Butane Stoves

[deucedaily]

Has anyone tried to use the stoves that burn the butane fuel in the canisters about the size of a spray paint bottle (7.5 oz I believe)? They are marketed for camping or no power situations. I currently am in an apartment complex and have an electric stove. I was wondering if these put out enough power to be worth it.

I have been starting to do partial mash brewing, usually somewhere around 4-4.5 gallon boils. The advertised power of these are around 7500 BTU. I was wondering if this would be a viable solution to getting the wort up to boil effectively. They are pretty cheap, with most models coming in around $30.0. I am also curious to know how long a canister would last.

I know this is no turkey fryer, but would it be an upgrade from my stove?

[BrewDog]

No, I don't think it has enough oomph.

Turkey fryers can be gotten for pretty cheap ($25-30). Look around and you'll find one that will do a much better job than a little camping stove.

[deucedaily]

That would be optimal, but like I said, I'm in a high rise apartment, so this becomes an issue. I think I may look into the possibility of using our common patio area. Not sure what management would think, but it is worth checking out.

[Mad Scientist]

If nothing else, they may tell you to stop. For me, I can burn through a standard BBQ grill propane bottle in three all grain brews, so make that six or so partial mash batches. How long do you think a 7.5 OZ butane bottle will last?

[Otis_The_Drunk]

Is there a public park around??
If there is and they have BBQ pits, I don't think that they would take issue brewing as long as you do not violate any park rules.
Besides the picnic table can be used as a gravity system.

[barleyburps]

I spent about 6 years brewing all grain batches on an electric stove (8 gallon batches in a 10 gallon pot) in an apartment, and never had a problem. . . . It may take a little longer to get to boil, but not that big of deal in my opinion. . .

[Vienna Lager]

Don't mess with propane, butane, hexane or any other 'ane' indoors unless you want to end up like Sylvia Plath.