Burner question

[jthomasbutcher]

My wife and I have been using our electric stove since we began brewing and it has been sufficient for now, but we will be buying a new home in a couple of months with a garage. This is exciting because it gives me an opportunity to expand my beginner setup and a place to store all of this stuff. One of the first things that I want to buy is a propane burner to help speed my boil. I've been looking at the darkstar burner, but the other day I found a cheaper burner at Academy...like wayyyyy cheaper. So my question is, what is the difference here? Why pay more if they do the same thing? What am I missing here?

 

[Psylocide]

Nothing? I use a second hand turkey fryer burner.

It boils 5 gals of water quickly and I can control the temp pretty easily.

 

[bobeer]

I also use a 2nd hand turkey burner. It works but the flame is limited to mostly the middle of my 9 gallon kettle. I've used higher end burners before and the main differences I've found are btu's and a wider flame displacement.

 

[grathan]

My first burner barely brought my batch to a boil. The second one was so big it melted my shirt while stirring the kettle.

I guess the sweet spot would depend on thermal mass/conductivity of the kettle and perhaps garage temperature if you're living in a colder climate.

Or perhaps a burner designed for a wide range of capabilities.

 

[erick0619]

Look into the bayou burners. I have the sq14, it cost me right around 60 with shipping, and its a great burner. Much better than the dark star, which from what I've read tends to leave a whole lot of soot on the bottom of your kettle.

 

[Pie_Man]

Some burners are quieter and more efficient than others. I don't know how the academy burner stacks up, but it's something to consider.

 

[JimRausch]

About 1.5 years ago, I got a propane burner/turkey fryer kettle special for $75 at Cabelas. 25 AG batches later it's still going strong. It would be nice to have a BK a little bigger than 7.5G, but it works well enough for me.

 

[edco76]

I like the steel hoses. That was really my only prerequisite.

I have a Bayou Classic. Ive only used it once but I like it

 

[b-boy]

I have a turkey fryer that I got for ~$45. It did a great job. I still use it occasionally. For someone starting out I think going this route makes the most sense. You get a big pot, a thermometer, a lid, and a burner.

I upgraded to a banjo burner, which was a lot harder use. They're a little tempermental. Once you get them going, they work really well. Heat-wise, they are a definite upgrade.

Now I use a wok burner on a stand. It's NG powered, which in my opinion is the best option. It's a lot cheaper than constantly buying tanks of propane, and it you won't run out mid-boil.

When it comes down to it, it's all about the cost and the BTUs. Getting the most BTUs for the lowest price is a good way to approach making a decision.

 

[BHebert]

Get a piece of flat iron cut the size of the pot you are using and put it on top of the burner. It will distribute the heat, keep the gas from burning through the pot, and keeps the soot off the pot.

 

[2ellas]

Northern brewer gives the darkstar burner away free with other purchases a lot. That's how I got mine and I'm very happy with it. Sign up for their emails and just wait it out if you can. Nothing like getting some gear or ingredients and the burner as a bonus!