Burner questions

[FrizzleFry]

Ok I am down to the last component for my switch to all grain: a propane burner. I have a few questions..

- I will be using it on a 15 gallon aluminum pot. I think I have narrowed my choices down to either a Blichmann or a Bayou KAB-4. The Blichmann is about $50 more, but I am wondering if it is significantly more efficient and may pay for itself eventually in reduced in gas usage?

- is there someplace where people go to sell used ones? (Blichmanns I mean)

- my house (I rent) has a gas water heater and fireplace, but no big tank, just a meter. Is switching to natural gas a possibility for me, and if so, how? (I know about converting the burner, just wondering how you hook it up to the house) Does it save you money, or just the worry of running out?

Thanks

 

[SpottedDogBrewing]

Ok I am down to the last component for my switch to all grain: a propane burner. I have a few questions..

- I will be using it on a 15 gallon aluminum pot. I think I have narrowed my choices down to either a Blichmann or a Bayou KAB-4. The Blichmann is about $50 more, but I am wondering if it is significantly more efficient and may pay for itself eventually in reduced in gas usage?

- is there someplace where people go to sell used ones? (Blichmanns I mean)

- my house (I rent) has a gas water heater and fireplace, but no big tank, just a meter. Is switching to natural gas a possibility for me, and if so, how? (I know about converting the burner, just wondering how you hook it up to the house) Does it save you money, or just the worry of running out?

Thanks

I have the KAB-6 and love it

 

[bduane]

Natural gas is the cheapest route, but you need someone that knows what they are doing to get access to the supply.

If you go with propane, I got the sq-14 and. Oils t be happier, the base is very sturdy and holds a keggle nicely. It has no problem boiling 7-8 gallons in about 30 minutes, I imagine it will do fine with larger volumes as well.

As for propane efficiency, for 5 gallon batches I think I'm getting 3-4 brews on a standard 15lb BBQ propane tank

 

[FrizzleFry]

I decided to go with a KAB4. Near as I can tell Blichmann has just taken the same burner and built a stainless stand to put it in, which is nice but more than I need right now. The regulator even looks the same in the pictures I have seen.

I will look around my house for a valve and talk to my gas company and see what my options are as far as going NG.