Propane Burners – FAQ & Buyer’s Guide!

All camping enthusiasts know that a well-prepared meal can turn a good holiday into a great one. It takes both a skilled home chef and quality equipment to cook up a delicious meal in the heart of nature.

But any outdoor cooking endeavor—whether you’re throwing an open garden party or a quiet patio gathering for friends and family—requires a powerful and dependable gas stove to put out enough food for everyone.

Or maybe you are one of those dedicated sports fans who like to conjure up a few nice batches of crowd-pleasing chicken wings or BBQ ribs before a football game, but you know that serving out of the back of your car entails using a more portable cooker that should be safe as well as time-efficient.

Most portable stoves that work on combustible fuel can do a good job for outdoor events, but it’s propane burners that are the safest to use in nature or, indeed, around people. Propane burners can go from low to high heat in a matter of seconds at a mere turn of a knob, allowing you to make precise adjustments to the heat level.

This makes propane stoves an ideal choice for open-flame cooking, whether you need a Sunday roast, a classic weekend fry-up, or a traditional crawfish boil.

And while the benefits of propane burners are numerous, finding a cooker with well-balanced functions that’s both affordable and reliable can be quite tough with the abundance of products the current market has to offer.

A quick search will pull up a great many options of various designs, cooking styles, and sizes—which can be overwhelming for any beginner—so only the most careful planning backed up by thorough research can help you make the right choice.

What to Look for in a Propane Burner?

The first thing you might want to look at when browsing for a new propane burner is its size, most notably height and width. More sizeable models with taller legs or wider cooking surfaces are best suited for those who plan to cook in large stockpots and woks. On the other hand, smaller, more portable stoves will be a better choice for camping buffs who spend a lot of their time on the move.

The number of burners a propane stove has is often directly linked to its size, but there are some smaller models with more than one burner. However, single burner cookers are the most commonplace and come in all sizes, including tall stoves designed for woks and low-standing home brewers.

Stoves with double and triple burners often include dedicated heat-control knobs, each located under its respective burner, making them a more sensible option for crowded backyard parties and other events that warrant fast cooking and serving.

Then there’s the question of heating power. You will find that the power of most gas cookers is measured in BTUs or British thermal units. This non-SI unit describes the cooker’s heat capacity, or how much heat it requires to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

List of Top-Rated Propane Burners on the Market:

PhotoProductBTUSizeDetails
Bayou Classic SP10Bayou Classic SP10185,00018” x 18” x 13”View On Amazon
Concord Cookware 16″ BanjoConcord Cookware 16″ Banjo200,00016.5” x 16.5” x 12”View On Amazon
BaseCamp F235825BaseCamp F23582515,00014.9” x 10.6” x 3.5”View On Amazon
Camp Chef EX60LWCamp Chef EX60LW60,00034” x 9.5” x 16.25”View On Amazon
Camp Chef TB90LWCamp Chef TB90LW90,00042.75” x 17.5” x 10.5View On Amazon
GasOne B-5450GasOne B-5450200,00015.5” x 15.5” x 12”View On Amazon
Camp Chef SH140LCamp Chef SH140L60,00011.8” x 17.2” x 16.5”View On Amazon
King Kooker 4010062King Kooker 401006254,00018.8” x 18.8” x 8”View On Amazon
Bayou Classic SS84Bayou Classic SS8459,00020” x 16.8” x 14”View On Amazon
Eastman Outdoors 90411Eastman Outdoors 9041165,00012” x 18” x 6.5”View On Amazon
Superbuy Goplus Outdoor Camp StoveSuperbuy Goplus Outdoor Camp Stove100,00015.5” x 15.5”x 17”View On Amazon
GYMAX 3-Burner Outdoor StoveGYMAX 3-Burner Outdoor Stove225,00034” x 17.5” x 28.5”View On Amazon

There is no single industry standard for measuring BTUs in burners, so you should always take that into account when looking at high numbers a manufacturer may stipulate.

However, paying attention to BTU amounts is important when choosing a propane burner since it more or less gives you an idea of how much heavy-duty work a cooker can muster. For example, those looking for a more powerful stove capable of heating especially large pots at greater speed should look at 100,000 – 200,000 BTU models.

But home cooks that plan to throw only an occasional small backyard BBQ party can do perfectly well with a 15,000 – 60,000 BTU stove.

Overview of the Best Propane Burners

Bayou Classic SP10 Propane Burner

 

 

 

The Bayou Classic SP10 is a high-pressure burner with a lightweight yet sturdy steel frame designed for regular outdoor cooking.

The SP10 supports capacious pots up to 102 quarts or 25 gallons in volume and at least 12 inches in diameter, allowing you to boil, steam, stew, or fry a variety of meals for a large group of people in a single sitting. Its 14-inch wide cooking surface won’t result in any shifting or tipping of the cookware, providing good balance throughout the process.

The burner itself produces enough BTUs to service large camping stockpots and heavy cast iron pans, whether it’s simply for bringing water to a boil or deep frying fresh fish. Given its considerable heating power, the burner is still capable of a surprisingly delicate low-heat setting designed for stewing potfuls of chili, ragout, and thick soups.

Measuring at approximately 13 inches in height, this model offers a stable base for balancing various cookware even if your pots and pans are filled to the brim. The welded frame is made of steel and coated in heat-resistant paint, while the aluminum burner is fully protected from the wind thanks to the addition of the 360° screen.

By including a preset regulator in the burner’s construction, Bayou Classic lets you adjust the pressure value between 0 and 10 psi with the help of the brass control valve to accommodate different cooking methods.

Supplied with a 48-inch stainless steel LPG hose, the burner allows you to place the fuel tank farther from the stove, both for safety reasons and to give wide pots or pans more space. The portable construction of this model suits various outdoor applications, from cooking in classic camping sites to helping you reheat and make a roast on road trips or when tailgating.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Steel
  • Pressure: 10 psi
  • BTU: 185,000
  • Item weight: 13.01 lbs

Pros:

  • Adjustable pressure
  • Full protection windscreen
  • Large cooktop
  • Strong frame holds heavy cookware
  • Good for frying, boiling, and grilling

 

 


Concord Cookware 16″ Banjo Propane Burner

 

 

 

The 16-inch B-Banjo is a high-pressure stove manufactured by Concord Cookware for various cooking activities in the outdoors. This is a heavy-duty model with a durable cast iron frame, rust-resistant protective layer, and a reliable assembly.

Though its maximum burning power reaches as high as 200,000 BTUs, the more comfortable high-efficiency setting constitutes about 140,000 BTUs and serves large-volume cookware. The capacity of this burner is pretty impressive, allowing you to cook 200 quarts or 50 gallons at a time.

What makes this particular model more travel-friendly is its relatively compact construction with removable legs and lightweight auxiliary parts. While the burner still requires assembly, the process is not at all complicated and only needs the assistance of a matching screwdriver.

All parts of the assembly are easy to store and move around, leaving plenty of baggage space for other items. Included with the kit are the fuel connector, rubber-plastic propane hose, and a regulator with the maximum pressure point of 20 psi.

When assembled, the cooker stands at 16 inches high and takes up only 16.5 inches in width, which makes it both space-efficient and large enough for heavy pots. The cooking surface is about 10 inches wide, so you can be sure your regular travel kettles, saucepans, pots, and casseroles will fit it just fine.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • Pressure: 20 psi
  • BTU: 200,000
  • Item weight: 20 lbs

Pros:

  • Regulator with adjustable pressure
  • Compact design with detachable legs
  • Suits big stockpots and other cooking vessels
  • High heat output
  • Workable cooking area

 

 


BaseCamp F235825 Propane Burner

 

 

 

The BaseCamp F235825 is a portable stove from the Angle Irons series produced by Mr. Heater and designed for outdoor use in rougher conditions. The entire unit is engineered to provide desired stability even in rocky and rugged landscapes as well as sustain the heat in less than favorable weather.

As a heavy-duty model, this BaseCamp BC15AI features a sturdy frame designed to withstand harsher outside treatment compared to regular cast iron cookers, while also being easy to store and transport. At 10.55 inches tall and 14.88 wide, this stove can fit in the trunk of your car or the baggage section in a standard RV.

The construction is rather flexible for a welded unit, allowing you to adjust the stability of the burner’s base to fit various types of terrain. By customizing the height of the legs, you can find the right balance when setting up the stove. It also keeps the cooking surface even so that the cookware doesn’t tip over. This way, the heat is also distributed equally to the frying pan or a pot which is essential for cooking outdoors.

As for the cooking surface itself, the burner offers enough area to support stockpots and casseroles, but also includes a raised cooktop design to make sure the stove combustion is at its most effective.

The ignition is easy to initiate manually with the help of a lit match, and the resulting heat of the burner can be adjusted with a brass knob to suit various cooking techniques. Both the regulator and the hose should be purchased separately, though thankfully Mr. Heater offers matching hoses of varying lengths, including 5 feet and 12 feet tubes.

This burner comes with corrosion-resistant functional parts and a denser gas manifold system, making it more reliable in unpredictable weather. As such, it can be used on fishing or hunting trips as well as applied for beer brewing and canning.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • BTU: 15,000
  • Item weight: 7.17 lbs

Pros:

  • Range style cooktop
  • Reinforced frame resists the effects of elements
  • Adjustable legs for better balance
  • Light construction

 

 


Camp Chef EX60LW Propane Burner

 

 

 

The Camp Chef Explorer EX60LW is an exceptionally sturdy outdoor stove with two powerful burners aimed to sustain simultaneous full-heat cooking for long periods. With a standard 20-pound propane tank, the cooker can give you about 15 hours of uninterrupted heat, making it a useful addition for big events.

Featuring two cast aluminum burners with a 30,000 BTU output each, the cooker offers a combined heat capacity of 60,000 BTUs when utilized at its full potential. The design of the burners also makes the construction more lightweight, so you can transport and set up the cooker with more ease.

Also, the cooker’s four adjustable legs are removable, giving you more flexibility when storing it. By detaching the legs you can set the cooker on a camping table or another structure if you don’t want to deal with uneven ground.

Equipped with a three-sided windscreen, the cooking surface is firmly shielded from the elements and can sustain consistent flame even in extremely windy areas. The cooking surface is vast enough to accommodate large camping cookware, measuring at 448 square inches in total.

The reinforced cast iron frame is rugged in its design to provide more stability on rough terrain, while the cooktop is located high enough from the ground—standing at about 29-32 inches tall—to fit in a propane tank under it and keep it at a safe distance.

The kit comes with a regulator and compatible 3-foot hose for a quick hook up to the assembly. This stove can also be used with various 14-inch Camp Chef accessories such as compact barbecue boxes, grill griddles, and cast iron dutch ovens.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Double burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • BTU: 60,000
  • Item weight: 30.5 lbs

Pros:

  • Flexible design with removable legs
  • Two powerful aluminum burners
  • Large cooking area
  • Strong welded frame

 

 


Camp Chef TB90LW Propane Burner

 

 

 

The Camp Chef Tahoe TB90LW is a portable grill designed for outdoor activities and able to deliver enough heat power to provide well-cooked food for your campsite, backyard gathering, or tailgate party.

Standing at 38 inches tall, this portable stove provides the necessary stability on most types of outdoor terrain while also being mobile enough to be stored and carried from spot to spot. For added versatility, the cooker is equipped with removable legs that can also be adjusted whenever you need to even out the cooktop.

The actual cooking surface offers approximately 608 square inches of the work area, letting you shuffle around variably sized cookware. The three standard-size burners are aluminum cast for weight reduction, but the construction remains sturdy and weather-resistant.

The total combined power of all three burners reaches 90,000 BTUs, with a single burner producing 30,000 BTUs at a time.

On the outside, the cooktop is protected by a three-sided windscreen aimed to keep out upper drafts and mild wind gusts when used in open areas. This model also comes with a matchless ignition to save you on prep time.

Three burner dials—similar to the ones you might see on household gas stoves—are located on the front panel underneath the burners and allow you to adjust heat with greater precision, depending on the type of cooking you require in any given situation.

The propane tank can be hooked onto the structure and tucked safely underneath, though the stove supports conversion to natural gas. Tanks aren’t supplied with this assembly, but you will find a 3-foot hose and a regulator in the kit.

The stove is also compatible with 16-inch Camp Chef accessories, including reversible grill griddles, BBQ boxes, and outdoor ovens. You can also upgrade it by adding a folding side table to expand your work area.

Features:

  • Finish: Black + red
  • Type: Triple burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • BTU: 90,000
  • Item weight: 48 lbs

Pros:

  • Extended three-burner cooktop
  • Quick matchless start
  • Adjustable heat levels for each burner
  • Wind protection screen

 

 


GasOne B-5450 Propane Burner

 

 

 

The GasOne B-5450 is a high-pressure burner house with solid compact design and raised cooking area suitable for various heavy-duty applications when camping or fishing. The stove is also perfectly capable of handling mild outdoor activities, including home brewing and high-heat wok frying.

Even though this cooker appears to be on the smaller side, its 240 square inches cooking surface area is pretty accommodating and can service sizeable camping and brewing cookware with evenly applied heat.

Positioning its wide aluminum single burner at a slightly lower level than the cooktop, the B-5450 delivers 200,000 BTUs worth of heat power with more equal distribution when the stove is set to the maximum. Flame intensity is fully adjustable and can be tweaked with the knob you may find on the regulator which is covered in heat-resistant paint for extra safety.

As a heavy-duty cooking appliance, this stove combines a firm cast iron frame with a welded base to create a stable structure without sacrificing its overall movability since it only amounts to 27 pounds in weight.

Unlike many cooker assemblies with rubber and plastic hoses, this model comes with a steel braided connection hose featuring a heat regulator that can be adjusted in the range of 0-20 psi which also determines heat intensity. For added security, the regulator is protected by an o-ring that works to prevent propane leaks.

The sturdiness of the cooker’s design makes it suitable for all kinds of collective cooking activities, such as the brewing of beer or maple syrup, turkey roasting, and fish frying.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • Pressure: 20 psi
  • BTU: 200,000
  • Item weight: 27.5 lbs

Pros:

  • Mobile design with stainless steel elements
  • Powerful burner with light construction
  • Adjustable pressure
  • Improved heat and corrosion resistance

 

 


Camp Chef SH140L Propane Burner

 

 

 

The Camp Chef SH140L is an outdoor stove equipped with the maximum output system to expand cooking versatility. Weighing only 14.5 pounds, the cooker is easy to handle or move from place to place, but its cast-iron frame is strong enough to withstand the elements.

Unlike many low-standing cookers, this Camp Chef model elevates its cooktop to about 24 inches above the ground to make the cooking process more comfortable. The cooking surface fits most standard pots and pans, measuring at 13.75 inches in diameter.

As a high-pressure burner, the SH140L produces up to 60,000 BTUs per hour, allowing you to cut down the cooking time of large meals so you can brew, boil, fry, and grill more effectively.

Interestingly, the cooker’s substantial power doesn’t affect its portability qualities. The structure as a whole is made of sturdy cast iron but is compact and light, while the overall dimensions and detachable legs make for easier storing.

The heat intensity can also be altered with the heat-control dial, letting you monitor and adjust every step of the cooking process. The supply kit includes the 3-foot connection hose, regulator, and adjustable legs.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • BTU: 60,000
  • Item weight: 14.5 lbs

Pros:

  • Reaches peak heat fast
  • Efficiently boils water and liquids
  • Easily adjustable heat level
  • Good for cooking at BBQ and patio parties

 

 


King Kooker 4010062 Propane Burner

 

 

 

The King Kooker CS14 4010062 is a heavy-duty outdoor cooker with manual ignition and interlocking legs that include stabilizing points for a more reliable set up.

This sturdy and mobile stove stands on a reinforced base and offers over 196 square inches of cooking area. The tall design allows you to cook with comfort, while the unit’s legs can be detached for easier transportation.

The burner system includes a single stove, an adjustable regulator, and a neat deep-fry thermometer that helps you check the right heat levels when boiling water and other liquids.

The cooktop is protected by a windshield that keeps the flame consistent, though the shield can be removed for storage. The single burner plate is rather powerful, delivering up to 54,000 BTUs per hour and able to service large groups of people at a time.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • BTU: 54,000
  • Item weight: 19.9 lbs

Pros:

  • Reliable construction with removable legs
  • Windshield protection
  • Extra heat fry thermometer includes

 

 


Bayou Classic SS84 Propane Burner

 

 

 

The Bayou Classic SS84 is a high capacity brew stove designed for homebrewers and seafood boil enthusiasts.

This sturdy stainless steel brew stove features a functional 4-inch cast aluminum burner, offering approximately 256 square inches of brewing surface that can support cookware of varying sizes, from as small as 10-quart saucepans to as large as 100-quart stockpots.

Homebrewing requires large amounts of liquid to be heated up as fast as possible, and the steady burning power of 59,000 BTUs delivered by the cooker’s single burner is more than enough to sustain the correct brewing process.

Whether you are frying a turkey, boiling crawfish, or making homebrew, each process can be tightly controlled with the cooker’s high-pressure regulator that allows you to adjust the value from 0 to 10 psi. It connects to the 36-inch LPG hose with the braided design that successfully resists the effects of wear.

Features:

  • Finish: Silver
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Pressure: 10 psi
  • BTU: 59,000
  • Item weight: 20.8 lbs

Pros:

  • Protective 360° windscreen
  • A brass control valve is corrosion-resistant
  • Holds up large cookware
  • Good for beer brewing and seafood

 

 


Eastman Outdoors 90411 Propane Burner

 

 

 

The Eastman Outdoors Portable Kahuna XL is an adaptive propane stove with a stable frame and elevated cooktop designed for heavy-duty applications in various outdoor settings.

This time-efficient and the lightweight stove is capable of producing up to 65,000 BTUs worth of heating power, supporting multiple frying styles and other forms of cooking such as seafood boils and homebrews.

The Kahuna can be adjusted to accommodate various cookware, from heavy stockpots and woks to regular skillets and saucepans. Woks as wide as 22 inches in diameter find a stable fit on the cooktop, receiving heat evenly all along the pan’s base and sides.

You can also fit pots as large as 36 quarts in volume and lower the stove’s legs to achieve the desired balance. Moreover, four safety grips installed around the cooktop help secure pans, woks, and pots regardless of their size.

Featuring easily adjustable legs, the cooker allows you to customize your work area depending on the size of the cooking vessel you are using as well as its contents.

The lowest position reaches 18 inches in height and suits seafood pots since their dimensions require more stability during the cooking process. When adjusted to the tallest setting of 26 inches, the legs provide more accessibility and comfort for handling smaller pots, large woks, and Tawa pans.

This compact model is also made portable by the removable legs feature, expanding your storage and mobility options. The design is especially useful for those on the move, whether it’s traveling between campsites or tailgating since the legs can be folded under the stove’s handle for easier conveying.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • BTU: 65,000
  • Item weight: 12.3 lbs

Pros:

  • Adjustable height for various cooking techniques
  • Removable legs
  • Safety locks for large cookware
  • Stable base and durable frame

 

 


Superbuy Goplus Outdoor Camp Stove Propane Burner

 

 

 

The Goplus OP3500 is a high-pressure camp stove designed for both heavy-duty applications and lighter forms of outdoor cooking.

With its tall cast iron frame, square cooking surface, and strategically lowered heat box, the stove combines structural stability and powerful output suitable for most cooking activities outside, including grilling, fish frying, crawfish boiling, and roasting.

This single burner is suspended right under the cooktop that provides up to 240 square inches of workspace. Capable of delivering 100,000 BTUs per hour, the burner features a durable cast iron head design to provide safe and speedy cooking action.

By incorporating removable legs into its construction, the assembly becomes more compact and portable which is essential for camping. Its comfortable size also lets you cook while sitting up, whether you are cooking up a family meal in your patio or serving a garden party.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Single burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • Pressure: 250 PSIG
  • BTU: 100,000
  • Item weight: 13 lbs

Pros:

  • Stands at 17 inches tall
  • Can be folded for transportation
  • Stable square cooktop
  • Powerful heating

 

 


GYMAX 3-Burner Outdoor Stove Propane Burners

 

 

 

The Gymax triple burner stove is designed specifically for outdoor use as it supports high-pressure heating of multiple meals at the same time.

Offering a large cooking surface with three cast iron burners, this sturdy stove can hold several large pots or pans at once, allowing you to prepare a complex meal much faster than it normally takes with a regular single burner.

The total heating power amounts to 225,000 BTUs which you can adjust with dedicated heat controls located on the front panel. At its full size, the cooker reaches 34 inches in height and lets you prepare food with ease even without any elevation.

In addition to the time-enduring cast iron construction with the rust-resistant top layer, the stove features a space-saving design to make sure you have no trouble storing or setting it up while camping or tailgating. Moreover, its removable legs allow you to make quick work of the assembly when you are cooking in the garden or by a football stadium before a game.

Features:

  • Finish: Black
  • Type: Triple burner
  • Material: Cast iron
  • Pressure: 250 PSIG
  • BTU: 225,000
  • Item weight: 33.5 lbs

Pros:

  • Anti-rust coating
  • Tall frame for easier access
  • Superior heating power
  • Triple burner action

 

 


In Conclusion

How does a propane burner work?

A propane stove consists of a burner, a gas valve, and a fuel line that connects to a propane tank. Both the burner and the gas tank have dedicated regulators designed for more accurate pressure control.

Propane burners (as well as natural gas burners) function according to the so-called “venturi effect” which is essentially the process of fluctuation in velocity and pressure of gas or fluids occurring as they pass through different sections of piping.

Venturi pipes on propane burners start wide, narrow around the middle, and widen again. So when the gas valve on a propane burner is opened, the propane travels through the pipe, experiencing increased pressure in the narrow portion of the tube, and then enters the wide section with an orifice plug where the pressure releases.

This causes oxygen to mix with propane, and it’s this new combustible mixture that you see burning blue when it flows through the burner ports.

The burner itself has a rather simple construction: a cast iron or aluminum disk with ports and a pilot light attached to the side. The pilot light initiates the spark which causes the already premixed propane and oxygen to ignite. When you increase the heat setting on the stove’s heat-control dial or open a burner regulator, the propane flow increases and you get stronger flames.

Propane burners work on propane but can be converted to natural gas if needed, though it’s better to purchase a fuel-compatible stove from the very start if you plan to use natural gas.

Can you use a propane burner indoors?

Every manufacturer specifies whether a particular propane burner can be suitable for indoor use. And even though some of those propane burners can be used indoors (for simple tasks like eating cold food or boiling water), it is generally recommended only to resort to indoor applications in case of emergencies.

However, if you do decide to use a burner inside your camper or cabin, make sure to perform a few precursory steps before opening up the tank:

  • First, remember to open a window, provided your indoor space has one. If not, find another form of ventilation that can promote the exchange of fresh air.
  • Using an exhaust fan can also help since those fans are designed to draw away excess moisture, odors, and fumes.
  • And finally, try to use the burner for only a short period. It’s important to get your food done or water boiled as fast as possible to avoid the buildup of gas in your living space. Always remember to turn off the burner and double-check the valves for leaks. This can be done by sponging a soapy water mixture around the valves.

What is the best burner for crawfish?

Among the best burners that can handle boiling, crawfish are the ones manufactured by Bayou Classic, namely Bayou Classic SP10, Bayou Classic SP50, and Bayou Classic SP2. Regular single burner stoves can also boil crawfish pretty well, though they must be able to bring at least 80 quarts of liquid to a boil under 10-20 minutes.

Once you drop the crawfish into the pot, it should take only about 2 minutes to get cooked.

Why does my propane burner smoke?

When a gas stove burns propane to produce heat, it introduces specific amounts of oxygen into the mix depending on the intensity of the burn. The process also results in carbon dioxide and water vapor emissions—both of which are completely colorless substances.

But when the combustion is completely airless, propane burns straight and produces black smoke, leaving sooty residue on the stove’s surface. This problem is easily fixed with the addition of the right air mixer that will balance out propane and oxygen levels at different stages of burning, creating only clean combustion.

Most propane burners are equipped with a hose connection for conducting fuel transfer through, but if you are using a cooker that has initially been engineered for burning natural gas, chances are you have already installed an air mixer or are looking to purchase one.

The problem arises when you get a wrong air mixer with a mismatching connection that plugs into your stove on the first glance but in reality, doesn’t fit the stove’s differently sized connection seamlessly.

When the air mixer doesn’t match your stove, it fails to produce the correct ratio of propane and oxygen—or add any oxygen to the gas at all—so you end up with a smoking burner and soot stains.

To make sure the burn is as clean as it can be, the ratio of propane and oxygen must be 4:96 respectively. If your propane burns clear on maximum heat but starts emitting smoke on lower settings, it probably means that the gas is getting too much oxygen.

This could be solved by attaching a needle valve to the fuel line where it connects to the burner. This way, the supply of oxygen is reduced, but the gauge pressure is preserved.

Another cause for soot formation is a faulty regulator. When a regulator is malfunctioning, it is usually pretty easy to notice: it can either restrict the gas supply to the burner or, on the contrary, add too much propane. In both instances, you get incorrect combustion.

It is always best to contact a certified gas technician to fix the regulator on your appliance since it requires proficient adjustment or complete replacement of the parts.

And finally, there is the issue with pressure. Too much or too little pressure inside the fuel line can also result in soot residue since the gas does not flow consistently. Liquid propane is recommended to be delivered at a pressure of ½ pounds per square inch (psi) to make the feed more uniform.

The problem lies in the difference in pressures inside the burner and the fuel tank, with the latter usually being higher than the pressure in the appliance. To restore the balance, the regulator installed on the propane tank reduces the internal pressure (when adjusted right, the number lowers to approximately 10 psi) and stabilizes the gas supply for the burner.

As always, it’s best to leave this to a professional since certified technicians can accurately evaluate the problem and perform necessary adjustments, such as switching a fuel line for a larger one or replacing one of the regulators.

How many BTUs do I need to fry fish?

Midtier single burners are generally capable of fry fish adequately. Even though larger stoves with higher burning capacity can give you more cooking versatility, a single 30,000 BTU – 60,000 BTU burner should be enough.

Those looking for a small dedicated cooker that can fry large batches of fish or meat can trust a 54,000 BTU model, given you keep it at a steady 350°F when preparing fish.

Can you use a turkey fryer to boil crawfish?

A turkey fryer constitutes an aluminum stockpot installed on a steel or cast iron stand with a built-in propane burner. It is generally referred to as “turkey frying kit” or “seafood boiling pot,” so it’s evident that the fryer’s purposes aren’t limited to thanksgiving turkey preparation.

To make a classic Louisiana crawfish boil using a standard 30-quart turkey fryer, you will need to prepare your cooking water well and use only live crawfish. A 30-quart fryer will take about 15 pounds of crawfish, so ratio your liquids right. You will need about 5 gallons of water or enough to fill the fryer ¾ of the way.

What causes a yellow flame in a propane burner?

Propane burners burn with a blue flame when the ratio of propane to oxygen is properly balanced. But when the adjustment of your burner is incorrect, it can cause either very thin flames or bright yellow flames.

As mentioned before, the recommended proportion of gas and air is 4:96 with propane taking 4 parts and oxygen taking 96. If your stove burns correctly, you will see a blue flame and generally experience lower levels of carbon monoxide during combustion.

When the ratio of propane exceeds the optimal 4 parts, the combustion experiences the so-called “rich burn” characterized by thick yellow flames. Fixing this issue involves making certain adjustments to the air shutter located behind the gas valve, so if you are not experienced with this type of work always contact a gas professional.

Is propane dirty fuel?

Also known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, propane is a much cleaner alternative to conventional fuels like diesel or petrol. A product of natural gas processing, this three-carbon alkane gas is environmentally friendly, colorless, and nearly odorless.

Does burning propane produce carbon monoxide?

Propane is low on carbon, so during combustion, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions as well as tailpipe emissions, namely carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hazardous air pollutants. Since propane is non-toxic, it poses no danger to soil or water.

How many BTUs do I need to boil crawfish?

The number of BTUs you may need to boil crawfish generally depends on the size of the pot you are using. The more water you need to get to a boil fast, the higher the heating power should be.

Generally, a standard 54,000 BTU burner can handle a regular 30-quart pot. At top efficiency, this type of burner will boil a crawfish pot in 15-20 minutes while also sustaining a rolling boil.

For larger 40-60 quart pots you might need more powerful burners since 54,000 BTU stoves can take as long as 40-60 minutes to boil such a large amount of liquid and crawfish. More powerful burners with the output of approximately 100,000 – 150,000 BTUs will reduce cooking time by half and get your crawfish ready much faster.

Does propane leave a residue?

f burned correctly, propane gas does not leave residue or spill. It has no color or toxic elements, so propane leaks are relatively harmless for the environment.

Can butane be used indoors?

In an emergency, butane can be burned indoors but only with appropriate ventilation and for a short amount of time. However, even if your indoor space is properly vented, butane combustion always produces carbon monoxide which can be harmful to your system.

Is cooking with propane bad for you?

When used sparingly, outdoor cooking with propane is relatively safe. However, long term exposure to propane fumes in closed quarters can have bad effects on your health. In the lack of ventilation, propane combustion can result in a buildup of the gas as well as its emissions, notably carbon monoxide.

By breathing in large amounts of gas emissions you may sustain hypoxia, and oxygen deprivation can sometimes be lethal.

How do you adjust the regulator on a propane tank?

Propane tanks are highly pressurized and often exceed the pressure level found in the burner; this difference can seriously alter the efficiency of your stove. If the pressure inside your propane tank is irregular, you may want to adjust the regulator that controls the tank’s psi value.

  • First, you need to remove the tank regulator so that you can work with it freely.
  • Once the regulator is removed, look at the underside of the valve. There you will find a small steel cap right in the center.
  • Use a flathead screwdriver to slowly unthread the cap.
  • Once the cap is off, you will have access to the plastic air adjuster with a cross-like indent on top.
  • If you want to increase the gas pressure, insert the flathead screwdriver into the adjuster and turn it clockwise. Only do about two turns so that you can check the pressure levels and adjust them more if needed.
  • If you want to decrease the gas pressure, turn the adjuster counterclockwise. Two turns will also be enough, after which you should check the new pressure level and adjust it again if needed.

How do you clean a propane gas burner?

Keeping your propane burner consistently clean is essential if you want your stove to function properly. When the burner and the pilot lights become clogged, the propane can’t burn at the correct rate, so the trapped gas will instead manifest in the form of soot buildup on the stove surface. This is both unpleasant to deal with when cooking and dangerous for the stability of the system.

Luckily, cleaning a propane burner is a fairly straightforward process. With the surface-level soot, a regular soft brush can help just fine: simply apply the brush to the dirty areas until the stains loosen up. From that point on you will only need to wipe it clean with a soft wet cloth.

Dealing with clogged ports is slightly more time-consuming but it has to be done right. After wiping off the top layer, you will most likely be faced with the more stubborn layers of soot. To get rid of those you can use a thin narrow tool that matches the diameter of the ports, but be careful to apply the tool gently. You can use a drill bit or a toothpick to work grime, dirt, and small debris out of the ports, creating a free passage for the fuel.

Before you begin assembling, dismantling, adjusting, or cleaning your stove, always study the user guide that comes with your propane burner. With proper care and maintenance, you will be able to extend the service life of your propane burner as well as use it to its full potential.

About the author

Lou Anderson

Lou Anderson

Lou Anderson is a keen home and garden innovator with over 25 years of hands-on experience in, home improvement, landscape gardening and all things appliance related to making life easier and more interesting.

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