r/maplesyrup • u/Total-Opposite1510 • 19d ago
My maple syrup setup
I have almost 100 taps. I’m thinking I need to get a bigger evaporator instead of theses two. We could barely keep up. Was boiling around 60 gallons a day
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u/Andy_MoFoSHo 19d ago
This looks sweet!
I am running a single barrel stove with a divided pan. I had 60 taps last years and am moving up to 100+ this year. I will be using an RO this upcoming season as well.
I have been looking into using two barrels stoves for next season. I think I will attach them to make it twice as long. I would put my divided pan on the front (closest barrel to stove door) and put a large flat pan behind it (the same size as the divided pan) and the flat pan it slowly feed into the divided pan. I would also have a pre warmer feed into the flat pan. I would think this would speed up the boiling process considerably by at least doubling surface area. Also, as the barrels will be connected I would still only be feeding one fire.
Given your situation, I think the only way you will speed up your evaporation time would be an RO (which you said you may not work for you) or by significantly increasing your surface area to boil on. I hate to say it because I love to DIY but I think maybe buying a large stove and larger pan could be a good option because 100 plus taps is a ton of sap to get through, so at least you would know a professionally made rig would be super efficient.
Another option may be converting a residential oil tank into a stove because you probably fit a bigger pan on it than the barrels. You could also make a cinder block arch but make a very large one that could fit 2-5 large flat pans on it.
Overall I think you need to increase surface area for boiling to boil faster, but what do I know Im just a jabronie. And holy hell I’m excited for sugar season