Another first timer

[saphound]

Karen, Now that is a heck of a good idea. Would gallon sized ziplock bags be suitable for nearup storage? If not what do you use?

S&S, Yeah I looked at some of those. Have you been happy with the accuracy of that model? Thanks.

[Flatlader]

IMG_20150228_123615906.jpgIMG_20150312_170804886_HDR.jpg
Hope I got the pictures transfered.The one is of the burners on my portable stove. I use 2 full size 6"tall steam pans. as I get to the end of the run I transfer almost syrup to 1 pan and finish in it. I use the turkey fryer as a preheater and transfer directly into the steam pans and never lose the boil. With this setup I boil about 5 gal per hour. Last year I only used the turkey fryer and it took forever to boil 30-40 gal of sap.

[saphound]

Nice Flatlader. I bought one of those steamer pans thinking I could use it on the turkey fryer burner but it didn't work out..the frame kept it too high from the flame. I was pre-heating in another pot inside the house..kind of a pain but it worked. I like that twin burner stove..how is it on gas..will one tank do a 30-40 gal batch?

[Flatlader]

I use a 30 pound tank of propane(6gal.) So far, with 2.8% sap, it boils 31gal of sap all the way to finish. I know it's not as cheap as wood but with my job and the amount of syrup I make it's very convienient.

[saphound]

I hear that. I could have cut a bunch of firewood if I had thought ahead. Too much snow in the woods to get it now. I think I might get one of those twin burners..could always use it to preheat even if I go to wood next year.

[Flatlader]

I only make 4-5 gallons of syrup a year so it just don't seem to worth it to build an arch,cut and dry wood,tend fire ect.

[Cedar Eater]

saphound, if you have either natural gas or propane for heating your house, it might be worth it to pipe from inside to outside to fuel your cookers. It's much cheaper to burn household fuel than bottled propane. If you use natural gas, you will need to get new orifices for your cookers. If you use LP gas, you may need to use 1/2" lines to supply a high BTU turkey fryer.

[Cedar Eater]

Sportsmans Guide has a cheap two burner stove with burners very similar to the one Flatlader uses. Each burner puts out 15,000 BTU.

[Run Forest Run!]

Saphound, I suppose you could use ziplock bags but I think a more firm container would be less prone to accidental spillage. I use some of my large stock pots, empty gallon jugs, pitchers....that kind of thing.

One thing about propane burners, if you do decide to get a flat style one instead of a turkey fryer type make sure that the BTUs are high enough to do the job. That is the style that I use and each of mine is 65,000 BTUs. If you diddle around with low output you'll be outside until June trying to make your syrup.

[Flatlader]

Cedar. I got mine from Sugarbush in Mason Mi. It's a Bayou Classic 2 burner.$118. Sportsman sells it for $130.