Edelmetall Bru Burner - Propane efficiency

[jfdav]

I just brewed my first batch on my new outdoor setup, consisting of the NB Edelmetall burner and a NB 10gal Megapot. Just 5 gal extract for now, but we bought to handle some all grain in the future.

All went well, but it seems like I used a crap-ton of propane. We started with a full Blue Rhino 15lb tank, and when finished the sweat ring was below the halfway mark - which I assume means we used over a half of the tank.

We got the 5.5 gal up to a boil, added the ingredients, and backed off a bit (using the regulator) when it almost boiled over. Brought it back up to a mild boil and left it there. Looked like a nice blue flame except for when the wind picked up. Needle valve was wide open and the damper looked to be about 50%.

I couldn't really find any great info on how to tweak these things. Is this normal propane usage or am I doing something stupid?

 

[whattheschmidt]

I use 5.5gal as well when I brew with the same propane burner (Blichmann though), the tank will last me at least 6 batches.

You shouldn't need the needle valve 100% open ever with that amount of wort.

Search for the instructions for the Blichmann to get an idea of how to set the flame right.

 

[Devinv]

Send it my way, I'll review and get back to you.
Slightly off topic, but how do you like it? I was thinking about adding it to my Christmas list.

 

[jfdav]

Good idea to DL the instructions for the Blichmann - probably the same procedure. Here's hoping I can adjust it for a bit more efficiency.

It also looks like Blue Rhino uses 20# tanks filled with only 15# of gas, so less than half the tank left visually doesn't necessarily mean less than half the gas...

I have only brewed one batch with it so far, but the combination of the burner and the pot make things a hell of a lot easier than doing things in the kitchen. It looks well built, and it provides good heat (it seems). I got the leg extensions to keep from bending over and assist with gravity transfers to my fermenter. So far - liking it quite a bit. Just need to see what the propane costs me.

 

[Beer-lord]

I take my tanks to the local Uhaul to refill and get 2 extra boils out of them compared to trading them in at Blue Rhino.
I've been told they only fill maybe 75% due to transportation laws in many states. Sounds fishy but I know I pay $18 for a trade in vs. $19 for a fill at Uhaul and it's worth it.

 

[masonsjax]

There was a lawsuit some time ago regarding the fill on blue rhino tanks. They were filling to 15# but keeping the standard 20# label so they could charge less compared to the competition. When they were called on it they opted to relabel at 15# and keep the lower price rather than give a full capacity fill. Now everyone fills to 15# so the pricing is closer. If you want a full 20#, you'll have to go somewhere that refills rather than exchange. Uhaul is popular. I get my refills at the local exxon station and they fill until it's spraying out of the coupling.