My problem is that I have an 1100 watt burner only 6 inches across, bypassed thermostat, at full roar, even insulated kettle and column as per Ricks instruction. If I get up first thing 8 am, it will have to run until 9-10 pm that night. what is up with this? I notice my crappy burner gets red in the inner coils, but stays black towards the outer part? What does everyone else's burner look like, red hot or not??

I still need help, here is the situation. Pro extractor 2, copper mesh in it. 1100 watt hot plate from walmart, bypassed thermostat, using recirculated water in sink with ice bath. when i run out of ice, i just keep refilling sink,not fun by the way, At best is 12 hours. According to everyone here, my hotplate is O.K,, what about the copper mesh? Is there a possibility that it is packed too tight slowing me way down? Rick I insulated the tank and the column, but I still have a huge problem, tell me more about copper mesh and choking?