the run?


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[NZChris]

Two 1500W elements give you the options of running at 3000W, 1500W and 750W, without having to use a controller, plus you can finish a run with a blown element.

[shadylane]

I'd recommend using these https://www.amazon.com/Camco-02933-Scre ... QCQSQNKSC4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
Or this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0183KIU1E/re ... B001RD7MK0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
That way, the boiler can be run on 120 or 240V
What ever you choose, make sure it's made out of incoloy or SS and not zinc plated.

[bluefish_dist]

+1 on the camco stainless elements. They work well and camco even sells them for brewing applications. I use the 4500w on 110 for my fermenters and the 5500's in my stills and mash tun.

[DFitz]

I've changed my elements out just recently.
http://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/e ... ple_tc.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[alohashine]

Two 1500W elements give you the options of running at 3000W, 1500W and 750W, without having to use a controller, plus you can finish a run with a blown element.

How could I run at 750w without a controller?


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[NZChris]

Two 1500W elements give you the options of running at 3000W, 1500W and 750W, without having to use a controller, plus you can finish a run with a blown element.

How could I run at 750w without a controller?

Wire, or switch, two 1500Ws in series.