Propane burner for melting lead in Dutch oven

[jlag19]

I am about to purchase a propane burner to melt lead in a Dutch oven. My question is this: Should I look for a burner that is the jet type or the pan type that has many holes for the flame? Not sure it would make a difference in melting, but thought I should ask. Thank you for the feedback!

[Oldbrowngun]

I would think in the end it wouldnt really matter. I can tell you that I personally ordered this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and have been happy with it so far. It will melt some lead in a hurry, and it's low to the ground to minimize tipping.

[bangerjim]

Get the highest BTU output you can find. High BTU = short melt time.

I prefer the jet type of burners. I have a old plumber’s furnace and it sounds like a jet after burner when on high at 1st. I then turn it way down while pouring and it purrs like a kitten.

Also watch that you get a VERY sturdy frame! A pot of turkey or fish in water weigh a WHOLE lot less than a pot of Pb! Those really cheap ChiCom burners will buckle under the very high weight and heat and could result in personal injury and a tapestry of profanity filling the surrounding air.

Good luck.......choose wisely!!!!!!!!

Bangerjim

[RogerDat]

I went with the 4 leg version rather than a 3 leg version. Something like this. https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic...dp/B0009JXYQ4/ I thought if it seemed wobbly I would more easily be able to bolt some angle iron or flat stuck between the legs near the bottom to beef them up.

I don't have the jet burner, I have the cheaper cup with a serrated edge insert that the gas comes out as flame. Fewer flames but bigger flames. BTU's are BTU's for the most part. A 75,000 BTU puts out less heat than a 100,000 BTU burner, and 120,000 is even more. Jet burners will typically be higher BTU output, however my burner can do a smaller pot with less issues since the flame area is smaller.



I will say that the burner with the larger jets seems to have an uneven distribution of flame from one or two jets. The jets at 5 O'clock is bigger than the rest.



No problem getting the heat I need to melt plain lead sheeting - and this was a $40 fish fryer from Walmart. If you look close you can see the flames are wrapping up the sides of the Dutch oven unevenly.
BTW- that is the glue and sawdust flux burning on the pot.

[MOA]

I got this unit off amazon five years ago, had deal where I got the dutch oven, and a alum strainer and lid as it was a bayou cooker, it has the pan type burner and I use it for big pots and small for when I am hand casting with a ladle instead of the master caster.

[jlag19]

Great feedback. I am quite aware that many of the burner bodies available are flimsy and dangerous. Metal legs that are thin and flexible, so that has been a major part of my section that I did not mention in my question. It appears that either flame type will get the job done. Thanks for the responses!

[gwpercle]

Great feedback. I am quite aware that many of the burner bodies available are flimsy and dangerous. Metal legs that are thin and flexible, so that has been a major part of my section that I did not mention in my question. It appears that either flame type will get the job done. Thanks for the responses!

Do what I do ....Just use the one on your crawfish boiling pot or your turkey frying pot , being from Covington Louisiana I know you got one or the other.....
Both of my rigs are Bayou Classic .

My turkey fryer has the Banjo Burner and my crawfish boiler has a jet burner , both will melt a big Dutch Oven full of WW's and scrap in just a few minutes. The Jet burner is only needed for big smelting pots . Type is not critical unless you have a big smelting pot.
Gary

[jmort]

I use this 210,000 BTU burner. Best deal out there for $60
Strong heavy build and a whole lot of heat. Low profile and very stable.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/bac...554BPHP17.html