Electric Brew Heater - Ever used one?

[BrewerB]

Saw this Electric Brew Heater from Williams Brewing.

Wondering if anyone has used these before. Paired with temp control, I'd think this could offer some precise control of mash temps.

I'm curious how quickly it would heat up wort, compared to propane burners.

[Bugeater]

You can build the same thing for under $20 http://www.cedarcreeknetworks.com/heatstick.htm

or buy one ready made for $35 http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop/it ... n/742g.htm

I use one of the heatsticks in my hlt. I have used it a few times to raise the temperature of the mash. It works pretty good for that as long as you stir continously. I get a few grains stuck to the element which in turn scorch pretty bad.

If the one from Williams won't scorch in the mash without continuous stirring, it may not be able to ramp your temperature up fast enough to be much good. I wouldn't risk $179 on it working right until I saw reviews from lots of satisfied users.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[Sent From My iPhone]

I have a bucket heater that I use occasionally to heat mash and sparge water. It works OK but takes a long time, so most of the time I go with direct flame. I've used it twice to raise the temp of a mash that was too low and you've got to stir constantly and aggressively with it. The element gets very hot and there's a loud sizzling sound when it's in the mash, so it can scorch very quickly.

[BrewerB]

Thanks for the links, Boog.

That $179 price tag is way too steep for me. I figured there'd be cheaper solutions out there.

[andy77]

I think that the difference in price accounts for the thermostat. Maybe worth it to "set it and forget it."





Nice zombie post action, huh?

[Brandt]

+1 to everything bugeater said.

I used to use heatsticks for everything, but eventually switched to a 240v 5.5kw element directly in the kettle. I still use my heat sticks if I under shoot my mash temp, or if it's freezing outside and the cooler won't hold the temp. (BTW I use a drink cooler for a mash tun and do single rest infusion mashes)

But the 110v elements just lack the power to do any boiling unless you have at least two of them.

[TheMadHopper]

Is Williams even offering this anymore? The link provided doesn't work, and a search on William's site returns no matches.

Of course, this may be due to the extreme zombie status of this thread!