35 quart turkey fryer at Lowes. Better than most?

The web site has it for $99, but in store was $79. It seems to be a cut above some of the others I've seen for brewing purposes. Burner isn't single flame with a spreader, a bit larger pot, a spigot at the bottom and a mushroomed top to help control boil over. Most negative reviews are from people saying the thermostat won't hold a boil at frying temps, not a big deal for us. No timer is a plus.

I'll wait till after Thanksgiving and see if the price starts to drop. The local store had about 6 of them and I doubt they will all go by Wednesday. Never know though....

I was planning on going electric, but if this thing drops far enough, it would be a quick entry level device, just throw in a cooler for a MLT...

http://bbq.about.com/od/turkeyfryerreviews/gr/aapr101508a.htm

A lot of folks use that one. Give a search; I think that there is a timer on the burner that kills the flame after X minutes. It needs bypassed so that you don't have to keep relighting it.
Cheers, Jeff

RDWHAHB said:

A lot of folks use that one. Give a search; I think that there is a timer on the burner that kills the flame after X minutes. It needs bypassed so that you don't have to keep relighting it.
Cheers, Jeff

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Thanks. Looks like I'm barking up the right tree but I'll be patient and see if the price falls some. I got the impression that there was no timer from a 'negative' comment on something I was reading.

I would not buy that unit for several reasons.

1. The upper part of the burner stand will severely restrict the type of kettle you can use unless you do some cutting on it.

2. The spigot might present problems attaching anything to it either inside or outside of the kettle. Can't really tell from the picture, so just guessing on this.

3. The kettle is probably only 7.5 gallons or so which is OK for small batch sizes, but it's likely you will want something bigger not too far down the road. That is where problem No. 1 comes into play.

4. The temperature controller thingy is not really a desired feature for home brewing use. It might not hinder the process, but it's superfluous IMO and you are paying for it whether you use it or not. It may also eventually become a major PIA if it malfunctions for some reason.

5. I can't tell from the picture what the actual gas burner looks like. Might be OK, but there may well be a better choice.

6. The price isn't all that hot. You should be able to nab something on sale or closeout after Thanksgiving and for sure after the 1st of the year if not sooner.

IMO, I would not buy a combination burner and kettle unless it was a really good deal. Instead, I would purchase them separately and get that better fit my needs for the long haul. OTOH, the one you show would get you started at a reasonable cost and that's a big consideration, so don't let me rain on your enthusiasm. Just some things to consider.

Catt22 said:

I would not buy that unit for several reasons.

1. The upper part of the burner stand will severely restrict the type of kettle you can use unless you do some cutting on it.

2. The spigot might present problems attaching anything to it either inside or outside of the kettle. Can't really tell from the picture, so just guessing on this.

3. The kettle is probably only 7.5 gallons or so which is OK for small batch sizes, but it's likely you will want something bigger not too far down the road. That is where problem No. 1 comes into play.

4. The temperature controller thingy is not really a desired feature for home brewing use. It might not hinder the process, but it's superfluous IMO and you are paying for it whether you use it or not. It may also eventually become a major PIA if it malfunctions for some reason.

5. I can't tell from the picture what the actual gas burner looks like. Might be OK, but there may well be a better choice.

6. The price isn't all that hot. You should be able to nab something on sale or closeout after Thanksgiving and for sure after the 1st of the year if not sooner.

IMO, I would not buy a combination burner and kettle unless it was a really good deal. Instead, I would purchase them separately and get that better fit my needs for the long haul. OTOH, the one you show would get you started at a reasonable cost and that's a big consideration, so don't let me rain on your enthusiasm. Just some things to consider.

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As I said, the price would have to drop. 35 quarts is just shy of 9 gallons. The lowest I've seen around here is 30 quart models with the single flame/spreader burners that soot up. This is only $20 more and I think it is a matter of you get what you pay for.

But, that is why I threw this thread up, to get some input and to let people looking at the turkey fryer option in general something to consider.

This would be a transition/quick start unit for me until I get together a RIMS. If the price gets down to $50 then I get making sooner rather than later.

I could also just cut the safety cage off the damned thing too.

You don't want one with that safety timer on it. Most of them cannot be bypassed safely. Ask Ryan_PA about that

I have one of these, it will bring 7.5 gal of wort to an extreme rolling boil. You have to watch for boil over till after the hot break, then your good to go.
The safety thing is set for 350deg. so you don`t over heat your oil, you wont have that problem boiling beer.
Just set the control on the stove to max and use the regulator valve to control the flame.
The other nice thing about this cooker is the basket makes a really nice carboy dryer with handles.

Geoffrey said:

I have one of these, it will bring 7.5 gal of wort to an extreme rolling boil. You have to watch for boil over till after the hot break, then your good to go.
The safety thing is set for 350deg. so you don`t over heat your oil, you wont have that problem boiling beer.
Just set the control on the stove to max and use the regulator valve to control the flame.
The other nice thing about this cooker is the basket makes a really nice carboy dryer with handles.

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I had hoped I could convert this to natural gas IF I ended up getting it, but it looks strangely like the banjo hi-pressure burner. Any clues there? It would be an interim set up for me, so it wouldn't be a huge deal.

I bought the Saf-T-fryer at Lowes back in January or February this year on clearance for $60 or $65. Anyone who badmouths it obviously knows nothing about it, and in my opinion, shouldn't be commenting on it. It's a great setup to use for full boils.

As for 1. If you don't want to use the kettle that comes with it, you don't have to cut the top part off, you can simply remove 4 bolts, remove the top part and screw the bolts back in. simple as that.

2. I like the spigot. Not as great as a ball valve, but it's free and comes attached as does not leak.

3. the kettle is the FULL 35 quarts (8.75 gallons). If you don't know how big it actually is, don't guess. I can collect 7.5 gallons of wort and bring it to a boil no problem. you do have to watch for boilovers, but the 35 quarts is over a gallon more than most turkey fryers, and is much appreciated.

4. the temp controller is a non-issue. just tape the sensor to the leg of the burner instead of using it as designed. It will burn at full blast until you run out of propane.

5. like I said, good burner. I forget the BTUs, but I've had no issues bringing anything to a boil in a reasonable amount of time. I usually don't even turn it on full blast.

6. $80 is a fair price considering a burner alone would cost about $50. For $30 you get a 35 quart pot with a spigot. If it goes lower, I'd definitely jump on it.

If you have a lot of money to spend, yeah, get yourself a 10+ gallon stainless steel kettle and the burner of your choice. If you're looking to save some money and still get a good setup, get this.

Why not just buy an SQ14 on amazon for 49.97 and a 34 qt aluminum steamer at walmart for 22.99?

It's obviously the rig of choice for turkeys!

earlytimes - there's always got to be one guy who spoils the speculation and tromps on people's entitlement to their baseless opinions, by reporting on actual experiences with a product.

That's a nice setup and a heck of a lot less expensive than what I pieced together years ago.

My friend (who I brew with all the time) has one of these. Personally, I think it is a piece of junk, he hates it too. The safety cage is annoying and makes it difficult to move the kettle on and off the burner. The temp sensor thing also sucks. His turns off ALL THE TIME. I'm sure he could modify it, but why bother. It turns off because the direct heat from the flames reach it and turn it off. The temp adjust is just about worthless. He just uses his adjustable regulator.

I agree, get an SQ14 (I'm partial to the hurricane, whisper quiet) or other proven burner and find a decent aluminum pot.

The purpose of this thread was to alert folks considering the turkey fryer route to take a look at this one. It cost a bit more but I think might be worth it. Better burner, bigger pot. ALL of the new ones have annoying safety features it seems.

In the past I've taught folks to make telescope mirrors. Normally we encouraged folks to start small and hand make the first one. If someone wanted to build a grinding machine and start big we could pretty much bet that person would never complete a mirror. Also, there were two benefits to starting small. Experience gained and patience because you have finally started and have a telescope to use while you do your bigger project.

I see similarities here. I had a friend teach me to brew on his equipment. I've considered stove top to get started. This could be a step up until I try a few things and hopefully build a RIMS in the future. I was going to do 3 gallon batches and try some recipes out. I can get two three gallon batches out of this and play with dry hopping and different yeasts, side by side. I may still start stove top. I have 5.5 gallons bottled from when my friend brought his equipment over that hasn't reached 'ripe' yet, so I have some time.

Hermit said:

In the past I've taught folks to make telescope mirrors. Normally we encouraged folks to start small and hand make the first one. If someone wanted to build a grinding machine and start big we could pretty much bet that person would never complete a mirror. Also, there were two benefits to starting small. Experience gained and patience because you have finally started and have a telescope to use while you do your bigger project.

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While I agree with what you're trying to say, a lot of us get really frustrated when the forum tells us a 20qt pot is okay, and then 3 brews in we already know that its $30 thrown away, and we need to buy a bigger one.

I can see your point Hermit, but if we are talking about the best way to start small, this is not it. The truth is, that a full boil is not 'needed' at all, it is a step up. Like Synovia mentioned, people normally start with a small pot on the stove. They then step up to a propane burner. Sure, that cheap, little pot may become a throwaway (not in my case, I use it every brewday) but I don't think people want their propane burners to become throwaways. Right now on Amazon.com, I can buy an SQ14 for $50 and a 10 gallon (40 quart) aluminum pot for $40. I just think that's a much better buy and something that will not ever become a throwaway item.

ajwillys said:

I can see your point Hermit, but if we are talking about the best way to start small, this is not it. The truth is, that a full boil is not 'needed' at all, it is a step up. Like Synovia mentioned, people normally start with a small pot on the stove. They then step up to a propane burner. Sure, that cheap, little pot may become a throwaway (not in my case, I use it every brewday) but I don't think people want their propane burners to become throwaways. Right now on Amazon.com, I can buy an SQ14 for $50 and a 10 gallon (40 quart) aluminum pot for $40. I just think that's a much better buy and something that will not ever become a throwaway item.

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+1 The SQ-14 is an excellent choice. I have one and use it regularly for boiling 12 gallon batches. No regrets on the purchase at all and IMO it was a bargain at $49 at my local HD.

earlytimes said:

4. the temp controller is a non-issue. just tape the sensor to the leg of the burner instead of using it as designed. It will burn at full blast until you run out of propane.

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How do you have it set up? Any pics? Also, do you use the regulator that came with it or did you buy an aftermarket piece? I would appreciate all the help and info I can get, thanks.

Ok so the one that my wife bought me has no temp control thingee it simply has a red button you can push so the flame doesn't stop. It is on a timer rather than a temp control thing. It's really pretty easy to use.

For what its worth, These things are only $25 on clearence at Lowes right now. I bought 2, i mean why not. I am just starting out anyways, worth a try.
They also have a 30qt package without a spigot, those are $15 each right now (with burner). the price online is $99 and $54, respectively. I bought all they had, two of each.

For $80 i got:
2 35 qt pots with spigots,
2 30qt pots
4 burners

I had been debating on what to get and this deal answered my question pretty easily.