Burners and Propane

[GilesTH]

I've mentioned on other threads that I'm preparing to go all grain. But I'm torn between doing split batch boils on my glass-top stove or buying a propane burner. As I look into fire codes, I'm learning that it is illegal for me to use propane tanks that contain more than 2 lbs. of propane because I live in a multifamily home, and I guess "standard" size tanks pose a fire hazard.

So my question to those of you who know the equipment out there is: can I do a full boil (90 minute tops) on those small camper propane tanks? I'm going to do all of my mashing in the kitchen since my glass-top stove will handle smaller batches of water, but I don't want to risk damaging the glass with 6 gallons of wort.

What do you think? Or am I better off asking my home-brew shop owner?

[spiderwrangler]

Can you go outdoors?

[GilesTH]

I can, but I'm still limited to the smaller tanks in my city. Unless I do it in the parking lot, I guess.

[spiderwrangler]

That's what I was asking, whether you could use bigger ones outside.

[GilesTH]

Nope. And it's a major bummer.

[Willys]

Do you own your place? I ask because putting an electric kettle together is pretty easy and rocks if you can use 240. If you are renting and can't put in a new outlet you could do 2 120 elements it is just a little slower. You could also use a heat stick with your stove top. The heat stick would help you get up to boil faster. Cheap easy option.

I don't know how long a canister would last but I don't understand the ordinance at all. If the gas flow rate is the same...what difference does the size of the tank make?

[EL TIZZO]

what an odd law...maybe something to do with turkey fryers igniting?...

how big are your balls?...is it something that is strictly enforced?...I don't want to encourage you to break the law but do the cops know about this law?

get a burner if you can make it work or look into the electric route...a lot of dudes swear by the electricity

cheers!

[Ozwald]

I was just listening to an archive of BBR where they had a guy talking about his all electric counter top system modeled after the Brewtus 2.0. He was doing AG right on his kitchen counter with it. I would look into that route. You can check out the show at BasicBrewingRadio.com, 4-29-10 episode and the Brewtus link is below.

http://www.alenuts.com/Alenuts/brutus20.html