Yes it does have a stainless steel base. It's a much-improved version of the element shipped with the original design. The picture shows how beat up the old element was after finally getting it unscrewed from the kettle.
I would ask Dave Knott of High Gravity for more detail before going forward. Although I have never tried to it looks like you can. Logically how else would they put the assembly together in the first place?
Is there any reason not to use one of these and skip the housing? I’m still using propane, but am trying to research the best way about converting to electric.
Is there any reason not to use one of these and skip the housing? I’m still using propane, but am trying to research the best way about converting to electric.
I like the idea of being able to unplug the element because it makes cleaning so much easier. Other than that I can't think of a reason not to use that one.
That's what I use, but I put electrical tape over the small gap left between the plug and the element connector to keep splashed wort out. Cheap and easy insurance against tripping my GCFI (or worse...). Some housings do provide a watertight connection from the cable to the element.
I used a Blichman Boil coil. It was very easy to install and simple to unplug for cleaning. (2 small holes rather than one large one.) I do BIAB and have never scorched a bag when maintaining mash temp. without a false bottom. The bag touches the coil directly.
there are a lot of folks using them here... Im fairly sure Dernold is the manufacturer that ebrew supply uses.. I know of two suppliers of these that look similar, yuling and dernold.I use a bunch of yuling elements myself.
I am using this element setup in my HLT.
5500 watt spa element installed in the bottom of a keggle. The spa element has self contained o-ring seals that have not leaked at all over the last 6+ years of use. Pluses: Only requires two 1/2 inch holes to be drilled in the kettle. Negatives: Due to the clearance requirement of the J-box, the keggle needs
three welded angle iron legs. Other than that, it works very well. Not sure of the watt-density of the element but since it is being used for HL, it really doesn't matter. Bonus, it also doubles as a low temperature water bath for processing sausages!