Alright, I'm buying a propane burner and a larger brew kettle to do full boils and maybe larger batches. I was all set on the SQ14 after reading some things, but now I'm not so sure. I've heard that the SP10 can be better. The KAB4 is also highly recommended, but above my price range. I hear the new Bayou classics come with 10 psi regulators now instead of 20. Is this a big problem? Should I be worried about the lack of wind guard on the SQ14, even though it looks sturdier? Any other suggestions?
I can only speak for the SQ-14. It is built like a tank, not much chance you overload it in terms of weight unless you're loading it with more than, I remember somewhere 400 gallons, but it is probably more like 40 gallons (weight of pot plus weight of 40 gallons of wort)
My real advice is, if you are doing 5-10 gallon all grain batches meaning you start out with ~6-7 gallons or ~12-14gallons of wort, this thing will hold up well. In both weight capability and BTUs.
Many people talk about how long it takes to get water to boiling, but they don't qualify it.
Are they talking about the time it takes to bring 10 gallons 60-80 degreeF tap temp water to a boil or bringing the same amount mash temp wort ~150F to a boil? They are not the same.
I've never tried to bring 10 gallons to a boil from an initial tap temperature because in all grain brewing there is no reason to. I have brought 12-14 gallons of hot wort to a boil in 20-25 minutes with the SQ-14.
Am I stuck on the SQ-14 or get some commission for recommending them? No. It's just that after reading many forums seems like some people are always wanting the highest and best even though it is not necessary.
If you have money to throw away, by the biggest and most expensive, high powered BTU burner available. But in my humble opinion it'll be overkill and a waste of propane and your hearing.
And as far as a wind-guard, on windy days just take some aluminum foil and place it on the offending side. If it is always windy where you brew you could come up with a cheap sheet metal defense.