Dark Star burner?

[Crazy Climber]

Does anyone have -- or know anyone that has -- the Dark Star burner, available from Northern Brewer?

http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/the- ... urner.html

It's only $40, and I got an email today that this "introductory price" was going to increase soon. Reviews on their site seem good, but I'm skeptical of reviews on a site that's selling something. I'm sure this is a low-end burner, but I'm currently an electric-stove guy, so even low-end would be a step up for me.

Just curious to know if anyone has anything good or bad to say about this piece.

Thanks in advance!

[Beer-lord]

I can't be sure but I think Roger (gymrat on the Mr. Beer forum) recently got one. Maybe you can post in that forum and ask because the search function is a non search function there. I've not yet seen him in this forum.

[FrozenInTime]

Looks like a good burner, but the 10 gallon limit would worry me, I plan on getting a 15 gallon pot soon. Other than that, looks good.

[Crazy Climber]

Guys - thanks for the thoughts. As always, Borg members come through with helpful advice. Different address -- same good crowd.

I have a 4-gallon kettle with no current plans to grow any larger -- just doing extract/steep and MB-sized BIAB, so no need for more boiling capacity -- so this burner should suit my needs for the foreseeable future, from a size perspective. And the price is tough to beat.

The only reason I'm looking to move off the electric stove is SWMBO and the kids have a STRONG dislike for the smells of brew day (I know -- WTF?!) and if SWMBO says maybe I should look into buying a burner, well...who am I to argue?!

[gwcr]

Carpe Diem before the window closes!!

[JimH]

and if SWMBO says maybe I should look into buying a burner, well...who am I to argue?!

Quick! Buy it now, this stuff doesn't last!!

Seriously though, that's one of the things we have talked about over here. If we end up moving to a new place it has a garage and a carport which would be perfect for outdoor brewing, and the wife would appreciate it greatly! If you can get the SWMBO onboard I think the one I have seen good reviews on is a Blichmann or something like that. Just a thought, because you never know if down the road you want to up your batch size, you wouldn't want to have to buy a new pot AND a new burner.

[gwcr]

I just picked this one up a couple weeks ago.

Bayou Classic SP10 High-Pressure Outdoor Gas Cooker
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029 ... UTF8&psc=1

Will be firing it up tonight for a test run.

[haerbob3]

My advice is read the reviews. I think it is a single ring flame like a gas stove. My outdoor burner is a Blichmann with leg extensions. I learned the hard way to buy the best you can afford. This hobby grows exponentially, so buy with the future in mind. I once said I would only brew MR B sized batches that did not last even 3 months now I brew 10 to 15 gallon batches on a regular basis!!!

[haerbob3]

My advice is read the reviews. I think it is a single ring flame like a gas stove. My outdoor burner is a Blichmann with leg extensions. I learned the hard way to buy the best you can afford. This hobby grows exponentially, so buy with the future in mind. I once said I would on brew MR B sized batches that did not last even 3 months

[gwcr]

What he said. What he said.

Got to test out the Bayou Classic SP10 and my new 10 gallon SS pot tonight. Burned all the paint off of the frame and got 7 gallons of water boiling in about 20-25 minutes. I didn't have the flame turned up too high, so probably could have got it boiling faster. Tomorrow can't come soon enough!

[Beer-lord]

Boys and their toys.
Did you check the boil off rate? I've heard lots of good things bout that burner too.

[gwcr]

Only boiled for about 15 minutes as it was getting late, so I didn't check the levels. This thing puts out some serious heat though. Guess I'll find out tomorrow during the brew. May start off with a little extra in there just in case...

[Crazy Climber]

Fantastic input, guys. Y'all rule!! Much appreciated.