Anyone using Buffalo EBCC193-A urn as a boiler?

[wontigonk]

I'm currently using an old Swan C28 urn as my boiler (c 27 litres), but I can't manage a decent rolling boil as the thermostat cuts out and in again, giving an intermittent vigorous boil. Also, even with only 20 or so litres of wort, it tends to boil over when it gets going. I brew to 25 litres, so currently have to top up with cold water after the boil

My wife has just suggested I replace it (result!), but having looked at the Brewpaks and Brewfirm kit, these seem costly for something still only 27 litres volume. I've seen people are using 40 litre Buffalo urns (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Buffalo-Manua ... 3a90845b3c) so I wanted to ask current users their views and some specific questions

1. Can you manage a 32 litre boil, lid on, without it boiling over?

2. Will it maintain a decent rolling boil without cutting out, as my current one does?

3. Does it have a covered element (thinking about cleaning)?

4. Have you had to adapt it/tweak it to make it work as a wort boiler?

5. Can you fit a standard hop strainer to the tap?

6. What’s the residual volume in the boiler after emptying?

Many thanks in advance

[AnthonyUK]

I think the max marking on this urn is at 40l and the measurements of 40cm diameter by 40cm depth would bear this out as this measures 50l total so you shouldn't have any problems boiling 32l. I've boiled 35l easily without boil overs.
It does have a concealed element and I have fitted a ball valve and bazooka filter.
Some people have had problems with it cutting out including me. I fitted an upgraded thermal fuse and an upgraded thermal cutout which cost £2 in total.

[themadhippy]

lots of room in the bottom of buffalos to add a bottom drain

[wontigonk]

Thanks for that. Sounds as if its the sort of thing which I'm after. As I'm not overly technically minded (but happy to follow instructions and have a go), can I ask some follow-ups please?

AnthonyUK - could you point me at the what where and how of upgrading thermal fuse and cutout? I take it its solved the issue?

themadhippy - my current boiler has a flat bottom (unlike me ) so even when tipping the urn, I end up with some residual wort. It’s only a little, but it’s still proto-beer, and I hate to waste..... Does the bottom drain help that - I'm unsighted as to how they work. Again, any clues or pointers gratefully received.

Thank again for the responses

[themadhippy]

I end up with some residual wort. It’s only a little, but it’s still proto-beer, and I hate to waste..... Does the bottom drain help that

yep i hardly have anything left in the bottom of the boiler ,if you look at the buffalo youll see there a ring around the element thats very slightly lower than the rest of the bottom,thats the point i put my drain,street elbow on the drain,then a coupler, nipple ,hole through the lower part of the body ,then into the tap,not the best of piccys,but you can see were i fitted the pipe work

And from the outside

[AnthonyUK]

This thread probably has all the info you need - viewtopic.php?f=6&t=42675

[wontigonk]

Brill - thats exactly the info I was after. Seems like it would suit my needs. Many thanks for the advice.

Off to give the Swan its final song today........

[Cpt.Frederickson]

Personally, I really enjoyed my Buffalo(s). Good piece of kit. If you don't fancy the hassle of making a bottom drain, you can reduce dead space to almost nothing with the right hop stopper. I built one (first attempt at soldering too) and it was excellent.



You'd need to replace the tap to attach one like this, but it's well worth it. There's a thread on here somewhere that shows how its done.