Optimal Wattage

[messy]

Hi friends,

I'm spec'ing out a new 58L keg design with a 2" offset column and was wondering what the optimal wattage for reflux would be.

I've read as much as I can watts and immersion heating here, but the answer still escapes me.

I'm contemplating running a 5500w element at 240v for boiling and then knocking it down to 120v and 1375w for reflux. Is this a reasonable configuration, or do I need to go the controller route? If so, a link to the simplest/cheapest/favourite controller design would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[sambedded]

1400watt is not enough for 2" reflux column. 2000Watt or so is more appropriate. but each column has it own optimal wattage, so you definitely need a controller.