I spent quite a bit of time researching on what size element to put in my kettle. Just thought I would share my setup. I have a 10 Gallon Aluminum pot with lid, a small stand I built to keep the pot off the ground, a Camco LWD 3500 watt element P/N 02523, 20 Amp double pole 240 VAC rated switch and an electrical box mounted directly to the pot. I used the basic how to found on TheElectric Brewery, under the Heating Elements tab. I ordred the 10' dryer cord from Amazon, along with the element, orings, washers, etc and bought the remaining electrical stuff at Home Depot.
I boil 6.5 gallons of wort down to 5.5 gallons (All Grain) in 1 hour. No insulation, lid off, no temp controller. The boil is a nice healthy rolling boil, but none splashes out, and it calms down in a few minutes. No scorching, no burnt flavor, no off flavors. I took before boil and after boil samples. Slightly darker after the boil, likely due to the hops and that it is a more concentrated liquid. Taste is same, except you can taste the bitterness of the hops after the boil. Also there wasn't any scale on the element afterwards, just a light creamy film which wiped off with soap and water and a dish rag.
Heat up time is excellent. With lid on, it went from 150 Degree F to 212 in 21 minutes.
It does create a fair bit of humidity in a small room though. Keeping a window open and fan to circulate it helps, but the fan should be going before you start to keep on top of it. Also a dehumifier works good to keep in under control after you are done.
Hope this helps someone who is looking to do small scale brewing!
I boil 6.5 gallons of wort down to 5.5 gallons (All Grain) in 1 hour. No insulation, lid off, no temp controller. The boil is a nice healthy rolling boil, but none splashes out, and it calms down in a few minutes. No scorching, no burnt flavor, no off flavors. I took before boil and after boil samples. Slightly darker after the boil, likely due to the hops and that it is a more concentrated liquid. Taste is same, except you can taste the bitterness of the hops after the boil. Also there wasn't any scale on the element afterwards, just a light creamy film which wiped off with soap and water and a dish rag.
Heat up time is excellent. With lid on, it went from 150 Degree F to 212 in 21 minutes.
It does create a fair bit of humidity in a small room though. Keeping a window open and fan to circulate it helps, but the fan should be going before you start to keep on top of it. Also a dehumifier works good to keep in under control after you are done.
Hope this helps someone who is looking to do small scale brewing!
