I'm about to acquire a Spike Trio system second-hand. Unfortunately, it does not come with a steam condenser.
I currently have a DIY steam condenser that I put together for my Anvil Foundry. I'm wondering if I should repurpose it for this new system, or go all-in with spike and buy the steam condensing lid.
From Spike's website, it looks like my options are:
1) 15 Gallon CIP Lid - $80 + a longer spool - $16 = $96
2) 15 Gallon Steam Condensing Lid = $360
Does the steam condensing lid offer $260 of utility over my DIY contraption? Are there any advantages to having the extra ports on the steam condensing lid? Will the CIP lid flop right off the kettle if I try to hang a condenser off of it?
Water usage is not really a concern where I live, so the recirculation aspect of the condensing lid is not really adding anything for me. I don't mind spending extra for something that will "just work", but it would have to be pretty dang slick for me to spend 3x as much.
What do y'all think?
I currently have a DIY steam condenser that I put together for my Anvil Foundry. I'm wondering if I should repurpose it for this new system, or go all-in with spike and buy the steam condensing lid.
From Spike's website, it looks like my options are:
1) 15 Gallon CIP Lid - $80 + a longer spool - $16 = $96
2) 15 Gallon Steam Condensing Lid = $360
Does the steam condensing lid offer $260 of utility over my DIY contraption? Are there any advantages to having the extra ports on the steam condensing lid? Will the CIP lid flop right off the kettle if I try to hang a condenser off of it?
Water usage is not really a concern where I live, so the recirculation aspect of the condensing lid is not really adding anything for me. I don't mind spending extra for something that will "just work", but it would have to be pretty dang slick for me to spend 3x as much.
What do y'all think?