heating element question

[Dyce51]

I am upgrading to a keg boiler and I want to install a heating element in it to go electric. what would be a good element to use?

[Prairiepiss]

What power do you have available? Do you have or will you be getting a controller? What kind of still are you running? Came just tell you an element without knowing something other then its a keg.

[Dyce51]

Sorry for being so vague in my original post.

I am using a standard keg to build a pot still, didn't really know if I needed a controller, If I need a controller I will get 1, I have a standard 110 line that I can use. I have always used a propane burner under my old 5 gallon pot still, now upgrading to the keg I would like to make it electric.

[Prairiepiss]

Do you have access to 220v? Drier plugin stove plugin? 220v is much better route.
Yes you will need a controller many threads on that a phase angle would be best.

But for a 110v setup look for my harbor freight thread in the new distiller reading lounge. Not the best option. But will get you by till a better one can be had.

[Dyce51]

didn't really want it set up in the house....thats the only 220 line I have ....maybe I'll check into a hot plate to heat it.....Thanks again for the help and I will check out your "Harbor Freight" thread as well...

[Prairiepiss]

A hot plate is not a good choice for many reasons.

1 not very efficient.

2 they cycle. (would need a controller)

3 they are designed to work with a flat bottom pot. A keg is not flat.

4 to low of wattage for a keg. It will take a long time to best up. Long time!

You are better off with an internal element. You can use 110v. I did for a good while. See that thread.

[Clearwater]

Would the combination of the hotplate and heating element help? I'm thinking in terms of just using the hotplate to get the mash to temp and then using the internal element to complete the process.

[sambedded]

Would the combination of the hotplate and heating element help? I'm thinking in terms of just using the hotplate to get the mash to temp and then using the internal element to complete the process.

It will work, but why do you need such complications?
Just use more powerful heating element. It's simpler and safer.