Elements

[Metattron]

Which would be the better route?  Argos kettle elements or the bendy pole type elements?  Just thinking that the bendy poles are not going anywhere, but the argos type elements used to be available in tesco and asda but aren't any more.  Do I want 38mm holes in my kegs that at some point I need to replace an element and can't find them?  The poles are more expensive, but the holes required could be plugged with standard plumbing fittings if necessary.

I have got a bunch of argos kettles for my new HLT and Keggle, but thinking I may just use them for the HLT and keep the rest as spares to future-proof it, and use the other elements for the keggle.  What do ye's reckon?

[DEMPSEY]

I have a 3Kw burco element that is fitted to the floor of a pot. Which ever of these type you use,Argos/Tesco,or Haden,they all require a 38mm hole. I used a 3Kw bendable  element on my Kettle and formed it to fit underneath so I have no element inside my Kettle. It will be time that tells if this will last but I like the cleanliness of it.

[Shanna]

Hi there

I fitted two 2.4kw kettle style elements to my boiler and if I was to do it again I think I would use the bendy elements pushed in towards the wall of the pot. I find these elements obstruct the immersion chiller that I have from reaching the bottom of the pot. However as I got them for free I can't complain to much

Lesson learned or tip would be to measure the clearance required for the immersion chiller before fitting the elements or fabricate the chiller to be narrow enough to fit.

Shanna

[Garry]

Bendy elements:

Advantages:

Can run dry

Only need to drill a 12mm hole

Easy to wire up

Easily replacable

Disadvanages:

Not THAT easy to bend into the shape you want. There is a min. radius before you f*** it up!

Expensive compared to tesco/argos elements

Takes up more space than tesco/argos element if you make a balls of bending it

[Garry]

I fitted two 2.4kw kettle style elements to my boiler and if I was to do it again I think I would use the bendy elements pushed in towards the wall of the pot. I find these elements obstruct the immersion chiller that I have from reaching the bottom of the pot. However as I got them for free I can't complain to much

You're chiller is probably most effective at the top of the wort. Heat rises afterall, so this probably isn't a problem?

[Shanna]

I am not necessarily worried about the efficiency but the fact that the chiller itself is kind of suspended on the edge of the elements. I would prefer they cleared it so that neither the chiller or the elements run the risk of being damaged.

Shanna

I fitted two 2.4kw kettle style elements to my boiler and if I was to do it again I think I would use the bendy elements pushed in towards the wall of the pot. I find these elements obstruct the immersion chiller that I have from reaching the bottom of the pot. However as I got them for free I can't complain to much

You're chiller is probably most effective at the top of the wort. Heat rises afterall, so this probably isn't a problem?

[Chris]

I have a 3Kw burco element that is fitted to the floor of a pot. Which ever of these type you use,Argos/Tesco,or Haden,they all require a 38mm hole. I used a 3Kw bendable  element on my Kettle and formed it to fit underneath so I have no element inside my Kettle. It will be time that tells if this will last but I like the cleanliness of it.

How does this work? Any pics

[Garry]

@Shanna, I understand now. Could you put some feet on your chiller?


@Chris, Demsey's kettle can be seen here.