"I ordered the EE PS2 with 8gal kettle, it fits my modest needs. I saw this heater option and decided to try one out. I found a cheap rheostat controller to control temp so I can do a decent reflux. I already have a 1500W hotplate but the fact that it cycles on/off I think would prevent proper refluxing.

Anyone have this heater and what are your experiences? I intend to report back on my own experience. I've been running a cheap homemade pit still for some time so I'm ready for this next step I think."

Hi Tom, I would be interested to hear how the band heaters work. They sound like a great idea to me. Can someone use two of them to get to temp (on separate circuits) then shut one off like with two internal water heater elements?

I am thinking if you use two, it would almost have to be 220 on seperate feeds to achieve the volts/watts and not cook yer carrier wire.

I am considering changing up my PSII to use this over the Blichmann burner I use on that setup and I would use two as well. In planning that, I am seeing a new RSC box with dial ped's and circuits and possibly even two meter's as well.

I over engineer everything, sorry... Just a trade habit from my IRL job...As bulletproof as possible..

If I was running that two band setup thru an RSC box similar to the one I posted in the DIY RSC thread, I would again use 8 gauge to run from the wall plug into the box and out ta the elements - and a section of stripped 8 gauge for internal wiring. The Ped wires from a heavy duty Power supply cord.. and there'd be two meters and peds (dials) - this gives a person precise control - use both, use one, varying settings betwixt the two, etc.

Still dragon is developing a multi element RSC control box - it's six months out, but looks to be the cat's ass without the adventure of self assembly!

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It will. But you can bypass the thermostat (takes about 5 minutes to perform) and use a decent RSC."

"I don't think you'll have any problems with a modified hotplate. You won't need an RSC when you strip, but you'll want one for your spirit runs (reflux or pot).

Here's a picture of the modification:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]976[/ATTACH]

The two connections you need to change have F-type terminals/connectors. So you just slide them off & push them on. Connect both ends of the unused wire to the thermostat so it's there if you want to restore normal operation. It's an easy mod ... once it's made, you can compare the performance with the band heater.

Just a final comment: I've seen posts about the 15A RSCs burning out with the 1500w plate. I know the math says it should be fine, but it's a good idea to over engineer as Red suggests ... especially when dealing with power and heat. Residential power lines are notoriously noisy, variable, and prone to surges, spikes, etc. The consumer grade RSCs just aren't equipped to handle all of that when they're running near their max. If you step up to a 20A RSC that'll give you more wiggle room."

For comparison, I am using a 40A RSC on a 30amp circuit, 5500W element - Boils water in about 25 mins on a 13 gal SS milk can boiler.

Once it reaches boil, I can dial that sucker back to low percentages(on the meter) and still hold a boil. I lost boil at about 5%, but it came right back at 7%. For reflux work you need that precision to get good compression of the factions in the process. Same with the coolant flow too.

I enjoy Pot Stillin' more, but this has really intrigued me and I've sorta branched into it ....

Got a hot sauce box in the mail last night. All I can say is Wow! Carefully packed, everything there and in perfect condition with no dents or dings. Very good quality materials, great fit and finish. Put it together but couldn't play with it since SWMBO and I already had date night planned. I'm going to distill some water when I get home just to test the band heater and controller. This thing is gonna be fun to play with. I've been contemplating this purchase for a long time, so glad I finally pulled the trigger.

Thanks for the advice, I know was has a higher specific heat and a higher BP than wash so wasn't surprised the rate of runoff was modest. It did boil about 3 gal in a reasonably short time though. I have a few leak issues to deal with on the bypass valve and I'll be ready to make a sacrificial cleaning run.

Another update. The band heater continues to perform well and the router controller is hanging in there too. I did just buy a cheap SCR unit that came complete with a cooling block and compputer fan, for $23. Will wire it up and install in the next few months.