I am looking for a reasonably priced burner mainly for 5 gallon batches. I may do 10 gallon batches in the future but they would be few and far between.
I currently have a bayou classic (not sure which model) that work fine. I am basically just looking from something more powerful to heat mash water and boil quicker. The KAB4 Banjo is looking like the most logical choice but thought I would check here…
Sorry for a redundant post. I will search around for my answer
looks like I might be able to just replace the burner and the regulator as a cheaper option. Looks like I can get the banjo stuff on amazon for $60 and save $20-30
Northern has their Dark Star for $49 + 7.95 shipping. I don’t have one, but that seems like a good low cost pretty high BTU burner. It’s always nice to have 2 burners so you can start heating your wort before your sparge is complete.
That seems to have the same output as my current burner I think? It looks like mine is discontinued so I am having trouble finding how many BTUs it has.
This looks like the kit I got except I think my regulator is 5 psi not 10
http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-3066A-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B0000BXHL0/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1415809862&sr=1-2&keywords=Bayou+Classic+30+quart+with+burner
I was going to upgrade my sq14 burner to the larger banjo. Can’t do it now because a buddy added a windscreen and it is a bit too small to accommodate the larger burner. Only an inch or so.
I emailed bayou classic to see if the banjo burner will be compatible with my stand.
I also found this which seems like a decent buy for 100,000 btus
http://www.amazon.com/Brinkmann-815-4005-S-Outdoor-Cooker-Stand/dp/B005CSTHPY/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1415810650&sr=1-1&keywords=Outdoor+Cooker+815-4005-S+Brinkmann
I have the dark star. Been very happy with it. Seems to work well heat quickly and the propane lasts.
As far as I can tell, my current burner has about the same BTU output as the dark star. I need to try to confirm that… I think I want something with at least 100K so there is a noticeable difference from what I have.
Bayou Classic replied that my stand is not compatible with the banjo burner.
This is the absolute worst time of year to buy a propane burner, so if nothing else wait to do the costing until after Thanksgiving.
From what I’ve been told, the BTU/hr ratings are all but meaningless unless you’re comparing two burners from the same manufacturer. An actual 100,000 BTU/hr would be massive overkill for home brewing - that would bring 10 gal from room temperature to a boil in <20 min. Unless you’re willing to literally burn through propane (and money), you’ll never be running it wide open anyway.
You may just need to replace your regulator. I have a Bayou SP10 (probably the same burner with a 20 psi regulator) and it’s more than enough for 10 bbl gal batches.
did you mean 10 gallon batches? I am quite happy with my SQ14 but I can’t imagine it doing much quickly on 300 gallon batches.
Whoops! I guess you’ve mentally transitioned when that starts happening.
Although to give it some perspective, our 10 bbl kettle has a 440,000 BTU burner, and even that would be overkill at sea level.
good to know.
I’ve heard the Blingmann is worth the money, though. I’ve been thinking about ordering one…
I didn’t think about just replacing the regulator. I kind of assumed that the different regulators were meant for different burners. That could be a very easy solution.
That’s good to hear. I got one of these free with an order from NB. Haven’t used it yet.
Blichmann is worth the money, built like a tank and stainless doesn’t rust. Sips gas and heats fast. Spend the extra for the leg extensions, it makes brew day much easier on the back.
That’s funny.
So true
I love my Blichmann. I’ve used a few other burners (camp chef type), but nothing has matched the Blichmann so far. Definitely worth the money, and definitely get the leg extensions.
I originally used a banjo burner and went thru a lot of propane. Bought a Blichmann with the leg extensions. It sips the propane compared to the banjo and heats a 10 gal batch quickly. I now have 2 Blichmann burners in the system. Well worth the price. You get what you pay for.