I'm currently in the process of updating my brewing equipment from HERMS to an EHERMS. The main reason for this upgrade is so that I can brew indoors during the winter months.
When I had my house built, I intentionally left the basement unfinished for a future brewery. I eventually want to have the brewing system behind a bar, perhaps even a hood above. I don't plan to start working on the basement for at least a year, maybe a little longer. The condenser approach seems like a great short term (perhaps even long term solution.)
I do have a few questions about retrofitting the condenser into my equipment.
1) Since I haven't brewed on electric before, I was curious if you'll need to deal with the steam coming from your hot liquor tank as well?
2) My Spike kettles just came in the mail last week, and I don't feel like shipping my boil kettle back, yet. My thought is to move my recirculation valve down by teeing off the thermometer. I'd then repropose the top port to be used by the condenser. Any thoughts on this crazy idea?
3) I have a few spare kettles and several pumps, I was thinking about recirculating the water due to the current lack of water in my basement. I've read several people experiencing an odor from the condensed runoff. Has anyone tried something similar or feel like this would be a horrible idea?
Thanks in advance,
Skylar