So I'm moving into a condo, which is a far cry from my current living situation. As it stands, I use an outdoor burner, 10 gal kettle, and converted cooler MLT. I do not see this set-up working well on my new (and very modestly-sized) balcony. So how can I keep brewing? Stove-top is an option, but only for small batches because I will have electric. One option is to keep my current set-up and just transport my gear somewhere outdoor for brew day. In this case, I'd like to have access to running water. Anyone else do this?
At least where I lived everyone had BBQs on their balconies even though it wasn't "allowed". Have you thought of some sort of heat shielding device and use the burner still?
This sounds like it could definitely work. Combined with BIAB, I may end up with a shorter brew day. Any idea on the best place to purchase heat sticks?
Yeah, I've thought of it. I just foresee a very cramped brewing-space and any number of fire hazards. It's still a viable option, but I'd like to consider others as well.
I don't know. The ones I have seen were DIY. But I'm pretty sure I've seen commercially made sticks somewhere.
http://www.amazon.com/MARSHALLTOWN-...&qid=1357182134&sr=8-1&keywords=bucket+heater I've heard a few people have some success with this. If you're into a DIY project it sounds like you only need some CPVC, some grounded cord and a spare water tank heater from a hardware store. It would run you like $15-$20 if I had to guess. I'm sure we've got some electric brewers out there that will chime in.
Oh, and another way I was able to brew on electric was to divvy wort between a few kettles. USE ALL OF THE BURNERS! condense when you hit a boil and add your hops.
Go all electric, Im guessing you have a dryer in your condo? (If not you can use a stove outlet) you can use the outlet to power a 5500watt element that you can put in your kettle. I recently did this using 2" triclamp fittings and a element guard from stilldragon, and it works like a charm. Heating up sparge water is super quick (~1/2 time) and the boil starts faster as well (with stove outlet you can have 2 elements for heating sparge water at the same time as boiling kettle) It wasnt cheap setting it up but I went all out and probably did more than you would need. If all you want to do is control boil temps and heat up strike water, and you dont mind using 1 pot, I think you could easily do this for element - $20 Element guard - $35 PID - $25 RTD Sensor - $15 (for measuring water temp) SSR - $15 Contactor - $15 SO cord - ~$2/ft Dryer cord - $20 connectors - $30 Switches - $10 Box - $20 GFCI breaker (Homedepot) - $50 = $255 + SO cord Not cheap but would allow you to do full batches easily and quickly If your interested let me know and I can help you put something together that will work
