Upgrading to All-Grain, questions about burner

[JakeAndBake]

So I decided since I got my tax return I'd make the leap into all-grain a little early. I've only got a few extract batches under my belt, I plan to do a few more partial mashes and then go ahead and do the leap to all-grain. I've already ordered the stuff to convert my cooler to a mash-tun, but now I'm looking at equipment for full-wort boiling.

I figure I'm going to want to skip doing stuff on the stove and skip straight to doing things outside on propane, in order to save time. Here's where I'm running into a hiccup. I want to have the capacity to have a full-wort boil, but as always, I'm trying to do it on a budget. Here's my options, as I see them.

Bayou Classic Turkey Fryer Kit
I figure this is my all-in-one option, the pot and the burner in one package. I figure I can use this for a while, even though aluminum isn't supposed to be optimal for boiling wort, and then later upgrade to a stainless steel pot that has a little more volume, thus downgrading this to a makeshift HLT when I am ready to spend the cash.

Bayou Classic 36 Quart Stainless Brew Kettle
I figure this gets me where I need to be with volume right off the get-go. I still need to buy a burner, though, and I'm still considering my options on that front, but this lets me not worry about my brew kettle for some time to come (I don't plan on stepping up to 10 gallon batches anytime soon since I have limited space at the moment).

So my question is, which is the better option? The bigger brew kettle and then a burner separately, or to go ahead and do the package deal. I don't have a whole lot of storage space here at my apartment. While I'm looking at doing things on something of a budget, I don't mind spending a little more if it means I'll be set for a little while (which already tells me I should lean towards the second option, but I'm not sure).

So, you guys got any input? Or, for that matter, a suggestion for affordable burners that will pair up with that 9-gallon pot up there?

[siwelwerd]

I started AG with your first option. 30 qts means you have to stand outside in the cold and watch it so it doesn't boil over. That got really old really fast. I now have a Penrose Kettle (shameless plug for some local guys) and have forgotten what "boil over" means. My advice is to go bigger, and leave yourself the option of doing the occasional 10 gallon batch/ switching to 10 gallon batches in the future.

On the other hand, you could get the kit and a bigger kettle, and use the 30 qt aluminum pot as an HLT.

[JakeAndBake]

That is easily the most affordable 15.5 gallon kettle I've seen in my brief time brewing. It's a shame those guys aren't currently producing them, otherwise I'd hop on that right now. And they look freaking beautiful to boot, way prettier than the standard mirror polished finish. I should give them a call and ask when they might have one in...although I could always leave that open as an option if I decide to go 10-gallon. Right now what's stopping me on going 10-gallon is space. I live in a 2-bedroom apartment, and it's not tiny, but I've also got a nasty mycology hobby which is eating up more and more space as it grows. If I went ahead and upgraded to the pot I posted up there, I could still use that as a HLT I think when I decide to go 10 gallon, in conjunction with that awesome kettle you posted.

Here's what I'm looking at as far as a propane burner. It's one of the more affordable I've found, I'm just wondering if it's A) durable enough to keep me brewing, and B) if it's powerful enough to heat my boil kettle. I'm searching around for the answers right now, but I'm kinda set on this as it's the most affordable, and it's a name brand I see referenced a lot with brewing. Any input on that would be appreciated, if you guys have any.

For the time being, I'm looking at the burner above (as long as it meets my needs), a 20qt former extract brew kettle as a HLT, and the bayou kettle I posted up there. With a tank, that brings me in under two hundred bucks, which is around what I wanted to spend.

[siwelwerd]

My understanding is they will be taking orders again in the next week.

I have this burner