These simple basic maple syrup evaporators will fill a long
needed void for the small backyard maple syrup hobbyist. While you will find plenty factory built maple syrup
evaporators for the larger maple syrup processors, the small hobbyist or single family who can’t
justify shelling out a couple thousand dollars or more has been basically stuck with making their own
evaporators or using makeshift pans and kettles over fire pits.
Some of these homemade setups can be very dangerous to use, are
not very efficient and cook the syrup unevenly with hot spots.
Many companies have hobby sized evaporators but are priced
out of the market for the really small operator. One company does make a small wood
fired evaporator unit geared toward the small backyard hobbyist. It is rated to
do 4 GPH but it’s still priced well over a thousand dollars. In comparison you can purchase an Amish built
basic unit with a three channel stainless pan from Cottage Craft Works that will
do 5 GPH for well under a thousand dollars.
Cottage Craft Works also carries a budget
friendly 12 GPH basic unit with a 26” x 46” four channel divided pan. Larger
Amish built hobby units are also available for up to 35 GPH.
The small basic evaporator’s uses a heavy gauge welded steel
fire box and then it is topped with a 20 gauge 6 “deep divided stainless steel
cooking pan. It is all factory made to
fit and function together in a nice compact unit capable of being moved and
stored in a shed for the off season.
They won’t have all the bells and whistles of the larger
units but they are made solid to last for years. They come unpainted without, the stove pipe,
fire brick, or insulation. But you know a good solid fire box with a large
factory made divided pan to sit squarely on top is a far cry from trying to
cook maple syrup in open kettles over an open fire pit.
Customers can use some cement board along the sides to make
things a bit more comfortable, stack some used brick in to make the Arch, purchase
some fire brick (about 10), a valve and plug for the pan and you’re ready to
make maple syrup.
Custom options include adding a lid and an open 8” tall pan
on the smaller hobby unit allowing the cooker to double duty as an outdoor
canner that will hold mason canning jars, or heat water for other self
sufficient living needs.
Cottage Craft Works www.cottagecraftworks.com is a full line back-to-basics general store featuring all kinds of products for self-sufficient sustainable lifestyles.
