Which Low Density Kettle Element

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naturals

Which Low Density Kettle Element

Post by naturals » Wed Apr 30, 2014 12:18 pm

So I recently converted a plastic FV into a kettle with 2x Asda kettle elements in it. Usually I'd power up both to get me to boil then alternate about 15min at a time on each element (to reduce the wear on each). I've done this 6-8 times without problems.

This weekend I skipped alternating the elements and one burnt out. It no longer works and is a few mm thick in black crap which will not come off. I could just replace it with another Asda element but I figure I might as well use the opportunity to upgrade.

So, my question is does anyone have a particular low-density element they'd recommend as the primary method of heating? I plan on keeping the other in place to get me to boil quicker and as a backup, but I'd really like one decent element as my primary.

Thanks in advance for your help.

asd

Re: Which Low Density Kettle Element

Post by asd » Wed Apr 30, 2014 2:18 pm

A lot of people - me included - use the Backer elements

http://www.backerelectric.com/products/ ... ements.asp

I use the 2.4 Kw ones, as the hot condition cables are easier and cheaper to come by that the cables for the 2.7 Kw. Replace the bakelite/composite backing nut with a big metal one from Bearingboys

But I also use immersion heater elements, as they are cheap, robust and powerful.

Fil
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Re: Which Low Density Kettle Element

Post by Fil » Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:17 pm

are u sure its dead, some have a thermal cut out which will reset after 15-30 mins.

sometimes this looks like a pin behind a bimetalic 'ping' ring, if present just rip out the ring with a pair of pliers..

i have ripped out the pin too but iirc some doing the same had problems??
ist update for months n months..
Fermnting: not a lot..
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Maturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager
Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the store
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setmash

Re: Which Low Density Kettle Element

Post by setmash » Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:21 pm

I use these 5.5Kw puppies - they are great and very fast. It takes about 7 days fro them to ship , well worth the wait. Not cheap, but then quality never is. Note 5.5Kw is 23 Amps - too much for a standard ring main plug. They also do a 4.4Kw one.

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-02963-Screw ... co+element

naturals

Re: Which Low Density Kettle Element

Post by naturals » Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:31 pm

[quote="Fil"]are u sure its dead, some have a thermal cut out which will reset after 15-30 mins.

sometimes this looks like a pin behind a bimetalic 'ping' ring, if present just rip out the ring with a pair of pliers..

i have ripped out the pin too but iirc some doing the same had problems??[/quote]

You know what? You were absolutely correct - I just plugged it in and the light came on as usual. Now to give the thing a bloody good clean and try and get a few more brews out of it.

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simple one
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Re: Which Low Density Kettle Element

Post by simple one » Mon Aug 25, 2014 8:09 pm

asd wrote:A lot of people - me included - use the Backer elements

http://www.backerelectric.com/products/ ... ements.asp

I use the 2.4 Kw ones, as the hot condition cables are easier and cheaper to come by that the cables for the 2.7 Kw. Replace the bakelite/composite backing nut with a big metal one from Bearingboys

But I also use immersion heater elements, as they are cheap, robust and powerful.
Could you point me in the direction of the metal back nuts suitable for the 2.4 backer element?


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simple one
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Re: Which Low Density Kettle Element

Post by simple one » Mon Aug 25, 2014 10:35 pm

Thank you. Good p+p on that!

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