Heating a Keg Boiler

[cellone]

Is it possible fit a concealed element to it?

Is electricity the way forward or is gas the only option for a 50l kettle?

Are ceramic plates (expensive) an option?

[Kev888]

I've not tried a concealed element or ceramic so can't really help there. FWIW though I have used through-the-side elements in the distant past so electricity is most definitely an option should you wish it.

That was no different to any other stainless tank I've used, but obviously compared to the thin bergland stock-pots its much thicker. IMO too thick for Q-max cutters, and it also won't flatten when you tighten the element nut, so you may need to either hammer a flat on it or have suitably squishy washers. In both cases smaller diameter elements with rugged threads and nuts would probably be easier to deal with. Presumably a concealed element in the base would have completely different issues though.

BTW, the dished base and small flat below the spear can be ideal for making a bottom drain, if you make it low-profile enough the keg's existing base/rim may provide enough of a skirt that you wouldn't need to add extra legs. I really like bottom drains on larger/heavier tanks - makes rinsing them out with a hose or something much easier.

Cheers
kev

[jaroporter]

bottom drain is a great call, but i think would tie you to electric and not gas. upside down bottom drain even better as you get zero dead space and a lovely big pre-made hole to drain through..

dunno if you read the american forums but keg kettles are really common there so it's a great place for pictures/ideas. maybe someone on homebrewtalk has done it?

[irv]

I think that there was a thread on here where somone used a flexible element on the outside of keg, they sealed it in with fire brick cement.

[irv]

found it here
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=59680&start=105#p655810

[Kev888]

IIRC that picture with the element outside is probably just to show it; think it was actually mounted inside?

Cheers
kev

[irv]

IIRC that picture with the element outside is probably just to show it; think it was actually mounted inside?

Cheers
kev

i believe that it was on the outside, with the bottom of another keg used to sandwich it in place.

[Kev888]

Ah I see, I missed that bit, thanks for the correction

Cheers
Kev

[Jocky]

dunno if you read the american forums but keg kettles are really common there so it's a great place for pictures/ideas. maybe someone on homebrewtalk has done it?

They're not keen on leccy boilers though!

[jaroporter]

true the prevailing view is in favour of gas. think it's comparatively cheaper there..?

[Kev888]

Probably is, but also they are on 110v (except for special circuits), so for the same power elements the currents they would need to deliver would be quite large compared to here.

EDIT: So it doesn't necessarily imply that gas is especially good for kegs, it just happens that gas is more popular over there generally, and so are kegs. It clearly works well enough though.

Cheers
Kev

[Frothy]

Gas is good if you can brew outdoors or in a well ventilated area - most portable gas burners are for outdoor use only.

[Mther]

I brewed twice with gas, took more than 1.5 hour to reach boil, the keg turned black, the wind is a pain in the ass and if it rains your screwed. As you can imagine, after the first 2 brews, I bought a Q-Max and 2 elements 40mm holes and now I feel like I am brewing in paradise!!! No more worries about rain or wind, no smoke on your face and fast boiling!

[Kev888]

Either can have their benefits in the right situation, really - an advantage here is that (unlike plastic bins) a keg could be made to use whichever is most suitable. For example, gas is great if you don't have an adequate electricity supply for big elements, or where you want/have to brew outside, and its also very easy to adjust the ferocity of. But it wouldn't be my first choice for brewing in a flat or making an automated home setup.

I'm only now getting into gas after many years of electricity so am no expert with it (I'm sure there'll be a build thread at some point), but a severely blackened keg sounds like something was amiss - perhaps with the air/gas mix adjustment of the burner. Also as you pointed out wind is a great enemy of gas, if you don't have effective shrouds/shields then large amounts of heat can get whipped away and in extreme cases it can even blow out.

Cheers
Kev

[Jocky]

Probably is, but also they are on 110v (except for special circuits), so for the same power elements the currents they would need to deliver would be quite large compared to here.

EDIT: So it doesn't necessarily imply that gas is especially good for kegs, it just happens that gas is more popular over there generally, and so are kegs. It clearly works well enough though.

Aside from the voltage practicalities, I've seen a lot of stances on electric brewing being 'Electricity + Water = You'll probably die' in the US, whereas here in the UK it seems to be the majority of home brewing is done on electric.

On the other hand, have you seen what a propane explosion can do?





I'm not saying either is better mind, just that it's surprising the range of opinions on this stuff.