Bottler with steam tray

[Indiana-Jones]

I'm thinking that I want to add a new bottler to our operation this season. I have been looking at unit that is a finisher with a filter tray for flat filters inside and a steam tray, double boiler attachment for the bottom.

Does anyone have any input on how well a outfit like that works? Does the steam tray heat the syrup fast and hold temp good? Is it a mess with steam and boiling water splashing and leaking?

Who makes a nice one? I want to work with 5 to maybe 8 gallon batches of syrup at a time.

Thanks and have a nice Thanksgiving.

[Indiana-Jones]

I'm looking at a unit made by Smokey Lake Maple. 16"X16" bottler with a steam tray. Anyone have one of these?

The season is coming and I need to make up my mind soon.

[Schiefe4]

I don't have a bottler/steam tray, but I did get a new set of pans from Smoky Lake Maple. Jim does an excellent job. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[Indiana-Jones]

I don't have a bottler/steam tray, but I did get a new set of pans from Smoky Lake Maple. Jim does an excellent job. I don't think you will be disappointed.

The steam tray seams to be a good concept, but it would be nice to talk to someone that has used one for a while.

Thank you for the reply, I guess that I will call SLM and see what Jim has to say.

Anyone here have a used bottler and small filter press for sale? PM me.

[YAZER]

I just purchased one from Jim (SLM) for the upcoming season, In theory the steam pan part should work great. Quality is great...

[Indiana-Jones]

I just purchased one from Jim (SLM) for the upcoming season, In theory the steam pan part should work great. Quality is great...

Yazer, do you plan to use the flat filter tray that comes with the unit or do you have another plan on filtering?

[YAZER]

Just planning on using a synthetic wool filter and some flat prefilters on top of the tray adn letting it slowly filter thru... Depending on the year maybe bottling every other day. Not sure what to expect, new evap, bottler/finisher..