Freezing the pan?

[steve J]

Once the pan has been sweeten real good how low can the temps go at night without potentially freezing the pan and cause it to split? Mine normally after it cools down has about 1.5 inches in it.

[smokeyamber]

Hey Steve, I have never had one freeze once it's sweetened, Only a skim on my sap pan. That is in an unheated shack. I even used to boil outside with no issues as well. With that low a level I doubt it would split a regular flat pan, but a drop flue would make me nervous. If you have power you could just put a 60watt bulb in the fire box to give it a little heat. Though only on the super cold nights since I would think warmed sap would promote bacteria and maybe make the syrup darker...

[PerryW]

my 3x10 raised flue pan has frozen hard as a rock dozens of times and I've never had a problem. I just make sure I run by back pan down so it's bairly above the flues (1/2 inch or so).