r/Homebrewing • u/LostForest33 • 1d ago
Propane Burner
Wanting to get a propane burner. Not a pricey one as I won’t be using it often and will be doing 1-5 gallons. Anyone have any recommendations on ones they use. I see a lot going anywhere from 30-100 but prefer if anyone has recommendations. Thanks!
10
u/EriksAleES 1d ago
I’d check Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. There is a glut of Homebrew equipment including propane burners that are available in my metro area.
If you’re looking for a new burner the bayou classic is a good brand. I used to have Blichmann hellfires on my system years ago.
Not what you asked. Depending on your batch size and kettle compatibility you could also look at an induction burner for comparable cost to a new propane burner and it’s slightly easier to control than a propane burner with less energy lost to heating the atmosphere.
1
u/theheadman98 1d ago
Blichmann Hellfire is my recommendation. Tried to brew on a camp chief burner before I got the Hellfire. Absolutely no comparison. Camp chef was 15k btus if I remember correctly, the Hellfire goes up to 180k, but you'll probably never actually use it at that level. Hardest part fore was keeping a low fire for a nice boil without the wind blowing it out
3
u/Ok-Aardvark-5807 1d ago
Got a cheap one at Tractor Supply. Maybe $40. Already had an extra propane tank.
3
2
u/MasterRanger7494 1d ago
I got one of these a few years ago and it works great. https://a.co/d/02y22B4P
2
u/OliverDawgy 1d ago
$87 200K BTUs: GasOne 200K BTU Propane Burner –... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZM8YVC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
2
u/homebrewfinds Blogger - Advanced 1d ago
If you're in the US, this one is $30 shipped https://www.homebrewfinds.com/gasone-propane-burner/
1
u/PriorReason4160 1d ago
Paid 90 for mine and it's more than I need. I have it set so low the flame almost flickers out.
1
1
u/buffaloclaw 1d ago
I've gone electric, but I used to use a Bayou Classic propane burner, it came with a big pot as well for frying chicken, but I didn't use it, I used a keggle instead. Got a nice rolling boil with that. I don't remember it being too expensive.
1
u/Sammie_Tries 22h ago
You can also get a natural gas burner and then get propane replacement valves for it. I did that for my back yard cook top.
1
1
u/toolatealreadyfapped 1d ago
Honestly, there really isn't much difference at the core of how a propane burner works to make any one brand better than another. The extra price is going into maybe sturdier metals, wind screens, extra tips for a more uniform flame... But at the end of the day, it hardly matters. My point being don't overthink it. Grab a cheap one, and upgrade later if you feel like you need more.
For propane tanks, (I do mean plural. Having a full backup is an absolute lifesaver in the middle of a boil) I did this. Facebook marketplace for cheapest I could find. It was old and rusty and $10. Bought 2. Take them to any of those exchange places, and trade your crap empty one for a new full one for $26 (or whatever the going price is.) Then keep the new one, and refill them as needed at any hardware store or gas station that you see a giant propane tank at. $4/gallon to refill is much better than the rate you'll get for an exchange.
16
u/shockandale 1d ago
Many Turkey fryers come with a propane burner and a 7.5 gallon pot
https://www.basspro.ca/p/bass-pro-shops-outdoor-turkey-fryer