How many is enough?

Before I start, I'm going to state that I am aware that the more btu's a burner has the faster it will boil water!
Now, what is the minimum amount of btu's it will take to boil 7.5 gallons of wort? I ask because I am thinking of buying a turkey fryer kit off of craigslist for $40 that has 35,000 btu's. Is this enough or would it be in my best interest to go with a unit that has 185,000 btu's. I realize the HUGE difference in heating abitlity but would it be worth the extra $30?

 

Don't waste your money. This Bayou Classic SQ-14 is a much better option for the money. 55,000 BTU and brand new.

 

That is great and all but I'm trying to built up to all grain with a budget of about $170 so I would like to buy a burner that comes with at least a 30 qt pot so I can do full boils. I also need to build a mlt. All I have now is a 20 qt SS pot.

 

Best BTU for your buck IMO is the SP-10 style burner. Not sure if it's sold as a combo with a stockpot anywhere, but I would think probably so. The fact that you mentioned 185k btu makes me think you're already looking at that model. It's loud and not very fuel efficient, but it's also cheap and puts out more heat than you'll likely ever need.

 

I just found a deal on Amazon for this burner, 40 qt alum pot, and lid for $93. Thinking about getting it

 

Here is a 32qt for $31. I use it for 6.5gl boils without an issue. You can get them at Target as well for $21.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018EAV4M/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

burner - works great for me. $50
http://www.garden.com/item/19-in-hi...-02F4-DF11-AD70-001517B188A2&mr:referralID=NA

Brings the total to $70 for burner and pot. I would get a smaller pot for sparge water so you can use the big pot to collect wort.

target also has an ice chest for $20
http://www.target.com/p/Igloo-Family-Cooler-Red-52-Quart/-/A-11905594#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton

MLT stuff from Bargainfittings.com will be about $50

Total setup for all grain brewing $140.

 

I have bought several of these. They are pretty hot. 170K.

 

I have the bayou classic sp2. 185k btu. Way overkill for brewing, and hard to control anything but a full hard boil.

 

Bayou Classic 44 Qt Stainless Steel Stock Pot $96

Bayou Classic 62QT Stainless Steel Stock Pot

Bayou Classic SP-10

Bayou Classic SQ-14

Good options that will keep you under the $170 budget

I would go with the Bayou Classic 82 Qt with Basket and start all grain brewing with the BIAB method.

You could still use the 44qt or 62qt options. Down the road if you plan on doing 10g batches you will want the 82 qt.

62 qt would be ideal for 5 gallon high gravity batches IM0. I have a 40qt pot and it is really too small for High gravity BIAB.

My next purchase will probably be the Bayou Classic 82qt.

Good luck,

Chris

If money is tight go with an Aluminum pot.

APT-80 $89

APT-60 $78

APT-40 $46