Comparing propane jet burner with normal burner.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison between propane jet burners and regular burners, focusing on their differences in BTU ratings, operational mechanisms, and practical applications. Participants explore the advantages and disadvantages of using a high-pressure jet burner versus a standard burner, touching on aspects of cooking performance and fuel consumption.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the claims of higher BTU ratings for propane jet burners, suggesting it may be a marketing tactic.
  • Others propose that the higher BTU ratings could be due to the jet burner processing more fuel per second compared to standard burners.
  • A participant mentions that a 20 psi regulator is typically used with jet burners, contrasting it with the lower pressure regulators used in domestic propane equipment.
  • Some participants share personal experiences with high BTU burners, indicating that they require more fuel and are necessary for certain cooking techniques, particularly in Chinese cuisine.
  • One participant describes a homemade jet burner used in a foundry experiment, highlighting its effectiveness in melting metal quickly.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality and safety of using high-pressure burners, with references to the need for specialized equipment and potential hazards.
  • There are humorous exchanges regarding cooking quantities and methods, with some participants joking about the extremes of cooking with high BTU burners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the advantages or disadvantages of propane jet burners versus regular burners. Multiple competing views remain regarding their effectiveness, safety, and practical applications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations in their understanding of the operational theory behind jet burners, indicating a need for more information. There are also references to personal experiences that may not generalize to all users.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in cooking techniques, particularly those who utilize high-heat methods, as well as those exploring the technical aspects of propane burners and their applications in various cooking scenarios.

yungman
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I am looking at some propane jet burner. They rated higher BTU than the regular burner. What is the difference between them and the advantage and disadvantage?

Thanks
 
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I've never heard of such a thing. Going strictly by the name, I suspect that it refers to oxygen or nitrous oxide injection into the propane feed. I'll try to find some info, but it won't be soon.
 
I see...
Hold off on the ordering until someone more knowledgeable chirps up. It sounds like creative advertising to me. There are only so many BTU's available from burning propane (or any other fuel), and I don't know what that figure is. I could look it up, but I'm really enjoying my last couple of dozen beers and am not so inclined right now. If this thing burns hotter, it must process more fuel/second than a normal portable cooker. I don't know whether or not the included 20-psi regulator is standard for such devices, or higher, but I'm nearly willing to bet that the jets are over-sized.
 
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yungman said:
This is what I refer to:

https://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-SP1-Jet-Cooker/dp/B0002913MI/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1324806036&sr=8-8

I tried looking up in the company site and surfed around, I can't find the theory of operation.

It is a high pressure jet burner. It should come with the correct adjustable pressure regulator.

You can see them burning on youtube. If you want to heat a wide pan that is the way to go. They do require their own separate propane tank.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&cp=25&...w.,cf.osb&fp=dc9072f4d1d34f4c&biw=960&bih=412
 
Danger said:
I see...
Hold off on the ordering until someone more knowledgeable chirps up. It sounds like creative advertising to me. There are only so many BTU's available from burning propane (or any other fuel), and I don't know what that figure is. I could look it up, but I'm really enjoying my last couple of dozen beers and am not so inclined right now. If this thing burns hotter, it must process more fuel/second than a normal portable cooker. I don't know whether or not the included 20-psi regulator is standard for such devices, or higher, but I'm nearly willing to bet that the jets are over-sized.

I save my drinking for tonight, ignore me if I post anything after 5pm today!:smile: :smile:.

Yes they do come with 20psi regulator.
 
Thanks for clarifying, Edward.
All in all, I think that I'll stick with thermite. I can make it for free at home from neighbourhood kids' bicycles and the rust from my garden tools. :devil:
 
Danger said:
Thanks for clarifying, Edward.
All in all, I think that I'll stick with thermite. I can make it for free at home from neighbourhood kids' bicycles and the rust from my garden tools. :devil:

:smile::smile:
 
  • #10
A 20 psi regulator? :eek:

Most "domestic" propane equipment uses about 10 inches water gauge = about 0.4 psi!
 
  • #11
my guess is the higher pressure is why they call it a jet burner.

my neighbor and i built one for our foundry experiment - a small orifice blowing into the end of a short pipe, pipe is drilled with lots of slanted holes for air induction.

makes a roar like jet engine and can melt a pot of brass in just a couple minutes.
uses lots of propane though.

@ danger : thermite --- aluminum ?
 
  • #12
AlephZero said:
A 20 psi regulator? :eek:

Most "domestic" propane equipment uses about 10 inches water gauge = about 0.4 psi!

We are talking about big burners here. Even the one I have is 60,000 BTU. To me, it is not even strong enough, I have to split the food into 3 small portion to cook. The normal 10 inches water regulator won't even activate the propane tank. It just can not built up enough pressure to open the check valve in the tank. That was my major problem before that I kept buying those low pressure regulator in OSH, Homd Depot and Lowes. I had to go to a specialized store to buy the red color regulator for my burner, and that was only 10psi. It is barely strong enough to cook my food. I notice after half a turn of the control of my burner, the flame maxed out and further turning the control won't get the flame stronger. This implies the 10psi regulator has maxed out. I am planning to order a 20psi on Amazon soon.

When you cook Chinese food, the stove is everything. You don't get "wok chi" or "pan taste" with a wimpy stove. With a strong stove, you make the food catch on fire to get the pan taste.
 
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  • #13
jim hardy said:
my guess is the higher pressure is why they call it a jet burner.

my neighbor and i built one for our foundry experiment - a small orifice blowing into the end of a short pipe, pipe is drilled with lots of slanted holes for air induction.

makes a roar like jet engine and can melt a pot of brass in just a couple minutes.
uses lots of propane though.

@ danger : thermite --- aluminum ?

I remember when I was very young and was in Hong Kong, we used a kerosene compressed air burner similar to jet burner. You need to put alcohol at the head and light it up to heat it up first, then you turn it on and you get like the jet burner with loud roaring sound. You put a screw driver tip into the flame and it get red right away. I guess they outlaw this here. Or else, I don't mind getting one of those.
 
  • #14
yungman said:
We are talking about big burners here. Even the one I have is 60,000 BTU. To me, it is not even strong enough, I have to split the food into 3 small portion to cook.

:bugeye: Just how the hell many cows do you cook at one time, anyhow?! Bloody 'ell! Although I have a couple of BBQ's with 20# tanks, I don't even fire them up. Barely cracking the valve on my 400 gm brazing torch for 30 seconds per side is perfect for a 12 oz steak.

Jim, I suspect that I would be in violation of PF guidelines if I were to say more about exploding bicycles... :rolleyes:
 
  • #15
Danger said:
:bugeye: Just how the hell many cows do you cook at one time, anyhow?! Bloody 'ell! Although I have a couple of BBQ's with 20# tanks, I don't even fire them up. Barely cracking the valve on my 400 gm brazing torch for 30 seconds per side is perfect for a 12 oz steak.

Jim, I suspect that I would be in violation of PF guidelines if I were to say more about exploding bicycles... :rolleyes:

That's the biggest secret...well not so secret of Chinese cooking! If you peek into the kitchen of a good Chinese restaurant when they cook, you'll see what I meant.

That's the reason even if you want to order two orders of the same dish in Chinese restaurant, do not...repeat do not order at the same time. Order one after the other because they get lazy and cook double portion and it don't taste the same.
 

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