Pimping my Lidl boiler

[Rich]

Well, my cheap Lidl boiler decided to blow it's element whilst heating the water for the sparge of my last brew. Having already enlarged the hole in it to put a decent tap in (and not keeping the receipt) taking it back wasn't going to be happening, so I set about taking it apart.

This ended up with a burco element fitted in the base, the thermostat repositioned to the side slightly. Originally the thermostat is central, and the element is under the base of the pot.

Leak test carried out satis, rewired, then tested.

Thermostat is now way out, but the water heats up fairly quick! Thermostat just seems a little behind the water temp, will see how it goes in use. It's only going to be used to heat the strike and sparge water anyway.

Not really a how too, just what I've been filling my off shift with!

[koomber]

Michty Rich, I didn't realise the element was in THAT sort of state. Nice job on the refit. I might even let you fit one to mine.

[NorthernWiner]

I must admit that when I read the title of this thread, I thought it was going to be about something naughty.

[Cellar_Rat]

How much work has this boiler had?

[Rich]

Not very much really, it was one of their later £30 ones though. Not sure if they were built to a cheaper spec inside. It has only ever been a HLT so never been boiled for an hour or so at a time.

[koomber]

Just to play devil's advocate with the LIDL boilers, I've done a heap of boils on mine and never had a problem.

[Rich]

My original £40 boiler from mid last year also has done several full boils. Works a treat.