Conversation

So, a while ago my consumer grade coffee machine, that I modified with wifi and converted to make tea instead, broke.
The element burned out, I'v changed the element 4 times now in its life and desire something more industrial.
I set out to find a commercial coffeemaker that I could modify. As luck would have it, one came along (I actually got it before the consumer grade unit died)
Many things about the machine need to be modified. The current item on my list is to know how full the pot is (or if its even there)
You see, the consumer grade device will not pour water everywhere if there is no pot, but the commercial one will. I have been pondering ways to fix this and might be saved by a snotload (at over $180ea this is a snotload) of load cells I just got from e-waste.
but, should I? It would have to be set up carefully so I could not mechanically shock them. heat could also be an issue.