Propane Fuel Consumption

This seems like an odd place to place this post.

From what standpoint is it odd? I figured professionals who use propane cookers on a regular basis would or should know this information, especially since fuel can be one of your main operating expenses after rent and direct food cost.

Where should I have posted?

Thanks for your help,
Evan Johnson

quote:

Originally posted by evanjohnson:
From what standpoint is it odd?

Well, I guess from the standpoint that Cookshack doesn't make a propane fueled pit, and this IS a Cookshack forum. You'll want to find a forum where a broad range of cookers are represented, like Southern Pride or Ole Hickory.

Sorry, I thought the PROFESSIONALS FORUM was: "If you are in the foodservice business, this is the forum for you. Open to chefs, restaurant operators, caterers, deli operators, meat processors and markets ... anyone in retail foodservice. Welcome!"

I realize there are other FORUMS specific to Cookshack Models and that is why I did not post on those FORUMS.

By the way, how much does it cost (from a fuel standpoint) to cook a load of butts in a Cookshack unit at 225 degrees for 12 hours? I'll add this to my study.

Thanks for any support or information from anyone who is interested in this topic.
Evan

quote:

By the way, how much does it cost (from a fuel standpoint) to cook a load of butts in a Cookshack unit at 225 degrees for 12 hours? I'll add this to my study.

The professionals forum is as you stated. However, since this is a Cookshack forum, I imagine that most professionals here are using cookshacks.

The KW/hr cost of electricity varies around the country, and depends on other variables including the ambient temperature that the pit is exposed to, the size of the cookshack, and how often the door is opened.

quote:

Originally posted by evanjohnson:
I'm trying to develop a database of fuel consumption of different gas cookers. (I posted on the SCBBQ Association and didn't get any responses.)
If you have such information, please submit as lbs./ hour or how many hours you get out of a 20, 30, 40 lb, or whatever size bottle you cook with.
If you have a homemade cooker, detailed info on the burner, square feet of cooking area or (lbs of butt that you can cook in 1 load) would be appreciated.
Once collected and tabulated, I'll share with whoever is interested.
Thanks,
Evan Johnson

I wouldn't mind having info on Propane consumption. We have a 6 day event coming up in July and I'll be using a Propane Grill to heat up Smoked Baby Back Ribs, and a propane burner to keep a big pot of boiling water for Corn. Even having a ball park figure of how long the 20 lb tank will go would be nice. I won't be taking my Cookshack out there, it'll be staying in the restaurant kitchen.
Good luck and Thanks
Kate

quote:

Originally posted by evanjohnson:
I'm trying to develop a database of fuel consumption of different gas cookers. (I posted on the SCBBQ Association and didn't get any responses.)
If you have such information, please submit as lbs./ hour or how many hours you get out of a 20, 30, 40 lb, or whatever size bottle you cook with.
If you have a homemade cooker, detailed info on the burner, square feet of cooking area or (lbs of butt that you can cook in 1 load) would be appreciated.
Once collected and tabulated, I'll share with whoever is interested.
Thanks,
Evan Johnson

From what I've been able to put together. A 500# size combination gas and log cooker will use about 2# of propane an hour at 250 degrees. They recomend 2 fireplace size logs also. I hope that helps you.

That's about right. I'm cooking on an old Southern Pride SPK500 that uses about 1 lb to 1.5 lbs of propane per hour at 225 degrees; there is some variation due to ambient temperature, amount of meat in the cooker and amount of wood I use at start-up.

I'm just about due for a new cooker and was trying to evaluate pellet costs vs. gas. (I found another post in the forum which gave me some of those numbers.)

I've seen some home made, dome style cookers with cast iron burners and have been told they get a 12 hour cooking out of a 40 lb tank. I can't understand how they can afford to cook on those things!

Thanks again for everyone's help,
Evan

In my neck of the woods propane runs about 40 to 60 cents a pound. I haven't looked at it since gasoline took a huge jump up. I'll bet it follows though. Pellets are anywhere from 35-50 cents a pound depending on where you are. Oh ya, don't forget that you still need to add your log cost on those gas numbers to.

We have started doing street fairs and festivals in the NYC area. We have two stoves for our non smoked dishes and we use propane.We get about 10 hours of use from a 20 pound tank.

Hope this helps.

David Levi
www.marashomemade.com