Can you heat water via the firebox? Would a HD approve? I was thinking that it might be possible to pump water through a coiled copper tube that was fixed inside the firebox above the burner.
That works. In fact that’s how all the manufacturers did it before they saw the innovations we made with the original E-Z Built. The drawback is that only the water in the coil will be hot and that amount runs out in a few seconds. Most HDs will approve it, however I think the pump and heater are far superior. And so will your HD.
If you are going all electric, I suggest the Ee-max heaters. This is what I use. They are very compact and can be mounted inside the shell. They only heat when they are used. Combined with a good on demand pump (I use a Flojet) you have a winning combination!
My fiance and I decided to go with the traditional setup with the copper tubing running over the burners. I have read the on demand systems are essential a coil of copper with a flame heating that (essentially the same). I was wondering though, as I have seen on some other commercial carts, that the copper tube comes through the firebox, but I cannot figure out what is used as a grommet for the hole. I suppose an automotive grade rubber grommet should work, any ideas? Thanks.
Whatever you use for a grommet must be made of high temp material. I don’t have any input as none of my designs use that system. Just so you know, you will only get about 4 seconds of hot water and almost no pressure with a gravity feed system.
Fair enough. After careful consideration, we decided it would save time and energy to go with your original setup. We arejusthurting for money at the moment so we are looking for any way to save. Thanks again.
Hi Steve,
Does much water have to run before the W.H. ignites?
Concerned with the limited water supply. Also, if fresh water runs out, and after used water is drained, how would you refill the fresh water tank?
Thanks
Not much water needs to be run before the heater lights. We don’t actually use our cart’s sinks to clean pans or do major clean ups, it’s really just for hand washing. I’ve never had my water run out, but if you are worried about it you could carry extra water in gallon jugs and pour it in as needed.
That’s good to hear about the W.H. Yes, I realize we don’t do the major clean ups using the sinks, however, if at a large festival and people wanted to wash their hands, would probably never happen, but just in case.
Thanks Steve
I try to discourage customers from washing their hands if possible, usually by hiding the sinks under a cardboard box. Not trying to be mean but if all your customers washed their hands you would be out of water in about 15 minutes.
Hey Steve,
sorry for so many questions, but a project like this is a first for me, and I want to make sure I do it right!!!
2 MORE QUESTIONS
1) on various videos, such as water heater for example, you explain how to hook up water and gas lines, on sink you explain water lines and so on. You don’t want us to actually hook up theses lines at that time do you. These explanations are for when I am ready for plumbing, corect ???
2) As far as hot water line, since heater is next to sink , should the hot water line run inside cart and out again, or just from heater to sink outside the cart???
Hi!
I’m building a coffee cart. I’m not going to need propane for anything other than the sinks. Is it easier to do an electric sink in my case?
Thanks
Rebecca
You need to play with the water flow valve and the gas valve. You will find the sweet spot. If you can’t get it to light, call the manufacturer tech support people.
Hey Steve any suggestions on a electric water heater im not using any propane
Coleman makes a 12V on demand heater. Here is one at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Water-On-Demand-Portable-Water-Heater/dp/B0009PURE0
Hey Steve,
Can you heat water via the firebox? Would a HD approve? I was thinking that it might be possible to pump water through a coiled copper tube that was fixed inside the firebox above the burner.
That works. In fact that’s how all the manufacturers did it before they saw the innovations we made with the original E-Z Built. The drawback is that only the water in the coil will be hot and that amount runs out in a few seconds. Most HDs will approve it, however I think the pump and heater are far superior. And so will your HD.
Any reason for the hot water heater not to be inside the box or is that a safety hazard?
The exhaust from the water heater is quite hot. External mounting is the easiest and safest way to deal with it.
If you are going all electric, I suggest the Ee-max heaters. This is what I use. They are very compact and can be mounted inside the shell. They only heat when they are used. Combined with a good on demand pump (I use a Flojet) you have a winning combination!
Thanks Rick!
Steve,
My fiance and I decided to go with the traditional setup with the copper tubing running over the burners. I have read the on demand systems are essential a coil of copper with a flame heating that (essentially the same). I was wondering though, as I have seen on some other commercial carts, that the copper tube comes through the firebox, but I cannot figure out what is used as a grommet for the hole. I suppose an automotive grade rubber grommet should work, any ideas? Thanks.
Whatever you use for a grommet must be made of high temp material. I don’t have any input as none of my designs use that system. Just so you know, you will only get about 4 seconds of hot water and almost no pressure with a gravity feed system.
Fair enough. After careful consideration, we decided it would save time and energy to go with your original setup. We arejusthurting for money at the moment so we are looking for any way to save. Thanks again.
Finish that cart and you won’t be hurting for money very long 🙂 Good luck!
I love this answer. here’s to us hotdoggers!!
Hi Steve can the hot water tank be laid down and bolted under the cart. Body road side thanks larry
No. It must be upright and have a clear path for the hot exhaust to go straight up into the air.
Thank you
Hi Steve,
Does much water have to run before the W.H. ignites?
Concerned with the limited water supply. Also, if fresh water runs out, and after used water is drained, how would you refill the fresh water tank?
Thanks
Not much water needs to be run before the heater lights. We don’t actually use our cart’s sinks to clean pans or do major clean ups, it’s really just for hand washing. I’ve never had my water run out, but if you are worried about it you could carry extra water in gallon jugs and pour it in as needed.
That’s good to hear about the W.H. Yes, I realize we don’t do the major clean ups using the sinks, however, if at a large festival and people wanted to wash their hands, would probably never happen, but just in case.
Thanks Steve
I try to discourage customers from washing their hands if possible, usually by hiding the sinks under a cardboard box. Not trying to be mean but if all your customers washed their hands you would be out of water in about 15 minutes.
I need to know which water heater to buy, was hoping to purchase in the next day or so. I am in Cali so rules are strict.. please advise…
We recommend the EccoTemp L5. Read the Bill of Materials. It contains all the parts and equipment with sources on where to buy it.
Hey Steve,
sorry for so many questions, but a project like this is a first for me, and I want to make sure I do it right!!!
2 MORE QUESTIONS
1) on various videos, such as water heater for example, you explain how to hook up water and gas lines, on sink you explain water lines and so on. You don’t want us to actually hook up theses lines at that time do you. These explanations are for when I am ready for plumbing, corect ???
2) As far as hot water line, since heater is next to sink , should the hot water line run inside cart and out again, or just from heater to sink outside the cart???
Thanks,
Joe
1. Yes
2. Either way is fine.
Hi!
I’m building a coffee cart. I’m not going to need propane for anything other than the sinks. Is it easier to do an electric sink in my case?
Thanks
Rebecca
No, the simplest way to get hot water for hand washing is with the portable propane on demand water heater like the one shown in the videos.
I’m having trouble getting my water heater to ignite, any thoughts on that?
You need to play with the water flow valve and the gas valve. You will find the sweet spot. If you can’t get it to light, call the manufacturer tech support people.
Thanks Steve, I’ll try it!