Shopping for a propane burner

[oakback]

I finished my boka still and did a test run with vinegar and water, than with just water. It seemed to work great, but the turkey fryer I'm using isn't quite up to the task. It was too tall, and not wide enough to hold the keg. I used a few lengths of rebar to hold the keg on it (forming a triangle), but I don't like it.

I'm not sure what amount of BTUs are needed, but I was looking at this one at Lowes. It's shorter and wide enough for a keg, and the reviews sound like it would heat sufficiently, and I like the price. Is this a good choice?

[moonshine guy]

Look around for a Bayou KAB4. I have one and she works as fast as my electric 7500 watt heaters! I have seen them on eBay for as cheap as $55.00 plus shipping. I want to say that it is 230k btu, but don't hold me to that. She is HOT!

[chopper35nj]

Oakback, I would suggest you search the index for "car rim burner" I am definatly doing that.

[wendellbaker]

I got one at Northern Tool shipped with a connector for $75 or so. Works fine. A bit slow on the initial warm up but perfect for the run. If you go that route, it's a good one to start with. $55 for 230K btu is a lot more that the 35k they offer but it works.

On a related matter. I'm considering upgrading to electric. Propane makes me nervous for a few reasons. Open flames and carbon monoxide are just two quick ones. It seems to me, and I'm sure there are people who use propane and swear by it, most experienced people around here prefer the control of electric. There's quite a few good threads about the benefits of both.

Either way, congrats on completing the new build and enjoy it.

WB

[Bayou-Ruler]

Works Great!

[WhiskeyRiver]

I've ordered a couple of things from these guys and they seem to have quality stuff. This burner is 185K BTU and a 22" wide cooking surface. Not sure how they compare on price to others.

http://bayouclassicdepot.com/sp40-bayou ... burner.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[NcHooch]

X2 on the banjo burner, burns cleaner , less soot when I run it on low.

[oakback]

Thanks for all the replies!

On a related matter. I'm considering upgrading to electric. Propane makes me nervous for a few reasons. Open flames and carbon monoxide are just two quick ones. It seems to me, and I'm sure there are people who use propane and swear by it, most experienced people around here prefer the control of electric. There's quite a few good threads about the benefits of both.

Either way, congrats on completing the new build and enjoy it.

WB

I'm comfortable with propane, but the main benefit for its use is mobility. Where I'm using my still, I don't have access to electricity without using 150' of extension cord, which I don't like doing if I can help it.

Oakback, I would suggest you search the index for "car rim burner" I am definatly doing that.

I like that idea, but I don't have access to a big enough rim, and I don't know how to weld. If I bought a rim, bought the burner parts, and paid someone to weld it together, I'd spend as much as I would buying an already-made burner.

[DFitz]

http://stores.southlandoutdoorsandmore. ... as+Cookers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

This is the best price I've found on the net. Couldn't find it locally.

[chopper35nj]

If you have more time than money like me, you could build that without welding. I will weld mine just because I have the welder but it could be built with a hack saw, drill and a few hand tools. A few nuts and bolts and you're golden. You already have the burner on your turkey fryer, I will likely sacrifice mine to build one and an old rim is $5.00 at any junk yard. I agree that those burners put off a lot of soot down low and they are likely not as efficient as the the other examples but you've already got it. I do have to admit that if I could afford to I would buy one of the banjo burners myself.

Good luck
Cheers
Chopper

[oakback]

The turkey fryer was a loaner from my friend, so I can't take it apart.

After seeing all the recommendations for Bayou Classic burners, I went ahead and bought the Bayou Classic burner that Lowes sells. I tested it out, it's like an jet's afterburner, fun stuff.

[vdoubleu]

Works Great!

just bought one. this thing is a work of art, hope it works as good as it looks.

[Bayou-Ruler]

Works Great!

just bought one. this thing is a work of art, hope it works as good as it looks.

It does, I know I'm very happy with mine