New Propane Burner

ryser2k · 07-09-2007, 08:01 PM

I'm in the market for a new propane burner, since my el cheapo burner from Lowe's is busted and the prospect of brewing on the stove in July is not that appealing.

Does anyone have any suggestions on burners/turkey fryers? I tried searching around but can't find any conclusive thoughts on the subject... plus I trust you guys more than an random internet search. I want to make sure I get something a little beefier than my previous burner... something that can take the punishment I dish out as well as boil my 5 gallon batches as quickly as possible.

Two burners I looked at were the Hurricane Burner from NB (sold out) and the "High Output Propane Burner" from AHS (also sold out). Anyone have either of these? Are they worth the money and the wait until I can get them?

Thanks!

**EdWort** · 07-09-2007, 08:32 PM

That High Output one from AHS is the Banjo Cooker. I picked up one from Amazon for $65 with free shipping. It's the KAB4, but I think it is discontinued.

Check out my video on it

It is very controllable and puts out an amazing amount of heat. Yesterday, it took about 5 minutes to heat my mash water.

It's been replaced by the KAB5

We had reports of bad welds and broken legs on it. This new one looks to have solved that problem. Here's a place that is selling it for $65 plus $22 shipping.

In any event, this puppy will reduce your wait on heating the HLT and bringing your wort to a boil and keeping it there. On my old burner I would have to stop the clock when I dropped my immersion chiller in, but with the banjo, I just give it a little more gas and it's boiling again in a matter of seconds.

It Rocks!

ryser2k · 07-09-2007, 08:55 PM

Oh man, that video made me cry tears of joy... I think I might have to get my hands on one of those!

98EXL · 07-10-2007, 01:46 AM

I think I found my next toy....

...can I rip the burner out of the stand, and incorporate into a brew sculpture?

**EdWort** · 07-10-2007, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98EXL

I think I found my next toy....

...can I rip the burner out of the stand, and incorporate into a brew sculpture?

you bet. No problem. Bayou Class has a cool rig.

RBA5 Cajun Cooking Station RBA5

Upper Level
30" Tall Cooker
6" Fry Burner
Stainless braided hose with 10 PSI Regulator

Lower Level
Folds out 18" from upper level
10" Banjo Burner
Stainless braided hose with 20 PSI Regulator
Fold and roll for compact storage
87 lbs

Price $199.95
List Price $240.00 ~ You save $40.05

Fingers · 07-10-2007, 02:25 AM

I had found a webpage where they recommended the Jet Burner over the Banjo Burner for large boils. This is because the KAB5 only comes with a 20 psi regulator whereas the KAB4 had the 30 psi regulator.

I had posted and asked for any advice on the jet burner but it appears no one has any experience with it. The jet burner also happens to be $30 - $35 dollars cheaper.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/banjo-kab5-versus-sp1-jet-burner-31985/

Willsellout · 07-10-2007, 02:27 AM

I called weliveoutside.com and the guy I spoke to said the KAB5 is not the same beast as the KAB4 and actually steered me clear of it. YMMV.

Fingers · 07-10-2007, 03:16 AM

What reasons did he give you, Dan?

Willsellout · 07-10-2007, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fingers

What reasons did he give you, Dan?

He said that it's a lower pressure regulator (20 vs. 30). Then he mentioned that the flames instead of going up the sides of the pot, like on the KAB4, tended to go downward due to the windguard. So basically it was tamer and it had a tendency to scorch the floor

.

Dan

Willsellout · 07-10-2007, 03:54 AM

I recently got this burner and couldn't be happier. It's big enough to hold a keg and be perfectly stable and it will bring your wort up to a boil between 15-30 minutes depending on whether or not you do AG or not. I really like it.
http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1114-Single-Burner/dp/B000291GDO/ref=sr_1_5/102-8222965-2107325?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1184039605&sr=8-5

Dan