Bayou Classic KAB4 Banjo Burner - High-Pressure Propane Outdoor Cooker for Crawfish Boiling, Homebrewing & Large Batch Cooking | Perfect for Seafood Boils, Gumbo, Soup, Stew, Tamales & Beer Brewing | Great for Backyard Parties, Camping & Outdoor Events

I just recently starting home brewing. I made my first batch with extracts, using the stove top. I quickly realized that the electric stove just wasn't going to cut it, especially since I'm sure I'll be stepping up to all grain in the not distant future. Trying to bring a lot of water to a boil on the electric stove top just isn't efficient.So, I started to research my options. I wanted to be comfortable with idea that what I bought now, might be more than I need now, but would work with my future needs as well.My local home brew store recently did a demonstration, and they were using a KAB4, and it really seemed to get the job done. I read a lot of posts on some of the home brew forums and this model frequently got some really good reviews. So, I decided I would order this model.I placed my order on Jan 31, and it was on my door step on Feb 2. Which was good, because I really wanted to start another batch Saturday. Anyhow, it was boxed really well, in a thick cardboard double box. I opened it, and found assembly to be very easy.So, yesterday morning, I got all my equipment out, cleaned and sanitized everything, hooked up the propane tank, and fired it up. I only needed to bring 1 1/2 gal water to a boil, and it accomplished this very quickly. After stirring in my extracts and hops, I soon enough had it back to a good rolling boil, and then, just barely caught it before a boil over. Here's where the regulator seemed counter intuitive. Usually, to stop, or slow the flow, you turn a knob clockwise. Not here, you turn it counter-clockwise to turn down the heat. But, I got it figured in time to stop the boil over. After a hot break, it was very easy to keep the rolling boil until done. Very satisfied with the control of the heat.Another positive of this unit is that it came a braided hose, rather than rubber as the picture indicates. I think this is a big plus. Quality of the unit appears to be very good. It sits steady, all welds appear to be good, and anything connected with hardware looks great. One thing I would like to see is an ability to adjust the height of the burner. I'd like to get it closer to the brew kettle, which I think would increase the efficiency of the flames. But, I'm not going to mark that against the device, because for some uses (frying?) it might be better a bit farther away.Over all, I'm very satisfied with this cooker. If you're looking for a good one for your home brewing, I don't think you can go wrong with this one.