Advice on kit to start all grain brewing

[Petrolhead]

I am looking to move over to all grain brewing and intend using an old (legitimate) beer barrel and a large cooler both adapted with taps to use in the normal fashion.

My question is should I heat the barrel with electricity or gas? I fancy the neatness of electricity and to heat the water it makes great sense but is it ok when you boil the wort?

As a newbie it strikes me that the element could be difficult to clean and you may get wort burnt onto it. A pointer or two would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Oneflewover]

Not sure that I can be of much help mate, I started ag with a stock pot on the hob and a grain bag.

I am sat here wondering about whether using a beer barrel (what is it made of?) is a great plan, but what do I know!

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi!

My question is should I heat the barrel with electricity or gas?

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. You need to buy a gas burner and bottled gas if you go down that route, and you'll need to cut holes in the keg for the elements (you will most certainly need more than one) if you choose electricity to power your boil. Of course, you'll need to cut holes for ball valves whichever route you go down.
Many homebrewers use exposed elements to boil wort, so there'll be plenty of advice online about cleaning the elements etc.
There are many You Tube vids about converting a beer keg for boiling - here's one example.