Screw Plug Immersion Heater

[bushido]

Doing a build for mon ami. He is working indoors, so it is going to be electric.
Only one small problem. I have always prefered propane, so I have no experience here.
I am going to buy the element from one of these two companies:

hXXp://www.asbheat.com/screw_plug_immersion_heater.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
or
hXXp://www.wattco.com/screwplug-heaters.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Could someone with experience with electric heating of a SS Keg take a look at these elements and give me a recommendation.
Don't care if it is 110 or 220. If the thermostat controlled means I do not need an additional controller, that would be perfect.

Thanks guys, I know this is a pain for you, but very much appreciated

[Hawke]

Your links don't work. You need to replace the hXXp: with http:.
Both those sites sell industrial elements, way overkill for our purposes.
A simple water heater element is all that is needed. Thermostats cycle on/off, this is not good. You need constant heat, therefore, a voltage controller is needed. (Or an element sized for the run phase and a long heatup time)

[bushido]

I didn't know if we could hot link or not Hawke, that is why I XX'ed out the TT's. Some sites frown on hot linking. Couldn't remember the policy here so I was playing safe. So I have to build a controller or just wire it direct with a 220 on/off switch?
I'll do some reading then I guess, or just opt out of the build.
Isn't a water heating element iron coated?

[bushido]

O.K. New question.
Apparently, I can put in a 4500 w element, and just buy a dimmer rated for 5000 w, wire it together and it is good to go. Is this correct? I do not have to wire in resistors and triacs etc?

[Hawke]

In theory yes. Although, large dimmers get very expensive.

[bushido]

O.K.
Thanks alot Hawke. I appreciate your taking the time to answer something that's probably been banged around alot already.
The money I don't care about, but my time is very scarce right now. I would prefere to pay (especially since the bill is being footed) than to spend the time shopping for parts and having to construct elements that I do not really have to.
Take care and have a good night.

[bushido]

Just in case this helps anyone else.
Asked our electrician by e-mail...

"I want to hook up a 4500 or 5000 W hot water heating element to 220V, and I want to be able to control the temp, but I don't want it to cycle on and off.
Can I just hook it up to a 5000W dimmer switch."

His reply...

"You need to use a DPST rheostat. You will just burn out a dimmer."

As you can see, he is a man of few words

Bought one today at an electric motor wholesalers for $42, tax inc.

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