electric or gas with grains/rums

[APLF]

Hi guys,
I've just built my second still and I used to run an electric element in my first still and I was thinking of going gas with my second one as I was wanting to do alot more rum and grain washes and was concerned with the rum/grain washes burning onto the electric element. What are people's thoughts on the subject?
APLF

[Dominator]

I have never had rum burn on my elements, and I think I remember mac saying the same thing in another similar thread recently. And don't think gas will stop scorching, it is just as easy to scorch your wash with the bottom of your boiler if your using gas. Have a read Here , dont worry about the first post, read the comments below.

[jim]

I run gas for rum, and I run it as hot as she goes for boilup, equivalent of 8 to 10kW. Never had a scorched bottom.

sounds dirty when you say it that way...

[MacStill]

electric for me, never scorched anything from chunky plum jam to funky rums :happy-partydance:

[APLF]

cool thx guys I will have me a think

[APLF]

If I remember correctly I used to have a 1500W and a 2200W elements in my first still and I was wondering because my tower is wider and taller (50mm @550 to now 63.5mm @800) will I need to increase my 1500W element or will it just take longer to heat up and still run fine. What size elements is everyone running in there 50L boilers?

[the Doctor]

+1 for electric
Doc

[Dominator]

Your 2200W element will power that column no worries. I have got 2 x 2400W elements in mine. I use both to heat up (usually takes 30mins or so) and then I run on one element and that is more than enough.

[APLF]

Dominator I havent got my elements yet that was why I was asking, they were the ones from my last stilll. Wouldnt it be (?dangerous) alot of load on the wiring in a house as I thought for 10amp you can have 2400W total and for 15amp its 3600W to be within recommended limits. I use to have a 15amp powerpoint that I had installed to run my still last time. Also what vapour temperature at the condensor does your still sit at for your spirit run and or do you use a dimmer switch?

[Dominator]

I run the elements on separate circuts so no problems with power supply. I am moving house in a few weeks and my new place has a 15A circut dedicated to my still, can't wait to not have to unplug the drier every time I want to use my still.
I don't have a thermometer in my still as it is only a pot still and yes, I use a power controller to adjust my heat input.

[APLF]

youll still be at 4800W there mate with both running (? need 20amp). I think I saw in one of your posts you wrapped your keg in insulation, what and where did you get that from mate?

[crow]

I think gas and electric both have pro's and cons but as far as scorching goes I have whacked some tremendous heat with a gas burner at some pretty chewy washes and am yet to scorch anything sounds like its the same deal with elements . electricity will work out a fair bit cheaper than bottled gas, gas is instant so complete second by second control. As far as natural gas goes I can't honestly comment :-B

[Dominator]

youll still be at 4800W there mate with both running (? need 20amp). I think I saw in one of your posts you wrapped your keg in insulation, what and where did you get that from mate?

Any decent house wiring will handle 4800W no worries. A house is normally set to handle 50A. My insulation came from my new house that is getting built. I used off cuts from the roof insulation, it is the air cell stuff. You can buy insulation from clark rubber or if you are a real tight arse like me, keep your eyes open for a house getting built. Have a look in the skip bin and there should be some off cuts in there, ask the builder if you can take some and bobs your mothers brother.