What scalder do you use?

[fowlhobbie1]

Several different scalders for sale on the web. I am either going to make one, or purchase one. What scalder do you use?
Some are metal, some are made from a utility sink with a heating element in them. I wouldn't mind buying one, but I would like to know from the folks who use them and are happy with them.
Thanks.

 

[bowhunter862]

Knowing what I know now, I'd have built my own with the following:


Element:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006JLVBW/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mounting bracket:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQMK9C/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thermostat:
http://www.amazon.com/Rheem-SP11695...ywords=water+heater+thermostat#productDetails

The above thermostat may not be exact. It was a quick search. The element and the bracket; I did buy to replace the wimpy one in the scalder I did buy.

Add a cord, a water resistant box over the electrical stuff and a utility sink and you have what I significantly overpaid for which is:

http://www.amazon.com/Dux-Industrie...405690544&sr=8-1&keywords=dux+chicken+scalder

I'd also add foam insulation around the sides and make a lid. Filled with hot water out of your water heater, it'll be ready at 150 degrees in about an hour. Fill it with cold water from the garden hose and you will need to fire it up at least 3 1/2 hours before you want to start scalding. The plus side is that once it it is at temperature, It holds it well. The only thing that will slow you down is that at about 30 birds the water becomes dirty and scalding is harder to achieve. I usually dump it at that that time, refill it with hot water, and go package the first 30. When I get done, the fresh water is back up to temp.

 

[jerryse]

I use a old electric water heater tank that is cut down . I used to use the electric element . I have taken the element out and plugged the hole . I now heat the water on the turkey fryer burner ( propane ) . The large fryer pot would work or a large stock pot . Just keep the water short of the boiling point .

 

[fowlhobbie1]

Bowhunter862.....Thank you for your reply. I have looked at the one you purchased and have considered it. I am glad to hear from someone that actually has one. There is a scalder on ebay that is made from a utility sink for a little less $$ with a digital thermometer on it as well. I have some of the components to put a scalder together. Element, thermostat, and the utility sink in basement that I may convert to use for my scalder.
I did not know about the mounting bracket. That has been one of my concerns, how the heating element is mounted. That's a big help to know about. On the scalder you have, how is water temp monitored to turn the element on and off? Is there a probe?? My concern is whether thermostat will work that I currently have (like the one you recommended) if it is mounted on the side of a utility tub for it to sense the temp and then react by turning element on or off. I have heard of a digital controller that would likely work. ($45) It has a probe on a cord, and is programmable to set temp desired. But, I'm trying to keep cost down.
Does your scalder hold temp as you like it to?
What plucker do you use?
What temp do you find to be the best for plucking? 150 degrees worked great the other day for me.
I have a horizontal rotating drum style plucker. Schweiss I believe is the brand. It is not the load from the top tub style.
Thank you very much for the information you provided.

 

[bowhunter862]

The thermostat I posted above monitors the temp through the unit itself just like the water heater in your home. There is no probe. I also find that 150 degrees is the best. I know some folks dip, lift out and redunk repeatedly until the wing feather releases easily. I just dip the bird and swish it around. I don't pull the bird out. About 30-40 seconds and the wing feather releases with no resistance. I take them to the spinning plucker and 30 seconds later, they are bald. In fact, my nephew refers to my WhizBang as "The Baldinator".

 

[New Morning]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Four years later I'm finding it helpful.