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Brewing beer is a hobby that is enjoyed year round, and many times on brew day, it must be done outside with a gas or propane burner.
Most indoor kitchen stoves just don’t have the heating capabilities and power to boil 5 gallons or more of wort. That’s why when it’s time to brew outside or in your garage, a good and reliable propane burner is a must.
Contents
- 1 10 Of Best Propane Burners For Homebrewing
- 2 ROVSUN Propane Burner
- 3 Pros
- 4 Cons
- 5 Edelmetall Brü Burner
- 6 Blichmann HellFire Floor Standing Burner
- 7 GasOne Square Heavy-Duty Single Burner
- 8 Bayou Classic Propane Cooker
- 9 Bayou Classic KAB4 BANJO Cooker
- 10 Northern Brewer Dark Star Propane Burner 2.0
- 11 Concord Deluxe Banjo Single Square Burner
- 12 Bayou Classic Stainless-Steel Cooker
- 13 GasOne B3600-H Adjustable Height
- 14 It's All About The Power: What's A BTU?
- 15 How To Choose The Best Propane Burner For Home Brewing
- 16 Things To Look For Before Buying
- 17 Best Propane Burner For Brewing
10 Of Best Propane Burners For Homebrewing
In this post, we are going to review 10 of the best propane burners for homebrewing.
But if you are in a hurry, here are the ones that we recommend you have a look at.
- ROVSUN Outdoor Propane Burner (Best Budget Pick)
- Edlelmettal Bru Burner (Highest Rated)
- Blichmann Hell Fire Floor Burner (Most Versatile)
- GasOne Square Heavy-Duty Single Burner
- Bayou Classic High Pressure Cooker
- Bayou Classic High Pressure BANJO Cooker
- Northern Brewer Dark Star 2.0
- Concord Deluxe Banjo Single Square Burner
- Bayou Classic Stainless-Steel High Pressure Cooker
- GasOne Adjustable Height Propane Burner B3600-H
ROVSUN Propane Burner
This Rovsun propane burner works great for homebrewing or camping. With an output of 200,000 btu’s, this burner will get the job done quickly.
The frame is made of cast iron and only stands about 12 inches off the ground, which makes it great for large kettles and pots, or using it on an outdoor table-top.
It includes a leather hose, 20-psi adjustable regulator, and a valve to dial-in the the amount of oxygen and propane for a more precise flame.
Pros
- Burner and frame is made of strong cast-iron
- Cost effective choice
Cons
- Does not have a guard to protect from the wind
Edelmetall Brü Burner
Putting out 72,000 btu, this Edelmetall Brü Burner is consistently rated at the top of the best propane burner list, and is frequently listed as the favorite by many homebrewers, and for good reason.
With an easy to use adjustment feature, this propane burner will handle a wide variety of pot sizes, from a small 1-quart saucepan, or a massive 30-gallon brew pot.
The stainless steel construction means you are getting a high quality piece of equipment, and to top it off, the copper accents add a classy look to this propane burner.
A feature not seen on every burner is an inline needle-valve to allow for a more precise flame control that can reduce the chance of a boil-over.
Pros
- Has a needle-valve that reduces the risk of boil-overs
- 72,000 btus for a faster boil
- Adjusts to fit just about any brew kettle
- Can be converted to natural gas
Cons
- More costly than most other models
- Optional legs are needed to increase the height of the burner
Blichmann HellFire Floor Standing Burner
Blichmann is a trusted brand in beer brewing equipment, and this product is proof that they know what they are doing, because the name says it all.
This Blichmann HellFire floor standing burner is a high output propane burner, and one of the most versatile burners on our list, and features a dual capacity mode. It has a “high powered” 140,000 btu mode, and a “high efficiency” mode of 80,000 btu, which makes it great for optimal flame control, and a number of uses.
Built out of high-quality stainless steel, you can be sure you are getting a well-built piece of equipment that will last for years.
It also has adjustable kettle retaining bars which allows for brewing kettles up to 20 inches in diameter. One unique feature with this burner is that it is capable of being converted to a natural gas burner instead of propane.
If you are concerned that this floor burner sits too low to the ground for what you are using it for, there are optional leg extensions that you can buy, but you will need to use them on a level surface.
Pros
- Variable 80,000 and 140,000 btu capacity
- Handles brew kettles up to 20-inches in diameter
- Heat shield to keep the thermometer and valve cool
- Leg extensions can be added
Cons
- Sits too low to the ground for some applications
- Can be difficult to maintain at lower temperatures
GasOne Square Heavy-Duty Single Burner
Small, simple and powerful, but don’t let the size of this propane pot burner fool you. This Gas One square burner has 200,000 btu which is some of the highest capacity on the market, and easy to use. Not only is it perfect for home brewing, but can be used for outdoor cooking as a turkey fryer or a camp stove.
This model heats quickly and efficiently, is portable, durable and sturdy because it is made of cast iron. It features a steel braided hose and a fully adjustable regulator with an o-ring installed to help control gas, and prevent gas leaks. It also features an air control panel to adjust the oxygen/propane mixture for a clean blue flame.
If you would like to add a weather resistant cover to protect your burner from the elements, there is a burner/cover option when ordering.
Pros
- High power capacity
- Durable welded cast-iron stand
- Portable
Cons
- Paint can chip (But what paint won’t with that high btu)
- Brew pots and kettles can scorch
Bayou Classic Propane Cooker
This 57,000 btu high pressure cooker has a welded frame that can support large stockpots up to 62 quarts, and has a 14-inch wide cooking surface.
It is made with a one-piece welded steel frame with three tri-pod style legs and has a 4″ rust-free cast aluminum burner, with a 360° wind guard, just in case your brew day is really windy. The adjustable regulator can also easily control the flame from a easy simmer to a rolling boil.
So you can keep your propane tank further away from the kettle and the flame, it comes standard with long 48 inch stainless braided hose.
Pros
- 360° Wind Guard Protection
- Compact size and portable
- Long 48-inch stainless propane hose
Cons
- Difficult to control lower temperatures
Bayou Classic KAB4 BANJO Cooker
This Bayou Classic KAB4 high-pressure BANJO cooker can get the job done and produce up to 210,000 btu, which is one if their most powerful propane burners on the market.
The 10-inch cast iron burner has a 4 ft steel braid hose with an adjustable 30 psi regulator to control the temperature, and can be used for infrared cooking and simmering or a high-powered flame. It has a solid steel welded frame with a large 16-inch cooking surface
Because of its high power, this cooker is intended for large boils, and can support up to a 100 quart capacity stock pot.
Pros
- Even heat distribution to prevent scorching
- Can bring 15-gallons to a boil in under 30-minutes
- Has an extended wind guard
Cons
- Burns through propane fast
- Can be difficult to control a steady temperature
Northern Brewer Dark Star Propane Burner 2.0
This Northern Brewer Dark Star Propane Burner 2.0 is a just a plain and simple propane cooker and burner that is easy to use without all the bells and whistles.
But simple doesn’t mean it won’t do the job. This upgraded model now has a 65,000 btu output, which is 11,000 more btu’s than their previous Dark Star Model, and will bring 5 gallons of liquid to a boil in 5 minutes. It also has a 3.5″ wind guard with lighter port, which is great on a windy day.
This unit looks clean, and is so well designed that no assembly is required before use. And in case of an unfortunate boil-over, the burner is easy to clean.
Although the Dark Star 2.0 does have enough capacity to boil up to 15-gallons in perfect conditions, it can only support up to 125 pounds of weight.
Pros
- Powerful enough for a large 15-gallon boil
- Upgraded wind guard with lighter port
- No assembly is needed – Start brewing right out of the box
Cons
- Height cannot be adjusted
- Not ideal for larger than 15-gallon boils
Concord Deluxe Banjo Single Square Burner
This banjo style burner and propane cooker is sturdy, strong, powerful, and can produce up to 200,000 btu.
With one of the highest btu capacities on the market, there is no doubt how fast this Concord Deluxe Banjo brewing burner will bring your kettle to a rapid boil.
Built with heavy duty cast iron for strength and made to last, this burner can support up to a whopping 400 pounds, or a huge 200 quart kettle that is filled with liquid.
It also has a coating that is weather-proof, heat resistant, and has detachable legs for easy storage when you are not using it.
Comes with a 20 psi regulator, hose, and connector.
Pros
- Sturdy, sturdy, sturdy – Can handle a lot of weight
- Legs detach for easy storage
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Does not come with a flame guard
- Compared to similar models, the burner is further away from the bottom of the pot
Bayou Classic Stainless-Steel Cooker
The is the third burner from Bayou Classic that is on our top 10 list. This is similar to its high-pressure cousin, but made from stainless steel. Not only can it be used as a beer brewing burner, it is also good when you want to do some outdoor cooking too.
It has a 14-inch diameter cooking surface with a three leg wide profile, which helps with stability and because it is only 57,000 btus, is best used for small to medium kettles or pots.
It has a 4-inch cast-iron single burner, and comes with a stainless-steel 360° wind protector guard, 10-psi regulator, 48-inch braided LPG hose, and a brass control valve.
Pros
- Durable stainless-steel frame won’t rust
- Perfect for small to medium kettles or stock pots
- Decent price for stainless steel construction
Cons
- Regulator is difficult to adjust for fine-tuning
GasOne B3600-H Adjustable Height
One of the newer models on the market but this model from Gas One is already known for its fair price, ease of use, and solid construction. In addition to being used for homebrewing, it can also be used for outdoor cooking, as a turkey fryer or a wok.
The burner is made from cast iron which is made to withstand the pounding that a 200,000 btu burner can put out. It has an adjustable brass control valve to regulate the oxygen flow for better overall temperature control.
One feature not often found on other propane burners is that this one comes with leg extensions that are adjustable to different heights, and can be removed for easier storage.
Pros
- Can handle most brew kettle sizes
- Adjustable and removable legs
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Welded joints can be inconsistent
- Could use a longer hose
It's All About The Power: What's A BTU?
Btu stands for “British Thermal Unit,” which is how heat is measured. For example, if you wanted to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree (Fahrenheit) it would take one British Thermal Unit. So when it comes to propane or gas burners, btu refers to the heating power of each model.
When shopping for a propane burner you want one that heats quickly and efficiently with enough oomph to do the job. Therefore, a high btu propane burner may be what you are seeking. Just make sure you have sufficient heating capabilities for whatever you plan to use it for.
How To Choose The Best Propane Burner For Home Brewing
You must decide the most important factor in your purchase. Is budget the biggest concern? Or is the ability to heat quickly more important? And how big is your batch going to be? All these elements will factor into your decision.
Each propane burner is different and will serve different needs. You will need to take into consideration the following elements:
- Quality of the frame and burner
- The btu output
- Physical size of the stand
- Size of the kettle you plan to use
- Cooking surface size
Things To Look For Before Buying
To help make a smarter purchase, you should consider some of the things that are listed below, so you have a better idea what you should look for when browsing online for the best home brew burner.
BTUs
There is a wide range off btu capacity when it comes to propane burners. Some have a heat output as low as 50,000, while some have three times that output. And how does that reflect cooking time? A 65,000 btu unit will roughly take 15 to 30 minutes to boil, depending on various elements. a 200,000 btu unit will take 5 to 15 minutes to boil.
To put it another way, if you are brewing five gallons or less, you will need somewhere between 40,000 and 75,000 btu. If your batch is five to ten gallons, prepare for between 75,000 and 100,000 btu. If you are going larger and want to brew 10 to 15 gallons, you will need between 100,000 and 200,000 btu.
Portibility
Most of the home brewing burner options are portable and easy to move, but some can be a bit more difficult.
The propane tank is likely heavier than the propane burner itself; a full propane tank weighs about 37 pounds. Keep this weight and the weight of the burners in mind, especially if you are going to be moving equipment around regularly.
Durability/Quality of the Materials
Most burners and propane burner stands are made of cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel, which is durable and strong, but some are made of metal that can rust or won’t support the heavy weight of a kettle that is filled with liquid.
Storage
For extended non use of your burner, you will want to store it away if you don’t have a weather-proof cover. Many brewing burners are relatively compact or have legs that are removable to make storing easier.
Price
As you will see during your research, prices for propane burners will vary widely. There are brewing burners that are very cost-effective for basic brewing or cooking, and there are others available for hundreds of dollars more. Know your budget before you start shopping.
Price is usually the deciding factor before purchasing. Sometimes buying something just because it is inexpensive can cost you more money in the long run, if it doesn’t last very long or won’t do the job. You should always know your budget and make your decision on all factors, including the price.
Best Propane Burner For Brewing
Depending on your needs, you should be happy with any of the propane burners or cookers listed above.
But if you are looking for a true gas or propane burner for home brewing that will bring your kettle to a boil in no time, our favorite is the Edelmettal Brü Burner.
This high-quality model is designed to provide many years of continuous use, and is one of the best propane burners for homebrewing on the market.
There are so many great aspects of this propane burner, including an output of 72,000 btus, which gives the much needed power for just about all your brewing needs.
This powerful propane burner will even adjust to fit a small 1-quart pot, a 30-gallon brew kettle, or anything in between.
Happy Brewing!
P.S. If you need a new brewing kettle to go along with one of these propane burners and brew stands, check out our review page of the best brew kettles for homebrewing.
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