DIY E-Boiler for Euro Skulls

[Grizzle]

I bought a cheap propane burner for this job and just use a stock pot with it.

That's how everyone I know does it with great results.
Reading this thread has me shaking my head wondering why everyone is complicating it so much. I mean these units look like they would work great but seem like way more effort than needed. Also sounds like guys are cooking them way to long. Clean the skull up best you can before simmering it then Powerwash it with a good pressure washer and your done in a couple hours start to finish. The better you are with the knife work the faster it goes but simmering for 10 hours is beyond unnecessary.

 

[ShakoMako]

Reading this thread has me shaking my head wondering why everyone is complicating it so much.

Did you read the thread, or the title? The OP started this one to talk about DIY E-boiler builds:

In the interest of not detracting from the Grakksaw E-Boiler thread, starting a new one for DIY E-Boiler builds.

The reasons cited by others for preferring something like this DIY E-boiler over a cheap propane burner are better temp control, less supervision of a propane burner, perhaps better portability in the field. I’ve done the turkey fryer and power washer method, and as others in this thread have shown, results may vary.

 

[NV HUNTER]

Which sous vide is this?

I have lots of tots. Was wanting to try this. Do you recommend putting skulls in game bag or something to keep bits from getting into the circulation unit?

I have the insta-pot brand.

Not gets in the unit.

 

[Clarktar]

I'm going to try the sous vide I guess. Add some rigid foam around a tote. Seems like it should work...

 

[Grizzle]

Did you read the thread, or the title? The OP started this one to talk about DIY E-boiler builds:


The reasons cited by others for preferring something like this DIY E-boiler over a cheap propane burner are better temp control, less supervision of a propane burner, perhaps better portability in the field. I’ve done the turkey fryer and power washer method, and as others in this thread have shown, results may vary.

Yup read it and like I said those units will work great and if your into going to those extents to build one that's cool, but it's worth stating for guys that may be new to this that it's not hard to control temp with a propane burner and pot, at all.. and you can easily do a great job in much less time and still get a great result without much skill or challenge. Less supervison isnt really an issue especially being able to do multiple heads in a day or have one done in couple hours and I'd definitely argue the portability thing but to each their own. I think these units are kinda cool along with the method of bagging skulls and steaming with an external boiler but it can be done really well with a very simple method of simmer and spray. Hell for moose I use a galvanized garbage can sitting on cinder blocks sealed around the top with a garbage bag and tiger torch underneath its not rocket science. Little dawn dish soap helps break down to.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Yup read it and like I said those units will work great and if your into going to those extents to build one that's cool, but it's worth stating for guys that may be new to this that it's not hard to control temp with a propane burner and pot, at all.. and you can easily do a great job in much less time and still get a great result without much skill or challenge. Less supervison isnt really an issue especially being able to do multiple heads in a day or have one done in couple hours and I'd definitely argue the portability thing but to each their own. I think these units are kinda cool along with the method of bagging skulls and steaming with an external boiler but it can be done really well with a very simple method of simmer and spray. Hell for moose I use a galvanized garbage can sitting on cinder blocks sealed around the top with a garbage bag and tiger torch underneath its not rocket science. Little dawn dish soap helps break down to.

Done the propane burner and spray method twice now. Not impressed. Beetle skull is much higher quality and the e-boiler method seems to be the best way to get that quality at home. Hence the thread.

Theres no way the propane burner method is more efficient with your actual hands on time than this.

 

[MThuntr]

Was one enough or did you have two?Thinking of using one of those Costco 27gal black and yellow totes.

I did a raghorn in that exact tub. I used a single sous vide machine. It can't remember the setting but a single one did do the job. I did mine in my basement to keep temps as constant as possible

If I have to time and weather to do a simmer in the backyard with a propane burner, I prefer that since I get faster results

 

[elkhunter505]

I have the insta-pot brand.

Not gets in the unit.

Do you have any issues keeping the temperature high enough for the method to work when the ambient temp is between 30-40 degrees? I live up north and do euros for friends. I’m really interested in this set up and have an ozark trail yeti knock off that I think would work fantastic to keep the water insulated but it likely wouldn’t allow the sous vide to be attached to it without some type of modification.

I use the pressure washer method right now, but if I could minimize my washing time, I’d be really happy and I’m sure some of my neighbors would be as well.