Originally Posted by
johnallin
The Leader Half Pint - where lots of us started - covers all of your concerns and (in my opinion) is one of the best starter rigs ever produced.
It has a true divided pan, preheat "tank" and I made lots of really good syrup on mine. Back in 2006 I purchased one brand new for about $850 and sold 3 years later for almost the same.
The leader half pint would be a huge downgrade in GPH. Unless you want to drop to 50 or fewer taps I would not consider it. You'd be better off with what you have now.
GO
2016: Homemade arch from old wood stove; 2 steam tray pans; 6 taps; 1.1 gal
2017: Same setup. 15 taps; 4.5 gal
2018: Same setup. Limited time. 12 taps and short season; 2.2 gal
2019: Very limited time. 7 taps and a short season; 1.8 gals
2020: New Mason 2x3 XL halfway through season; 9 taps 2 gals
2021: Same 2x3, 18 taps, 4.5 gals
2022: 23 taps, 5.9 gals
2023: 23 taps. Added AUF, 13.2 gals
2024: 17 taps, 5.3 gals
All on buckets