Suggestions on Burners for 20l batches.

[Josh C]

I have read some previous threads on this forum about lpg burners but still have a few questions and would like some recommendations. 

I am about to start brewing 20l batches in a 30l pot. I have a gas hob inside with a wok hob rated at 13,000 BTU but my understanding is that I will probably need something more powerful. My partner would also rather I didn't leave the house smelling like a brewery and so I would preferably like to get a burner I can use outside with our 9kg gas bottle we already have connected to our kitchen hob.

I seems most people use 3-ring burners. Would something like this be what I am after?

This burner does not have a stand so would I need to set it off the ground? Could I just balance it on a couple bricks and then have the pot suspended above it on more bricks?

Also, what kind of regulator do I need? Something like this. Or maybe this. Or would this suffice?

The other option is getting this form Amazon for around $150 delivered but I would rather stay more towards the $100 range total.

[Scott]

I've got that burner. Works fine now that I've opened all the air intakes to their maximum. I just sit it on a concrete pad, then have the pot raised by bricks another 50mm or so above the burner's frame, as it would otherwise be too close. I took the burner to Bunnings and asked for help in chosing the correct fitting regulator. I BIAB with a heavy 50l stainless pot.

I wish I had bought the Bayou though. Would have cost the same all up assuming I had bought an adjustable regulator (which I'm still considering), and be a lot faster to bring my 36l of water to mashing temp in maintaining a good boil. I find my burner and reg to be ok, but sensitive to the wind and a bit too slow.

[Josh C]

Thanks for the reply. Do you remember what you paid for the regulator? How long does your boil take? One thing I am worried about with the Bayou (other than the price) is the LPG consumption. I also don't want to go overkill as I am I limited to the size of my pot which is only 30l so I probably wont be doing double batches anytime.

I am also interested if anyone manages to use their kitchen hob for brewing.

[Scott]

I think the reg was $35 ish, so with the burner and its postage, the set up was only just cheaper than the bayou.

I boil for 90 mins, but it takes about 30mins to get fully going from the mash temp.

[Dene McDonald]

Does the overseas gear need any mods for NZ? Are the certified for NZ - ie if the house burns down will the insurance refuse to pay out?

[Scott]

The bayou is sold through fishpond.co.nz as well as amazon, so I doubt there are any issues with using it here:  http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Sports_Outdoors/Bayou-Classic-Outdoor-Pat...

 

[Josh C]

I didn't realize fishpond sells it as well, although I think it comes out a little cheaper through Amazon and probably ships from the same place.

So it comes down to:

3-ring burner with normal regulator for ~$105

3-ring burner with adjustable regulator ~$150

Bayou + shipping ~$155

Any other options? What are peoples thoughts on this?

[JoKing]

That's actually really cheap considerin there's a stand included. Those adjustable regulators are normally around $90 for a decent one too.

[Josh C]

I guess I will see if my budget can stretch a bit and get the Bayou. I was hoping to spend around $100 but the Bayou does sound like a good deal.

[Karl Hayes]

I'll be stocking these in about 4 weeks if you can wait...

[Josh C]

That looks perfect. And appears to come with all the required fittings and regulator? What postage would I be looking at to Chch?

[Karl Hayes]

To be honest, I'm only just setting up and hadn't gotten as far as to organise a courier. I can't imagine more than $14 or so.

And yes, regulator included. I'll get my hands on them mid Feb and put it through a rigorous test.

[Dene McDonald]

They look great. Would they take the weight of a converted 50 litre keg? Are you getting a few of these in?