Herms heating element

[raven19]

I am going to recirculate my mash through an extra kettle that I have that is where my HERMS coil will be, I am doing 10 gallon batches and I have a separate HLT. I only have 110 for power

That 110 is the limiting factor, and you probably only have a 15 amp or possibly a 20 amp circuit. With one 15A circuit you are limited to about 1500 watts. I have a HERMS coil in my HLT like that and it works. It might not be real fast for steps, but it can work.

+1 for sure. So glad we run 240V in Oz.

My RIMS runs a 2400W (10A), plus I have another 2400W in the HLT.

2 Immersion elements in the kettle 2400 & 3600 (10A and 15A respectively) makes all electric brewing a breeze.

With only 110V, I think it would be possible as long as you mashed in and hit (or get close to) your target temperatures. Ramping up the temp in a large mash volume could present an issue if a quick jump in temp is sought.

[fisherlandon]

I have a burner under my extra kettle so I can get the temps up to 168 or so and I just want to maintain that temp during the mash I would like some automation

[krizwit]

Since you have a burner under your HLT using one bucket heater will be fine. Place a thermowell on the OUTPUT of your HEX (IC in your HLT) coil. I got my thermowell online(forgot where) for like $15. The fit isnt perfect with my Ranco, but real close the temperature difference between what the probe reads and the actual wort temp is like 2deg. You will have to test yours once you get it installed.

For my HEX I use a 25' 1/2" copper coil. I heat my HLT to like 10-15 deg above my desired sacch rest. I then recirc during the entire mash and let the temp controller turn the bucket heater on and off so that the temps stay stable. I use a kettle with some reflectix insulation around it for my MT and it works great. I like to sparge through the HEX to rinse it out. I also use the cooling water to help flush the HEX.