My apologies if this is better fitted in a different section. This is an electric setup with new equipment that will be done by myself. So this seemed like a good place to put it.
So thanks to a bonus and an awesome SWMBO that is allowing me to spend some of it, it is time for me to put together my dream system that I have convinced her/myself is future-proof. For this reason I am going to go with stout kettles. Since they are the longest lead time item, that is the purchase I am making first (and need opinions to make sure It all makes sense). I went with Stout because I love that they are all welded tri-clamp fittings. There should never be a reason for me to upgrade my equipment.
As of now I live in an apartment and do 5 gallon recirculating eBIAB in my keggle with two 120v elements (right now one element is 1650W and one is 1500W). I ferment in carboys located in two wine cooler ferment fridges controlled by the stc-1000. A four tap keezer and a two tap kegerator are responsible for the distribution. The kettle set up is shown below.
Eventually we will be buying a house and I will have 240v at my disposal. But for now I have to settle for two 120v circuits.
So my plan is as follows.
19.8 Gallon HLT
Herms coil
2 Electric ports
Sight glass
Thermowell with thermometer
All of the Tri-clamp stuff that comes with it
20 Gallon Bottom draining Mash Tun
False bottom
Recirculation fittings
Thermowell with thermometer
All of the Tri-clamp stuff that comes with it
21.5 Gallon Brew kettle
2 electric ports
Sight glass
Tangential inlet
Thermowell with thermometer
All of the Tri-clamp stuff that comes with it
I will predominantly do 5 or 10 gallon batches. As long as the elements are low enough in the kettle. Once I upgrade to 240v, I think I could squeeze in a 15 gallon batch. Although it might require a low OG and topping off with water post boil.
I would love comments and opinions on this kettle set up and also have some questions.
-Am I trying to do too much with this system with regards to wanting the ability to do 5 to 15 gallon batches?
-Since I will be going electric using pids, I am not sure if I need the thermowell and thermometers. I would plan on monitoring the temps in a Tee fitting at the outlets of the kettles and the outlet of the HERMS coil. I asked John if this would decrease the price if I dont need them.
-Once I move to 240v and only need one element port, any ideas on what else i could use that port for?
-Speaking of two ports, any ideas on the best orientation for them? In my current pot I have them at 3 o clock and 9 o clock, but am not totally sold on that.
Once the pots are on order, Ill start acquiring the parts and equipment to compliment these stainless beauties
-14 gallon stout conical
-Plate chiller
-Additional chugger pump
-New control panel that will require two 20 amp circuits (I will most likely use this as a temporary panel until the 240v enters the picture)
As these things get rolling Ill update this regularly with pictures. Admittedly, this might be more for personal gain because it helps writing things out and having to justify decisions. I would never try and do something like this if it wasnt for the endless time spent on here reading everyone elses endeavors, so thanks for that. I am sure I will have a ton of questions along the way, and this will allow me to ask them all in one place rather than littering the board with one-off specific questions.
Thanks in advance!
So thanks to a bonus and an awesome SWMBO that is allowing me to spend some of it, it is time for me to put together my dream system that I have convinced her/myself is future-proof. For this reason I am going to go with stout kettles. Since they are the longest lead time item, that is the purchase I am making first (and need opinions to make sure It all makes sense). I went with Stout because I love that they are all welded tri-clamp fittings. There should never be a reason for me to upgrade my equipment.
As of now I live in an apartment and do 5 gallon recirculating eBIAB in my keggle with two 120v elements (right now one element is 1650W and one is 1500W). I ferment in carboys located in two wine cooler ferment fridges controlled by the stc-1000. A four tap keezer and a two tap kegerator are responsible for the distribution. The kettle set up is shown below.
Eventually we will be buying a house and I will have 240v at my disposal. But for now I have to settle for two 120v circuits.
So my plan is as follows.
19.8 Gallon HLT
Herms coil
2 Electric ports
Sight glass
Thermowell with thermometer
All of the Tri-clamp stuff that comes with it
20 Gallon Bottom draining Mash Tun
False bottom
Recirculation fittings
Thermowell with thermometer
All of the Tri-clamp stuff that comes with it
21.5 Gallon Brew kettle
2 electric ports
Sight glass
Tangential inlet
Thermowell with thermometer
All of the Tri-clamp stuff that comes with it
I will predominantly do 5 or 10 gallon batches. As long as the elements are low enough in the kettle. Once I upgrade to 240v, I think I could squeeze in a 15 gallon batch. Although it might require a low OG and topping off with water post boil.
I would love comments and opinions on this kettle set up and also have some questions.
-Am I trying to do too much with this system with regards to wanting the ability to do 5 to 15 gallon batches?
-Since I will be going electric using pids, I am not sure if I need the thermowell and thermometers. I would plan on monitoring the temps in a Tee fitting at the outlets of the kettles and the outlet of the HERMS coil. I asked John if this would decrease the price if I dont need them.
-Once I move to 240v and only need one element port, any ideas on what else i could use that port for?
-Speaking of two ports, any ideas on the best orientation for them? In my current pot I have them at 3 o clock and 9 o clock, but am not totally sold on that.
Once the pots are on order, Ill start acquiring the parts and equipment to compliment these stainless beauties
-14 gallon stout conical
-Plate chiller
-Additional chugger pump
-New control panel that will require two 20 amp circuits (I will most likely use this as a temporary panel until the 240v enters the picture)
As these things get rolling Ill update this regularly with pictures. Admittedly, this might be more for personal gain because it helps writing things out and having to justify decisions. I would never try and do something like this if it wasnt for the endless time spent on here reading everyone elses endeavors, so thanks for that. I am sure I will have a ton of questions along the way, and this will allow me to ask them all in one place rather than littering the board with one-off specific questions.
Thanks in advance!