Using a standard water heater element in HLT

dp Brewing Company

I'm getting ready to add a second element to my HLT and was curious if ultra low density is really needed or just preferred. I understand why you would want on in your Boil Kettle but not sure if it matters in the HLT being it is just heating up water. My reason for wanting a standard element would be local availability, and about half the price.

Currently have 5500 watt 240v element in both HLT and BK. Wanting to add a 2500 watt 240v element in addition to the one already in there. Anything to save a few more minutes off of wait time and ramping up time for Sparging.

Thanks in advance for anyone's input!

-David

chastuck · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 4:50 pm Post subject:

I have a 2400W stainless steel but standard element in both my HLT and BK in addition to the Camco SS 5500W elements. I power them from my 30A standard control panel (with my own mods) via a break out box. The ramp up time with the HLT is vastly improved. As for the BK, when the boiling point is reached I switch out the 2400W element. Again, rapid rise to boil time is very evident. I have never had problems with caramalisation or other ill effects from using dual elements.

**kal** · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:47 pm Post subject:

ULWD elements tend to not fry as easily if dry fired by accident so that's a benefit in any kettle.

And the biggest reason: That local element you can buy will also likely not have a stainless base, so it will most likely develop rust in the HLT.

That's why I recommend stainless base elements such as these: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/stainless-steel-heating-elements

See here in my Instagram feed for pictures of my ULWD non-stainless base heating elements taken from my boil kettle and HLT after a few years of use: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDly1_JIKvS

Kal

dp Brewing Company · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 8:25 pm Post subject:

I checked at my local Lowe's today over lunch and they didn't have the selection I thought they would. I will most likely purchase through Amazon. Just need to get some measurements on how long the element can be. I know the standard 5,500 one won't fit in the location I already have drilled. It hits the drain tube.

wscottcross · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:37 pm Post subject:

Be aware that these elements are pretty soft and easy to bend. I took a 5500W ULWD ripple element and bent it pretty much straight. I did this so it's easier to get in and out of the 1.5" TC fitting in my boil kettle. If you need to, you can bend the element to one side or the other to avoid the drain tube.

chastuck · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 11:29 pm Post subject:

**kal** · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 11:44 pm Post subject:

Sure! shadowpaige64507 however mentioned wanting to buy locally to save money:

dp Brewing Company · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:04 pm Post subject:

**kal** · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:10 pm Post subject:

No, it won't affect it. You can bend them quite a bit. Just be careful not to put all the stress in one spot.

Kal

wscottcross · Posted: Sun May 01, 2016 11:23 pm Post subject:

Before:

After: