Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
- Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Crawfish Boiler
Q. I am currently in the process of researching. I plan on building a portable crawfish boiler on a trailer to be utilized in selling boiled crawfish at locations throughout Texas. My concern for the boiler is to be as economical and cost efficient as possible considering the cost of fuel, ie: propane. Essentially the design is a double boiler placed on a platform. Each section will have it's own propane burner underneath, and each section (of two) will be approximately 2' x 2' by 20" deep. Question (1) would aluminum be more efficient and cost economical to heat rather than stainless steel... and Question (2) (which I just now thought of) would it be more efficient to have (2) separate 2' x 2' "cookers" rather than one, which essentially would be a single cooker 4' x 4' with a divider in the center to separate the boilers?
My Thanks, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
B.j. Pollock
2006
A. I have seen one used just like the one your talking about. They had a divider and two separate boilers on the bottom to control temperature for each side. The one I saw was made of stainless steel. I'm not sure how aluminum would work when heated at high temperature compared to stainless steel. I am actually looking to buy or build one myself. Please let me know how yours turn out.
Thanks,
Joe Dinh
2007
A. Aluminum and stainless will both distort under high heat. The aluminum is more forgiving and will contract within reason to the original shape. Stainless will not!
I currently have a rig that can boil 2,000 lbs an hour. If you would like to inspect it for ideas please respond back.
Gary Greer
2007
Q. Gary,
I am in the process of starting a crawfish selling business here in NY, and I would love to see the boiler you have described. Thanks for your help
Chris Mauro
2007
Q. To Gary. I have just made 2 pots 38" x 30" out of aluminum. Trying to decide how to make my burners. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Danny Dupree
February 29, 2008
Q. To Gary,
We are wanting to build a rig like yours but not sure where to start looking. we can't find a person or company that builds these rigged trailers. Is there any way also that we may look at yours for our own ideas?
Joe Ditta
March 30, 2008
Q. We too are trying to find a rig and boilers or have one built. We would like to take a look at yours also. Any help would greatly be appreciated! Thanks!
Summer Godfrey
February 11, 2009
Q. I also would to see what the cooker looks like
Newt Newman
February 25, 2009
A. I think aluminum will work out the just fine. Guys in my part of town aluminum that what they use all the time. Just put water in before lighting the burners.
Timmy Dominique
October 28, 2009
A. I do not cook anything in Aluminum. At this point in time I will pay more for the Stainless for piece of mind.
Gene Peveto
May 18, 2018
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