So is it even worth it for me to modify my current propane setup in a full on eBIAB? I have a 10 gallon Bayou Classic kettle currently and I'm not afraid to pop some holes in it.
The kicker is I only have access to 240 downstairs and I would really not prefer to brew down there. I do have 120v 20 amp circuits in the kitchen (actually 2 in fact).
I do full volume, 5 gallon batches BIAB so I would be heating roughly 7.5-8 gallons to strike and boiling approx. 6 gallons.
Would 2 120v 1500 watt heater elements achieve this for me? I've read plenty on building a PID controller and that doesn't seem daunting at all.
Plan would be to install a false bottom to prevent scorching the bag, heat to strike temp and maintain strike temp using controller and a solar pump or a chugger pump to recirculate mash and for whirlpooling at the end.
80mm is about R-9 iirc and I’d say you need more. On the other hand 200mm fiberglass batts are about R-30.
So if you have room then build the enclosure big enough for as much insulation as you can and don’t forget the bottom, a lot of heat loss occurs there. It’ll have to be built tight though or mice will get in and make nests of it.
Consider this though: heating only what you need for daily use is easier to manage and far easier to adapt to winter use. You know better than I what your needs are.
This is my $18 circulation pump, I’ve had it 3 years and it’s mounted inside the cooler.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0196WL6GY/
This is my $18 shower head pump, it’s also 3 years old. It is cheap yet it lasts because it’s controlled by a foot switch rather than by its own rather flimsy internal pressure switch.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N75ZIXF/
This is my $35 waterproof foot switch that is in the shower stall. This is a very high quality Linemaster switch.