The PID-with-timer controller at the heart of our barrel steamers, paired with a matched tri-clamp heating element. Set a target temperature and hold time, and it drives the whole pasteurization cycle — heating, holding, and shutting off automatically. Built to order in the USA with a 2–3 week lead time.
This is the control system that makes hands-free steam pasteurization possible. Set your temperature and hold time; the controller drives your heating element through the whole cycle and shuts off on its own.
Set a target temperature and a hold time. The controller drives your heater until the setup reaches temperature, holds it for the countdown so the load core fully pasteurizes, then shuts the heating loop off automatically. Repeatable results, no babysitting.
Internal solid-state relays switch loads up to 100 amps, so the controller runs the included element — and larger barrel heating elements — with ease. It can even be configured to control the output of a steam boiler.
Ships with a tri-clamp immersion heating element, an RTD temperature probe (1/2" MPT fitting), and heavy-gauge line and element cords — the electronics in a professionally labeled enclosure with Celsius/Fahrenheit selectable readout, ready to wire into your setup.
A quick look at our latest, improved PID controller — setting your target temperature, starting a run, and letting it manage the pasteurization cycle for you.
A couple of short walkthroughs to help you configure the controller for your setup.
The controller is built for your power. The 110V single-phase unit is the standard build for typical element setups; the 220V is configured for higher-power elements and larger loads.
The standard build, customizable to your setup. Ideal for most single-barrel steam pasteurizer builds.
Configured for 220V element setups and larger loads. Add $300 over the 110V price.
Not sure which build fits your setup? Call us at (530) 300-9292 and we'll spec it with you before you order.
The same PID-with-timer controller drives whatever steam pasteurizing setup you're building — from a first barrel to a boiler.
Add a float valve, false bottom, and a 55-gallon drum to the included controller and heating element to build a complete steam pasteurizer. Our DIY kit bundles all of that together.
Drop it into an existing steam setup that needs reliable, repeatable PID control with an automatic countdown and shut-off.
The controller can also be configured to control steam boiler output for larger operations that have outgrown a single barrel.
| Control | PID temperature controller with countdown timer |
|---|---|
| Heating element | Tri-clamp immersion element included, matched to your power |
| Relays | Internal solid-state relays — switches loads up to 100 amps |
| Temperature probe | RTD probe with 1/2" MPT fitting |
| Cords | Heavy-gauge line cord + heater-element cord |
| Units | Celsius or Fahrenheit selectable |
| Enclosure | Professional enclosure, clearly labeled |
| Power | 110V single-phase (customizable) or 220V (+$300) |
| Also controls | Steam boiler output (configurable) |
| Method | For atmospheric steam pasteurization setups (not pressurized sterilization) |
| Lead time | Made to order — typically 2–3 weeks before it ships |
| Shipping | Compact unit — ships by standard carrier, no freight |
| Build | Made in the USA |
Building a full steamer? Pair this with the DIY kit or a complete barrel. Questions? Call (530) 300-9292.
Unlike a full barrel, the controller is a compact enclosure that ships by standard carrier — no freight to arrange. Each unit is built to order with a typical 2–3 week lead time. Questions about your build, or want to confirm shipping? Call us at (530) 300-9292.
The setup this controller runs is an atmospheric steam pasteurizer — a barrel steamer. It heats your load with steam at ambient pressure, which is exactly what you want for bulk substrate: straw, masters mix, supplemented sawdust, and CVG. It super-pasteurizes those materials so beneficial competition is knocked back and your spawn can take over.
It is not a pressure sterilizer. Grain spawn and agar need true sterilization at 15 PSI / 250°F in an autoclave or pressure canner — a barrel steamer isn't intended for those. Use this for bulk substrate, and use a pressure sterilizer for grain and agar.
Choose 110V or 220V at the top of the page and order. Building a full steamer? Grab the DIY kit or a complete PID barrel.
