In looking at improvements for next season, one thing I will have is a new grill design as suggested to me on another post and as per the attached picture.

Looking at the picture it struck how different the size of the firebox is, as compared to mine. My firebox is 28” deep. Almost the depth of two logs. I stuffed my firebox full, front to back and to the top of the pan, and I got it super hot, but it struck me, that perhaps the reason I went through so much wood, is I lost a lot of heat out the stack. If my firebox had less depth, only like a log or so deep, that I could take greater advantage of the gasses passing under the pan and use maybe half of the firewood I used last year.

Just wondering what the depth of your firebox is, in your professional evaporators? This would be a relatively easy adjustment for me to make in the off season. I am thinking of reducing the 28” depth to 16 or 18”.

This would also reduce the size, and the cost to make, of the new grate.

Do you think this is a good idea?

Thanks

Gary

PS - I am no longer pooped and I am enthusiastic about the next sugaring season. Cutting and hauling logs today was therapeutic.

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