Rum wash and ULWD elements?

[Jim Tom]

For those of you using these ( I have for years) do you initially blast them all the way on to heat up the wash or gradually ramp them up? I have lately been wondering if using them at full blast may lead to scorching. I haven't noticed any burnt taste in my spirits and my washes are always dry but I'm always looking to improve my technique.

What say you?

Thanks,
JT

[Salt Must Flow]

I once fermented in my boiler, fired up the element full power and stripped at at 5500W. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary until I drained the boiler. The element looked weird. I pulled the element out and found yeast baked onto the surface of the element. I forgot to thoroughly pre-mix the boiler before turning the element on so the settled yeast baked onto the element. I was able to get it all off, but I won't be forgetting that step any time soon.

My point is, I'd probably just inspect your element and see if anything gets baked onto it.

[NZChris]

Full power until the head just starts to warm, then dial it back so that it holds the temperature without producing for a hour, giving it a chance to form extra esters.

[Jim Tom]

Full power until the head just starts to warm, then dial it back so that it holds the temperature without producing for a hour, giving it a chance to form extra esters.

Actually, after it is up to temp I keep the column in full reflux for an hour for that very reason.