Author Topic: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner  (Read 16787 times)

Offline coffeesnob

  • Newbie
  • *
Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« on: July 14, 2015, 05:27:29 PM »
I'm new here and considering buying a Huky 500T, but have noted that the one typically supplied may not have sufficient BTUs for all scenarios. I've found the one noted in the topic title at the link below and other places:

http://www.staples.com/Thunder-Group-SLST001-Commercial-Portable-Single-Burner-Gas/product_432442

The total BTU output is about 17000 and is a direct flame instead of infrared so it seems it would be up to the task. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thank you!
TC

Offline MJ5150

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Solid or Perf: Solid
  • Serial Number: 648
  • J or T : T
  • Charge Weight : one pound
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #1 on: July 14, 2015, 06:21:25 PM »
I have been using the propane IR stove Mr. Li provides since I got my Huky in May. I have about 30-40 roasts done so far. I roast one pound, and sometimes just a little more, at a time.

So far, I haven't found any situations where the stove from Mr. Li has been inadequate for the task.

-Mike
1970's la Pavoni, Baratza Vario, Gino Dripper, Siphon, Bialetti Moka, Breville BES920XL.

Offline coffeesnob

  • Newbie
  • *
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2015, 06:58:53 PM »
Have you seasoned the drum like I've seen some do or is it just the discoloration from use?

Offline Chert

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Solid or Perf: solid
  • Serial Number: 593
  • J or T : J
  • Charge Weight : 109-115, 400
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2015, 08:21:50 PM »
i think the IR source is adequate heat, but you might like the more rapid adjustment of flame.  Look athte Heat sources thread, too.
Cooperative / fundraising roasting with Huky 500

Offline Gregr

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Solid or Perf: Solid
  • Serial Number: 275
  • J or T : J
  • Charge Weight : 454
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2015, 08:39:12 PM »
Coming up on two years with the IR stove and there's never been an instance where I needed more heat. I almost always roast 454g at a time.
Huky, Pasquini G4, Compak K10

Offline edtbjon

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Solid or Perf: Solid (Perforated in the closet)
  • Serial Number: 498
  • J or T : J (Trying out a Cyclone)
  • Charge Weight : 300-400g
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2015, 03:50:10 AM »
I agree with the rest of the quire. The only time I've ever used "full blast" was a few weeks ago when I was roasting outside and it was rather cold and windy. (The heat litterary blew away...) Apart from that I seldom use more than about 80% of capacity. Also do note that I use a bog standard swedish regulator with a rather low pressure of 30mBar.
In a normal situation (indoors, 20C/72F) I don't feel constrained by the heater at all. I can reach 1Cs (start of first crack) in 9 minutes while keeping up with the way I usually roast. There is heat enough to go faster, but then I don't follow my planned schedule.
And yes, these statements and figures are all about full 500 grams batches of green beans.
Now, dare I roast even lighter?

Offline Gregr

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Solid or Perf: Solid
  • Serial Number: 275
  • J or T : J
  • Charge Weight : 454
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2015, 07:40:15 AM »
A few months back I tried a few super fast roasts- reaching first crack in 6 minutes. Not a problem with a full pound. And on one of my first roasts I forgot to open the damper and hit first crack in about 4 minutes   :o
Huky, Pasquini G4, Compak K10

Offline coffeesnob

  • Newbie
  • *
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2015, 11:04:41 AM »
This is all really good information. I guess I have one last question regarding the IR burner setup: Is 'seasoning' the drum required for the IR burner setup to work properly, or is the roaster ready to go 'out of the box' without making the drum look like it's been caked in hot fudge?  8)

Thank you all!
TC

Offline Gregr

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Solid or Perf: Solid
  • Serial Number: 275
  • J or T : J
  • Charge Weight : 454
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #8 on: July 15, 2015, 12:49:34 PM »
My understanding is that the seasoning is needed no matter what your heat source is. The seasoning is going to build up by itself after a dozen or so [ballpark] roasts if you're using the IR stove or whatever. Some people jumpstart the process by manually seasoning. If those first handful of roasts need to come out top quality then you should consider doing the seasoning before you roast, but for me and I think for a lot of people- even with an unseasoned drum those first roasts were still better than what I was getting with my Behmor and Hottop.
Huky, Pasquini G4, Compak K10

Offline edtbjon

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Solid or Perf: Solid (Perforated in the closet)
  • Serial Number: 498
  • J or T : J (Trying out a Cyclone)
  • Charge Weight : 300-400g
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #9 on: July 16, 2015, 01:24:11 AM »
This is all really good information. I guess I have one last question regarding the IR burner setup: Is 'seasoning' the drum required for the IR burner setup to work properly, or is the roaster ready to go 'out of the box' without making the drum look like it's been caked in hot fudge?  8)

Thank you all!
TC

There are two things to concider here. First, the inside of the drum. I got me a few pounds of "sweep beans", i.e. low-grade coffee, just to give the inside of the drum a thin layer of coffee oils. It holds double value to do a couple of roasts where you can push the roast deep into "la belle pays francais..." eh, french territory. :) This without having to think about drinking that tar afterwards, but just learning about how the controls of the roaster works. I do recommend this for anyone, even if you're a seasoned roaster. :)

But I guess you're thinking about giving the outside of the drum a dark, dull surface. I guess the idea comes from the Quest M3 community, where they are looking for ways to improve on performance and efficiency too. The idea is simple: A shiny (stainless steel) surface will reflect the heat while a darker, duller surface will absorb more of the heat.
A quick way would be to use dark/black heat-resistive paint, like BBQ paint. But it felt a bit "chemical" to do that. Burning in a layer of oil felt better to me, actually a couple of layers.
Does it have any effect? Yes, I must say there was a very noticable change in responsiveness. There are other factors involved too, but I'd say a fair guess would be that the system became some 15-20% more efficient.
And no, this is something that will not happen by itself after XX number of roasts. There will be a slight discoloration on the outside of the drum, but you do have to actively brown and burn it yourself. One, maybe two hours of hard work. ;)
Now, dare I roast even lighter?

Offline hankua

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Flame On!
  • Solid or Perf: Solid
  • Serial Number: 321
  • J or T : J
  • Charge Weight : 324g/454g
Re: Thunder Group SLST001 Portable Propane Burner
« Reply #10 on: July 16, 2015, 10:32:52 PM »
This is all really good information. I guess I have one last question regarding the IR burner setup: Is 'seasoning' the drum required for the IR burner setup to work properly, or is the roaster ready to go 'out of the box' without making the drum look like it's been caked in hot fudge?  8)

Thank you all!
TC

I pretty much agree with everything that's been said, my drum was seasoned with flax oil.

But according to Mr. Li's instructions; Huky is cleaned and ready to roast after unpacking. So technically no seasoning necessary; but I'd still throw out the first batch at least

 

Resources

PRICING and FAQs

ARTISAN RESOURCES

PHIDGET INFORMATION

ROASTING GUIDES

ROASTING TERMINOLOGY

GREENS SOURCES

A FEW VIDEOS

Temperature Converter

Celsius:
Fahrenheit:
Kelvin:

Recent Topics

Rob Hoos article on Thermocouples by SusanJoM
August 31, 2017, 02:52:23 PM

CFM range for exhaust fan by edtbjon
August 30, 2017, 08:13:09 PM

Standard Stove - any ideas what to substitute it with at the European market? by hankua
August 30, 2017, 08:07:16 AM

Just Purchased, Hello from Claymont, DE! by hankua
August 30, 2017, 07:57:21 AM

Hello from Melbourne, Australia! by hankua
August 30, 2017, 07:55:07 AM

New to Roasting (opportunity to buy a Huky) by hankua
August 30, 2017, 07:52:18 AM

Hello from South Korea! by K.Brown
August 30, 2017, 05:40:09 AM

First Roast with Artisan, Feedback Appreciated by edtbjon
August 28, 2017, 04:17:34 AM

And another checklist to validate… by SusanJoM
August 25, 2017, 09:15:43 AM

Estimated Cost after Mods and Tools For Maintenance etc. etc. by edtbjon
August 25, 2017, 01:46:56 AM

Phidget 1048 Temperature() [Error 126] by MasterKraus
August 23, 2017, 06:41:08 PM

Any ordering at MLGP by jay
August 22, 2017, 06:44:05 AM

Powered by EzPortal