Inquiry:
Hello, I have a number of questions about your 160k BTU Power Flamers. I’ve read through your FAQ and viewed your videos and appreciate the information sharing. I didn’t see answers to the below, so wanted to check with you:
I’d prefer a manual version of the 6B, but it sounds like the burner is not compatible.
Regarding parts for failed electronic ignition… I saw that you require the full assembly to be replaced on the IEI version. What are the current parts costs to replace a malfunctioning EI vs IEI version of the ignition, and how long do you plan to have parts available?
Is it fair to assume that you consider the 6B burner better performing for woking, over the 5B?
How do these wok burners hold up to year-round outdoor storage in a harsh climate like Denver, where we have vary variable conditions (large temperature swings, variable precipitation, wind/dust, etc) and high UV?
We have a lot of spiders where I live. How effective are the spider guards?
If I was to mount one of these into a 3rd party cart, how much clearance below the burner is needed (to a shelf, propane tank, or other materials) for safety and combustion air (assuming it has access to air from the sides?
Is the unit with short legs sufficiently stable sitting on a metal table when tossing (perhaps that would be too hot for a table), or does it need to be firmly attached to a base? Many thanks.
Outdoorstirfry:
IEI can default into a manual stove if its electronic ignition fails. Turning the main burner flame to its lowest serves as a pilot.
6B has wider burner area, we agree with the analysis from the customer who posted on reddit. Our website has a copy of his analysis.
The stove main issue with weather is rust (moisture and direct rain/snow), not temperature, wind, dust or UV. The stove needs to be covered after use.
Spider is good to control inset populations. We encourage spider populations. We have lot of spiders in our place as well. Spider guard, if placed correctly, is effective.
We want minimum 1 foot clearance to any combustible material. 2 feet is preferable.
Short leg version is designed to sit on a table. It does not need to be mounted to the table.
Inquiry:
Ok, thanks. Sometimes it’s nice to get confirmation beyond a single Reddit post, as different people have different experience. Glad to hear you think the new one provides a better woking experience.
As to the rust… is the concern more of an aesthetic concern or a functional/longevity concern for the unit? Some materials that rust are purely an aesthetic issue. I would definitely cover it, but given our drastic temperature swings (we can easily see freezing over night and 60 degreesF the next day), it can be expected there will still be condensation. I’d prefer to not be hauling it inside, as I don’t have space to store it.
Thanks for the information and for providing such good support of your product.
Outdoorstirfry:
Rust for most of the stove area is only cosmetic. Rust in the burner holes affects the flame. Flame becomes yellow and create soot. We are in California. We had to clean the holes on the burner twice last rainy season. We have the stove for last 25 years and use it daily.
Inquiry:
Great – thank you! It’s good to understand the rust is maintainable where it can be problematic and there aren’t longevity issues.
I am going to order a PowerFlamer today… just need to choose IEI or manual. A few more questions, and I won’t pester you any more, as I am sure you are very busy! Sometimes it is hard buying things on the internet, because in-person things are more obvious.
– On the manual control… the knobs are brass. Do you know if they are lead-free brass?
– On the IEI control, you mentioned it can be turned low as a pilot light… Is there a detent/stop position before it turns off, or does it take some practice to get the flame at the lowest setting without it going out?
– I’m going to start looking for a larger cart today, that may have a shelf or cabinet below, like the one linked below. What is the dimension from the underside of the lip (i.e. where it would rest on the table) to the bottom of the unit, and how many inches of clearance below the bottom of the unit should be maintained for sufficient airflow?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D2Q8JFM7
Outdoorstirfry:
We don’t get material content on the brass fitting. We need to assume that it has lead content that is not suitable for drinkable water usage. The knob is not processing drinkable water from the stove application point of view. The cook needs to wash hand before eating.
The travel of the front knob on IEI is 90 degrees. There is no stop to indicate it reaches its minimal level. Adjustment of the flame is continuous.
On the table, you can let the stove sit on the table. The short legs on the stove should provide enough air intake for the stove. Are you going to cut a hole on the cart top surface to sink down the stove?
Inquiry:
Thank you. I’m not always so good about not tasting food as I go, so I might be better off with the IEI, despite loving a more traditional control.
Yes, cutting a hole in the top would be the intent. Based on your comment, it sounds like as long as the legs are not touching down, I should be good for airflow. I think I’ve heard 10.75″ or 11″ diameter is the proper hole size? My wife is 5′-9″. Based on what I’ve read, it seems you prefer a 30″ height for the top of the unit. That seemed low to me, but after watching some videos, I can see where lower is better than higher for wok hei / tossing to not cause shoulder issues.
Outdoorstirfry:
Stir frying food is hot; you can’t use finger to grab them. Please use utensil.
With tossing, a good consideration is that your wok handle height is about the same height as your elbow or up to 6” lower.