Entry Level Burner Comparison

[mrgrimm101]

Hello,

I am going to be buying a burner soon and I've been leaning toward the Bayou Classic SP10, however there are some similar models around the same price that could be comparable.

I am looking at the SP10, the SQ14, and the SQ84.

From what I can tell, differences of each are:

-SP10 has a 4" jet burner and has a windguard
-SQ14 has a 6" banjo burner and has no windguard
-SQ84 has a 4" jet burner and has a windguard

Basically, the SQ84 seems to be a combination of the other 2. It has a windguard, which the SQ14 lacks, but it doesn't have the banjo burner that the SQ14 has. I'm leaning toward the SP10 because it has the wind guard and I've always heard good things about it.

I've been told that the SQ14 has a better burner..it's slightly larger and the banjo burner is better than the jet burner. I cannot say if this is true..it's just what I've been told.

Does anyone out there have any insight into comparing these models of burner? Am I overthinking this?

 

[dsaavedra]

I've got the SQ14 and it's great. Pretty fuel efficient as well. This may be due to the banjo burner, I have heard they are better burners than jet burners as well. A windguard can easily be fashioned from a piece of aluminum flashing or something similar. I would recommend the SQ14.

 

[BowAholic]

Academy Sports also has a good stainless burner that's like 58,000 BTU for about $35...

 

[jamina1]

I am personally holding out for this model because it's inexpensive, well rated, and puts out 100,000 BTUs so it should be reliable for use as I grow my batches from 5 to 10 gallons.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Brinkmann-100-000-BTU-Propane-Gas-Outdoor-Cooker-815-4005-S/202038918

 

[valhalla076]

My brew club has been sharing a burner and I am looking to purchase my own so I can brew smaller batches at home. I have been looking at the SQ14, and some of the more recent reviews seem to indicate poor quality (i.e. bad welds, missing parts, loose burners, flimsy metal, etc.). I was wondering if anyone had bought one recently or had any better suggestions. Also, is there any pro/cons for using a jet burner over cast iron?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Redlantern]

Bayou Classic KAB4 Banjo Cooker With Hose Guard
at amazon.com

about $80 for 210,000 BTU

 

[Dirt_McGirt]

I like my SQ14. The lack of windguard is a bummer, but I brew inside an open garage and avoid windy days, so it hasn't been an issue. The only other problem is the powder coating flaking on the frame flaking off from the heat, which invites rust. I'll probably see if I can re-apply something to those spots soon.

 

[mrgrimm101]

I ended up getting an SQ-14 and I am happy with it so far. I am going to build a windscreen eventually, but for now I also use it in my garage so it hasn't been an issue. I agree, the paint flaking off was a bummer, but it didn't ruin the bottom of my keggle so that's a plus.