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Premium kettle recommendations + 1500W?
 Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/16/2010(UTC)
Posts: 6
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"I've seen a lot of people and pictures with a set-up using the standard kettle (2"") and either the 1100W or 1500W hot plates.
I haven't seen any pictures of the premium kettle over the 1500W hotplate. I'm leaning towards purchasing the premium kettle, and I know it says that 1500W and higher is recommended but I'm worried that the base diameter might be too large to adequately heat up using just the 1500W.
Has anyone used the premium kettle with the hot plates? Do you think that the 3"" HC + premium kettle is too much for the 1500W? I'd prefer to stick with just electric so I'd like to find out the details before I make any big purchases.
Thanks for the help!!"
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 Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/16/2010(UTC)
Posts: 453
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I've got the standard pot and the 1500 watt hotplate is satisfactory to me. I can't see how the premium pot would make any difference , they are both 7.5 gallons. You can get a better heating result by insulating the pot and column.
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/16/2010(UTC)
Posts: 6
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"Thanks div4gold! Do you have the 2"" or 3"" standard?
They say that the premium has a Sure Seal to prevent any vapor leaking which may happen on the regular kettle. Have you had any issues with this on yours?"
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 Rank: Administration Groups: Administrators
Joined: 2/10/2002(UTC)
Posts: 501
Was thanked: 8 time(s) in 8 post(s)
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Actually, there is no problem with vapor leaking with the standard kettle. However, there are some two-ear type lids out there, and when we tested those they all leaked vapor (they were only meant to be liquid tight when they were designed). That mean re-designing the lid and clamp system to avoid vapor leakage where a removable lid came into play.
Back to the original question- insulating the kettle should reduce heat loss sufficiently to get you where you want to go.
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/16/2010(UTC)
Posts: 6
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Good information, thanks!
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/16/2010(UTC)
Posts: 453
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" Originally Posted by: foursnow  Thanks div4gold! Do you have the 2"" or 3"" standard?
They say that the premium has a Sure Seal to prevent any vapor leaking which may happen on the regular kettle. Have you had any issues with this on yours? I've got the 3 inch HC column on the standard pot. Good unit and no leaks anywhere."
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2010(UTC) Posts: 360   Location: Louisiana
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" Originally Posted by: div4gold I've got the standard pot and the 1500 watt hotplate is satisfactory to me. I can't see how the premium pot would make any difference , they are both 7.5 gallons. You can get a better heating result by insulating the pot and column. I definitely recommend you insulate the column for sure. I use and recommend Reflectix 16"" x 25' R-3.7 Double Reflective Foil Insulation and Shurtape 2.5"" x 50 yd. HVAC Foil Tape. Both avalible at your local LOWES" |
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered, Moderator
Joined: 7/25/2009(UTC)
Posts: 2,209
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"i think that brewhaus should offer the kettles with the npt coupling option to allow folks to go to an internal heat element.
i will use mine with a 1650 watt/120 internal and my variac for now and later move to a larger 220 volt unit with higher wattage"
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/4/2010(UTC) Posts: 360 Location: Louisiana
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" Originally Posted by: scotty i think that brewhaus should offer the kettles with the npt coupling option to allow folks to go to an internal heat element.
i will use mine with a 1650 watt/120 internal and my variac for now and later move to a larger 220 volt unit with higher wattage I would be willing to bet that if you contacted Rick and explained to him exactly what you wanted to do he would be willing to do the customization that you want for a nominal fee." |
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Rank: Newbie Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/23/2010(UTC)
Posts: 6
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I use a PSII with a 1500 watt hotplate I found at a Goodwill store. I have a propane burner also but when possible I like to use indoors with electric. I plan on running a PSII HC soon and I understand I should run with propane so in the extra basement room I will use, I installed a bathroom vent fan. I belive it is safe if you babysit the still during your runs. Understand using propane in an enclosed space before attempting is wise. When I leave to smoke outside I have a ip cam centered on the still and a wireless thermometer. I always plan an entire night of the run. I can watch my still remotly from my phone while using the bathroom or smoking.
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Rank: Senior Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/22/2005(UTC)
Posts: 817
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" Originally Posted by: reptile I use a PSII with a 1500 watt hotplate I found at a Goodwill store. I have a propane burner also but when possible I like to use indoors with electric. I plan on running a PSII HC soon and I understand I should run with propane so in the extra basement room I will use, I installed a bathroom vent fan. I belive it is safe if you babysit the still during your runs. Understand using propane in an enclosed space before attempting is wise. When I leave to smoke outside I have a ip cam centered on the still and a wireless thermometer. I always plan an entire night of the run. I can watch my still remotly from my phone while using the bathroom or smoking. I only use propane. I have double glass french doors leading onto the deck so can watch when doing outside which is what i do unless dead of winter or bad storm in summer. then from my bedroom and computer desk I can look directly into the liveing room avout 20' to where I have a wet bar, thus a drain and a water spigot tap. I can keep an eye on both all the time. I only do indoors when weather demands it. LR is cathedral so no problem with the high capacity height on top of a keg and then the propane burner. Pretty tall, though in winter I usually only do strip runs as I always have a good supply of ageing spirits waiting to be enjoyedl I put the low wines into glass carbouys and save for the spirit run in spring. I also have no problems with turbo's if distille slow and correct. Especially with the HC column. That makes all the difference."
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