What size Element

[jasonclick]

I'm putting together an electric BIAB system. the base is a 10 gallon Stout Tanks kettle. I assume i'll be doing 3-4 gallon batches with it. Anyways I tested it last night with an element from another EBIAB project i did a few years ago. I started with 8 gallons of water. 78F start. 1650 Watt element. It took 2 hours and 20 minutes to get to a boil. Obviously the element is undersized. I want to see what my options are without having to install a 220V circuit... which i will do if needed. But i have a 30A 120V circuit from when i had an RV. I'd use it to plug in the RV and run the AC while at home. What options of elements could i use with a 30A 120V circuit? Thanks for any help.

 

[MMP126]

A little P=I*V calc gives you 3600W available from that 30A plug. But, I would limit it to 25A max, which puts you at a 3000W element.

this is 2250W @ 120VAC: Heating Element, TC integrated 2250 watt (120v), All Stainless Steel

That may be it at 120VAC.

Check out this page for more potential solutions: Heating Elements

 

[jdudek]

I use the 2250W element mentioned by MMP126. I brew 5 gallon batches, typically start with 7.5 gallons of water. The times are pretty reasonable. You'll be looking at 45 minutes to mash and another 20 or so from mash to boil. Perhaps a bit faster for you if you're looking at 3-4 gallon batches.
I put together a page on choosing and installing a heating element for eBIAB, have a read!
Choosing an Electric Brewing Heating Element - The Electric Brew in a Bag

 

[mabrungard]

Do use the highest wattage element that your circuit can handle. That’s the only way to reduce heating time. Use a modulator to reduce the heat input once it’s boiling.