Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

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T-Boon
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Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by T-Boon »

Question about Chinese 2inch Tri clamp heating elements. Is there such a thing as too cheap. Thinking 2 3kw+ elements and controller.

$36 NZD delivered
NZ$ 36.29 15%OFF | LJXH 2"Tri-clamp(OD63) 220V/380V All SUS304 Electrical Heating Element Immersion Water Heater 3/4.5/6/9/12KW For Water/Oil
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrdAV6n

Versus
$72 NZD delivered.
NZ$ 70.66 | XNEMON 1PC 220V Tri-clamp 2 OD64 Heater SS304 Electric Water Heater Heater Element 280mm 4.5 kW
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLhhUqb

Or then there is a one with a filter (may be better for reducing scorching?
About $150 NZD Delivered .
NZ$ 108.28 | Set 220V/3000W Nano - Quartz Electric Heater with 4000W Voltage Regulator , 2" OD64mm Clamp . Distillation, Heater for beer.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mK6DUKx

Thoughts?
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RC Al
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by RC Al »

https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 9#p7628109

Without running yet them i would happily buy the denrod over the lxhj for the 15% price difference

That quartz one looks cool, basically a like light globe i think. I cant see it being much different to the regular ultra low watt density elements - you would have to math some square areas to work out if it has more or less than a ulwd one. It certinally is much shorter than a ulwd and -might- be easier to clean, but looks a bit on the fragile side, esp considering the source...

Edit - do you have a spare 6kw available in your RV? (saw your sig lols)
Consider the ones i posted, each loop can be hooked to a 10a 220v power point, much easier on wiring/circuits/controllers
T-Boon
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by T-Boon »

Oh, this will be for a home based setup next year, since I'm back in a house. We have a new fuse board and I will be Distilling within a few meters of my fuse box (which I just had replaced/upgraded) so I can put in a high amp circuit if needed.
T-Boon
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by T-Boon »

also, this element looks pretty good.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32965868589.html

Longer so more surface area, so less chance of a scorch?

and Distillex which people seem to like?
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Dewstiller
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by Dewstiller »

I think no matter where in the world a person buys a heating element, I believe the majority on the market are made in China. Ordering directly will likely save a few bucks. Distillex is a worthy store with good products.
T-Boon
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by T-Boon »

OK, I have two of these on the way and a controller.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3296586 ... 4c4dZlGpqp

Will report how they go.
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NZChris
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by NZChris »

They are three 1000W elements, so if an element blows but doesn't leak, you should still be able to finish the run.
T-Boon
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by T-Boon »

Yes, that's what I like about them, they are also longer with more pipes than many others so more surface area should equal less chance of any scorching.
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NZChris
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by NZChris »

Also, if you are handy with electronics and your controller blows, you can wire them for 333W, 500W, 1000W, 1500W, 2000W and 3000W....or you could just use switches instead of a controller.
T-Boon
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Re: Chinese elements, how cheap is too cheap?

Post by T-Boon »

That is an awesome idea. I have a controller coming but interesting to know I could wire them seperately.
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