An 80 gallon syrup kettle is a large piece of equipment used in the production of maple syrup and other sugary syrups. Determining the weight of an 80 gallon kettle is an important consideration for syrup producers for several reasons. The weight impacts shipping costs, installation requirements, and whether additional structural support is needed in the sugarhouse where the kettle will be used. In this article, we will provide several estimates for the weight of an 80 gallon syrup kettle based on different materials and designs. We will also discuss the factors that influence the kettle weight. With this information, syrup producers can make informed decisions when purchasing an 80 gallon kettle.
Quick Answer
An 80 gallon stainless steel syrup kettle typically weighs between 300 to 500 pounds when empty. The exact weight depends on the thickness of the steel used in construction. Copper kettles tend to be lighter, with an 80 gallon size weighing 200 to 300 pounds. Heavier cast iron kettles can weigh over 500 pounds. The weight increases considerably when full of sap or syrup.
Standard Stainless Steel Kettle Weight
Stainless steel is the most common material used to construct modern maple syrup kettles. An 80 gallon stainless steel syrup kettle with a standard 12 gauge thickness usually weighs between 300 to 400 pounds empty.
Here are some typical weights for 80 gallon stainless kettles from major manufacturers:
– Leader Evaporator: 325 pounds
– Grimm Manufacturing: 350 pounds
– Maple Supply: 375 pounds
– CDL Maple Equipment: 400 pounds
Stainless steel kettles have the advantage of good durability and ease of cleaning. The thick 12 gauge steel prevents warping, dents, and scorching of the sap during the boiling process. Stainless is also resistant to corrosion and requires less maintenance than other materials like copper or cast iron.
Impact of Steel Gauge on Weight
The gauge or thickness of the stainless steel used to construct the kettle impacts the overall weight. Thinner steel reduces weight but sacrifices durability. Thicker steel is heavier but more resistant to damage.
Some examples of 80 gallon kettle weights for different steel gauges:
– 10 gauge steel: Approximately 400 to 500 pounds
– 12 gauge steel: Approximately 300 to 400 pounds
– 14 gauge steel: Approximately 250 to 350 pounds
So a kettle made with thinner 14 gauge steel can weigh 100 pounds less than the same size kettle made from thick 10 gauge steel. Syrup producers should evaluate their needs for durability vs weight savings when selecting a steel gauge.
Copper Kettle Weights
Copper kettles are prized by some syrup producers for their heating properties and aesthetic appeal. However, copper is a less durable metal than stainless steel. An 80 gallon copper syrup kettle will typically weigh between 200 to 300 pounds.
Here are some examples:
– Leader Evaporator: 215 pounds
– Grimm Mfg: 275 pounds
– Maple Supply: 300 pounds
The advantage of copper is that it is lighter than stainless for the same capacity kettle. This makes installation and shipping easier. However, copper dents more easily, costs more, and requires more cleaning and polishing to maintain. Copper kettles are best suited for small scale syrup production rather than high volume commercial operations.
Impact of Copper Thickness on Weight
As with stainless steel, the thickness of the copper used to make the kettle will also affect its weight. Thicker copper results in a heavier kettle. Some examples:
– 16 oz copper: Approximately 200 pounds
– 20 oz copper: Approximately 275 pounds
– 24 oz copper: Approximately 300 pounds
So a thin 16 ounce copper kettle can weigh 100 pounds less than a thick 24 ounce one for the same size. Assessing the tradeoff between durability and weight savings is important when selecting copper thickness.
Cast Iron Kettle Weights
Cast iron kettles are a traditional material used in maple sugaring operations. An 80 gallon cast iron syrup kettle can weigh over 500 pounds. For example:
– Grimm Mfg: 550 pounds
– Maple Supply: 525 pounds
The benefit of cast iron is its unmatched durability. Cast iron kettles can often be passed down for generations. However, they are very heavy, making cleaning, installation, and transport difficult. Cast iron is prone to rusting and requires seasoning. Most producers today opt for stainless steel over cast iron for their larger evaporator pans. However, some traditional smaller operations still use cast iron.
Weight When Full vs Empty
The weights discussed so far are for empty kettles. When full of sap, an 80 gallon stainless steel kettle can weigh over 1000 pounds. An 80 gallon kettle holds approximately:
– 640 pounds of sap (at a density of 8 lbs per gallon)
– 80 pounds of syrup (at a density of 10 lbs per gallon)
So the total weight when full is the empty weight of the kettle plus the weight of the sap or syrup. This needs to be considered regarding the load capacity of the floors and supports in the sugarhouse. It also impacts the lifting and moving equipment needed for the kettle.
Factors That Determine Kettle Weight
The main factors that determine the weight of an 80 gallon syrup kettle are:
1. Materials Used in Construction
As discussed earlier, stainless steel, copper, and cast iron kettles of the same volume can have major differences in weight. Stainless steel strikes the best balance of durability vs weight for most producers.
2.Thickness of Materials
The gauge or thickness of the steel, copper, or cast iron used to fabricate the kettle makes a big difference in the weight. Thicker materials increase durability but also increase weight.
3. Design Style
Some kettles incorporate heavier duty ports, valves, handles, stands and other design elements that can add weight. More ornate copper kettles are also often heavier. Simple kettle designs tend to be lighter.
4. Manufacturing Variances
There can be small differences in kettle weights between manufacturers based on their specific fabrication processes and materials sourcing. So even the same capacity stainless steel kettle may vary by 25-50 pounds from different companies.
Table of Typical 80 Gallon Kettle Weights
| Material | Typical Empty Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (12 gauge) | 300 – 500 pounds |
| Copper (20 oz) | 200 – 300 pounds |
| Cast Iron | Over 500 pounds |
Conclusion
An 80 gallon syrup kettle is a major investment for maple syrup producers. Understanding how much a kettle weighs based on size, materials, and design is important for deciding which one to purchase. Stainless steel kettles in the 300-400 pound weight range offer the best combination of strength and reasonable heft. Copper and cast iron kettles have appealing attributes but can be impractical for larger operations due to their weights. Carefully evaluating the tradeoffs will allow sugarmakers to select the ideal 80 gallon syrup kettle for their needs.
