Heat Stick Power Cord

[Inch-of-foam]

I'm wanting to go electric since we're moving into a smaller apartment. I'm trying to come up with a set up and was considering purchasing a 1500W Heat Stick W/Weldless Gasket Kit----->
http://www.homebrewstuff.com/2000-w-ss-heat-stick-w-weldless-gasket-kit.html

The price for the heat stick is $40, but I found a Camco heating element on Amazon for $10. ----->
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006JLVC6/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Would I be able to use this and purchase a washer and bolt to create a bulkhead for the heat stick?
If so, what kind of cord am I looking for?

Thanks

 

[dlaramie08]

Any cord rated at 120v 15amps or higher. You may go higher if you anticipate upgrading to 2000w at any point.


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[barleywhore69]

That heat stick doesn't seem to have a ground prong... I think that is a bad thing. That heat stick won't work with that element. 120v vs 240v is important.

 

[dlaramie08]

Yeah whatever you go with it must be grounded, if you like living.


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[wilserbrewer]

I'm wanting to go electric since we're moving into a smaller apartment. I'm trying to come up with a set up and was considering purchasing a 1500W Heat Stick W/Weldless Gasket Kit----->
http://www.homebrewstuff.com/2000-w-ss-heat-stick-w-weldless-gasket-kit.html

The price for the heat stick is $40, but I found a Camco heating element on Amazon for $10. ----->
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006JLVC6/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Would I be able to use this and purchase a washer and bolt to create a bulkhead for the heat stick?
If so, what kind of cord am I looking for?

Thanks

I'm a little confused here, but I think you are asking if you could build your own heatstick with an electric element. I suggest this thread here....
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f253/heatstick-awesome-142803/

FWIW, Bobby M is now selling the best heatstick to be available by far IMHO! Did I mention the BEST by far!!!
http://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/hotrod.htm

I think you need to do some research. FWIW, the heatstick you linked at the top is only 1500w, not 2000w. IME, 1500 is only for assist, or very small batches.

 

[barleywhore69]

Bobby M's heatstick looks nice but it's also $60 shipped, not including element, cord, plug, or temp controller. ULWD element will add $30, cord $5-10, plug $5-10, GFI adapter $20 if you need it, and you still have to unplug it if it's too hot. So you're looking at $100+ realistically, plus some assembly, including wiring. I like the idea and would probably have bought one before building my heatstick to save on engineering time. Mine is a simple 1500 watt that cost around $65 to build I think. If the element ever burns out, I will have to rebuild parts of it though. I will probably just mount an Ultra low watt density element in the kettle one of these days. The heatstick gets in the way sometimes and with the right mounted element, I wouldn't need the stove's help at all. I would use another of Bobby M's products for that: https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/ewl3.htm

 

[dlaramie08]

I built 2 1500w heat sticks for about $50 each. That's really about as cheap as you can do it without having a lot of the stuff already. I think it took me about 5 batches to recoup that cost of the build in saved propane, so depending on how you were brewing before you can save a good amount of money after the initial investment.


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[wilserbrewer]

Bobby M's heatstick looks nice....I like the idea and would probably have bought one ....https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/ewl3.htm

I'm in the same boat, actually have four 2000w heatsticks, typically using two to brew 1/4 keg, 7.75 gallon batches. The reason I have two spares is that the design is not flawless, after years of use I built two new ones, and rebuilt my original two, it pays to have spares on hand. Occasionally, I brew a 1/2 keg and use a third stick. As a matter of fact, just this morning I cleaned my heatsticks where the element joins the stick, they get a bit nasty, so I clean well and apply fresh silicon sealant while thinking how I wish I was using Bobby's Hot Rod. Someday, I would like to go to 240v, but would need to run a line to the brewery, running one 5500w element w/ a controller, but the ghetto system I have cobbled together over the years works well, and change comes hard to a creature of bad habits....cheers!

 

[barleywhore69]

Nice to see some other well used diy heatsticks out there. Wilserbrewer, did you just extend outlets with phatty extension cords and wire the other end up inside the outlet box? Do those switches control the outlets then? I'll be borrowing that idea! Do you have a GFI on those? I bought an adapter that plugs into an outlet, then the heatstick plugs into the adapter for GFI protection.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Wilserbrewer, did you just extend outlets with phatty extension cords

My basement has 20 amp circuits. I installed a second 20 amp outlet in close proximity to the brew stand (bottom left), there is a second 20 amp GFI directly behind the stand. With two 20 amp GFI outlets below the stand, I just plug 12 GA extension cords into those, then run to the two secondary wall mounted switched boxes. It's all inexpensive Home Depot stuff, but works pretty well for a ghetto style basement brewery.

I used a menagerie of extension cords for a while, but what a hassle. Finally decided I needed short corded heatsticks w/ 20 amp GFI switched outlets at the brew stand....so that's what I did...

Edit...This was all done before better options were available, AKA Bobby M's Hot Rod heatstick.

 

[Bobby_M]

I created the HotRod because I'm utterly terrified of some of the DIY heat stick designs out there. I understand DIY drive and frugality but this is literally the last place that I'd be looking to save a few bucks. Brew one less batch and live to brew many more. The other way to look at it is that it costs more for things that last longer and are safer. 100% stainless parts, solid grounding lug, element can be replaced in 3 minutes. If you spend a little more for the all stainless element, you don't have to replace it due to rust on the base.

If you only need to heat a single pot, the EWL3 product is the cheapest way to go.

 

[barleywhore69]

I've been looking at the Hotrod and thinking more about this. I like the high quality parts. I know I can build one again but I think of replacing the element in mine and I get sad. I am considering buying a Hotrod now.

Can I have two of them, in one pot, touching each other and not have problems?

 

[wilserbrewer]

Yes, to buying a hot rod, and yes it is not an issue if two sticks or elements contact each other in the same pot.


Wilserbrewer
Http://biabbags.webs.com/