What does the HC-3800 actually do?

The OBT HC-3800 Electric Brewery Controller will take complete control over your electric brew kettle and hot liquor tank. The HC-3800 controls the heating of your strike or sparge water to a precise temperature, controls your boil so you know exactly what the boiloff rate is. The HC-3800 can measure temperature, keep track of your energy usage, and so much more! Take a look at our software and take it for a test drive. This is a demo version of the software to let you get a feel for some of its features.

What do I plug the HC-3800 into?

You will need to have an electrician install a 20-Amp 240-Volt plug. It's called NEMA 6-20. This looks a lot like a regular plug only bigger and the prongs are bent a different way. If you prefer, you can install a twist-lock plug called NEMA L6-20. Whichever you install, make sure to buy the HC-3800 with the same type of plug.

Why do I have the option to buy a HC-3800 with or without a Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor (GFCI) is an important safety device. You can purchase your HC-3800 with one built in for an extra $100. If your electrician can equip your outlet with GFCI for less than $100 then you should ask him to do so when installing the outlet. That way you don't need one on the HC-3800. If the electrician wants more than $100, then buy ours.

Where is your product made?

We purchase as many parts from the USA as possible. Our labels, metalwork, and GFCI line cords are made in Ohio. The electronic circuit boards are made in the USA.

Isn't electricity dangerous?

Cooking requires a tremendous amount of energy. Regardless of the fuel used, there are safety precautions you must take. We discuss why we believe electricity is safer than propane here.

Isn't electricity expensive?

For most places in the USA, electricity is cheaper to brew with than propane. We explain why here.

Why can't I just plug my electric kettle into an outlet without a controller, and unplug it when I'm done?

First of all that is NOT safe. If a boilover occurs, are you going to dive for the plug? Additionally the HC-3800 does more than turn the element on and off. It precisely controls the heating of your water, keeps track of your evaporation rate during the boil, measures temperature, monitors your energy use, and so much more. Take a look at our software and take it for a test drive. This is a demo version of the software to let you get a feel for some of its features.

What if my computer is not near where I brew?

Your HC-3800 can optionally connect to a computer, but works just fine without one. The control knob on the front panel controls your boil rate if you don't use a computer. You can still heat strike water if you monitor it manually.

I have a 100-Amp breaker panel and I already have an electric stove and clothes drier. Will I be OK adding another breaker for the HC-3800?

We are not able to answer questions about how to wire a new plug. Every installation is different, so please talk to your electrician about this.

I live in an apartment / condo / college dorm. Will I be able to use an HC-3800?

Be sure to follow your rent or lease agreement before hiring an electrician. While most residences in the USA have 240-volt service, some larger buildings may not. For example, 208 Volts is common in certain settings. We can configure your HC-3800 to run on a 208-Volt supply, and the heating elements you choose to buy will be different. Please contact us before your purchase if you need your HC-3800 to work on a 208-Volt system.

Do you currently offer kettles set up for electric brewing?

At this time we do not offer kettles but are in the process of evaluating parts to offer for converting.

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