I have an approximately 15 gal olive oil barrel with a spigot that is my kettle. I use a SS 120v water heater element. I drilled a side hole to mount the element.
I found a steamer basket that just barley slips inside so the side gap is practically nothing. I actually had to file the basket rim down to get it to slide in. And I've closed the sides of the basket so all flow must go down and out.
I place a wilser bag inside the basket. I place the temp controller probe in the center bottom of the basket then bag on top with the grain. The basket slides into the kettle and stops about 3/4 inch above the element since it rests on the bung for the dial thermometer I installed. The basket cannot actually touch the element.
here are some random pics I have on the computer. It doesn't show everything but will give you an idea of how I'm set up.
not pictured is my recirc pump. but it's just a simple 12v magnetic fountain pump, high temp rated, that just take wort from the bottom spigot and pumps it on top of the grain bed...for hours while I'm away. temps are pretty even top to bottom I think.
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