Cedar Rapids Brewing Society

For those interested in an electric heating source, there is a new, much better option. I have a stainless heating element in my HLT which still has a non stainless base that rusts everytime I use it. Finally someone is selling a completely stainless element that addresses the rust issue. Only $36 for a 5,500 watt 240 volt element. Much lower price than the very cool Blichmann Boil Coil.
http://www.ebrewsupply.com/stainless-el ... aight.html

If you want to go 120v you can. It will run at a much lower wattage. My current rusty element is also 5,500w 240v and I run it at 120v with a typical digital Johnson controller. Just turns it on and off as needed. Can't recommend the electric HLT enough. Add a pump and HERMS and you will be in love.

I believe brewhardware.com also has started carrying these elements http://www.brewhardware.com

bf514921 wrote:I believe brewhardware.com also has started carrying these elements http://www.brewhardware.com

True but runs $39 and no free shipping until you hit $299. The one I posted is $36 and free shipping starting at $49. $5 flat rate up to $49.

Brewer's Hardware does have the cool ripple shape for $45 though.

I got one from brew hardware with my rims tube. Works well and hasn't rusted yet, although I don't know if that will actually cause issues with the rust in the wort or not.
People used traditional elements for decades and produced good beer.

After several years my first element rusted through and broke. It was only exposed to water. Hate scrubbing off the rust before each brew.

I believe the boil coil is all stainless, although a bit more pricey it does come with mounting, shield and 12 ft cable. It is also ultra low watt density. It makes it a pain to install the hop blocker. I like the higher watt density elements for the hot liquor tank, ripple for the boil