What do you use for a scalder?

[Tre3hugger]

Title sums it up. I just got a Yardbird plucker (hurray!) and I know a good scald is essential to make it work right. Last year I used a stock pot on an open flame so really I can only improve. I am leaning toward a big turkey fryer but may consider a low end electric scalder. It is to process about 50 birds a year in my backyard for my family. So what do you guys have? How many birds a year do you do with it? Are you happy with it, or wish you had ___? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Hoping to make a purchase by processing day at the end of this month. Thanks!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

A turkey fryer is just a stock pot on flame. I've got one and the flame is just too high. Being cheap model it's not adjustable friendly, goes out if I turn it down. For a manageable flame I picked up a gas burner with small portable cast iron stand. Much better to keep the heat 155 F but then I don't process as many as you do so don't have the need for a turbo flame.

Do your homework and pick up a good propane stand. Your stock pot is perfectly fine. I'd just purchase a quality base that will adjust flame easily. If you're not dunking birds constantly mine would get the water too hot very fast.

 

[Tre3hugger]

A turkey fryer is just a stock pot on flame. I've got one and the flame is just too high. Being cheap model it's not adjustable friendly, goes out if I turn it down. For a manageable flame I picked up a gas burner with small portable cast iron stand. Much better to keep the heat 155 F but then I don't process as many as you do so don't have the need for a turbo flame.

Do your homework and pick up a good propane stand. Your stock pot is perfectly fine. I'd just purchase a quality base that will adjust flame easily. If you're not dunking birds constantly mine would get the water too hot very fast.

Appreciate you sharing your experience.

 

[Molpet]

A turkey fryer is just a stock pot on flame. I've got one and the flame is just too high. Being cheap model it's not adjustable friendly, goes out if I turn it down. For a manageable flame I picked up a gas burner with small portable cast iron stand. Much better to keep the heat 155 F but then I don't process as many as you do so don't have the need for a turbo flame.

Do your homework and pick up a good propane stand. Your stock pot is perfectly fine. I'd just purchase a quality base that will adjust flame easily. If you're not dunking birds constantly mine would get the water too hot very fast.

X2
I had the same results with the flame going out if too low or keeping the water to hot.
I only do 2 heritage chickens or 1 turkey at a time, so I just use faucet hot water. I turn the water heater up a couple hours ahead.

 

[Parront]

I use a pressure canner pot on the stove. It holds 14 quart jars, I think it is called a 23 quart. Most birds I do now are small, but I used a pot like this for 10 pound Cornish-X in the past.

 

[Parront]

X2
I had the same results with the flame going out if too low or keeping the water to hot.
I only do 2 heritage chickens or 1 turkey at a time, so I just use faucet hot water. I turn the water heater up a couple hours ahead.

I have a small under the sink hot water heater that I turn all the way up to fill my pot, it sure cuts the heating time. It is about 130 degrees, then I only have to heat it a little more.

 

[Molpet]

I have a small under the sink hot water heater that I turn all the way up to fill my pot, it sure cuts the heating time. It is about 130 degrees, then I only have to heat it a little more.

My gas whole house gets the water to 165f

 

[neo71665]

Propane fish fryer

 

[Parront]

My gas whole house gets the water to 165f

I think that there is a safety cut off on my big gas water heater. I do not need a big tank, the little under the sink guy gets it almost there! only do 5 or so at a time, sometimes only 2.

 

[Xouie]

I use a turkey fryer pot on a camp stove — meat thermometer to monitor temperature. I usually do no more than 8 birds per weekend. So far since last spring, this setup has been used for: 28 chickens, 1 duck, and a dozen or so quail.