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If you are shopping for a powerful outdoor propane burner for boils, frying, or homebrewing, you have likely found the Bayou Classic KAB4 and KAB6. They look similar, they both use a large “banjo” style burner, and they both have strong reputations. So which one should you buy? This beginner-friendly guide explains the differences in plain English, shares real-world use cases, and helps you pick the right cooker for your backyard projects before you spend your money.
Quick Overview: KAB4 vs KAB6
What They Have in Common
Both KAB4 and KAB6 are heavy-duty outdoor propane cookers built for serious heat. They use a cast-iron banjo-style burner mounted in a sturdy steel frame with a wide cooking surface. Both can support large stockpots and kettles and are popular for seafood boils, turkey frying, canning, and homebrewing. In many packages, you will find a regulator and hose included, and both are designed to run on a standard propane tank.
Key Differences at a Glance
The main difference is pressure and power. The KAB4 commonly ships with a lower-pressure adjustable regulator, making it more balanced for everyday cooking and simmer control. The KAB6 typically includes a higher-pressure adjustable regulator designed to push the burner harder for very fast boils and heavy loads. This translates into different strengths: KAB4 is easier to manage at low flame and uses fuel more slowly, while KAB6 is the choice when you want maximum speed and power.
Burner, BTU, and Regulator Pressure
The Burner Core
Both cookers use a large cast-iron “banjo” burner head. This style spreads flame across many ports and creates wide, even heat under your pot. The casting is robust and built to last with basic care. In practice, the burner head itself is not what separates KAB4 from KAB6; it is how much gas the regulator allows to reach the burner.
Regulators and Heat Output
Regulator pressure controls how hard the burner can run. The KAB4 often includes an adjustable regulator in the lower-pressure range. The KAB6 usually includes an adjustable regulator in the higher-pressure range. The higher the pressure, the more gas the burner can consume, and the more heat it can make. This does not mean the KAB6 must run hot all the time, but it means it has headroom for very large pots or very fast heat-up times when you need it.
What That Means for Cooking Tasks
With a moderate regulator, the KAB4 hits a sweet spot for steady boils, gentle simmering, and frying where temperature control matters. With a high-pressure regulator, the KAB6 can blast through big volumes of water and recover heat quickly when you add cold food. If your main goal is speed for large batches or heavy-duty boiling, the KAB6 shines. If your priority is control for simmering and everyday outdoor cooking, the KAB4 is usually easier to dial in.
Frame, Build, and Pot Size
Cooking Surface and Stability
Both frames are stout and designed to hold real weight. The cooking surface is wide enough for common outdoor stockpots used in brewing and seafood boils. Stability matters when you are dealing with tall pots and rolling boils; both designs are built for that use. If you cook in windy conditions, consider a windscreen or choose a spot with natural wind protection so your flame stays steady.
Weight Capacity and Compatible Pot Sizes
Owners commonly use these burners with pots in the 30 to 100 quart range, depending on the task. For medium pots and casual weekend cooks, the KAB4 has plenty of support and heat. For very large pots, or when you load up with a lot of cold food at once, the KAB6’s extra pressure helps keep you at a strong boil. Always check your specific pot size, base diameter, and weight when filled. If you plan on going big regularly, the KAB6 gives you extra confidence under heavy loads.
Wind Protection and Outdoor Setup
Any high-output burner can struggle in heavy wind, which blows heat away from your pot and makes you burn more propane. Use the cooker on level ground and position it where wind is naturally blocked. Some owners add a simple windscreen around the pot base to save fuel and improve consistency. Do not enclose the burner too tightly; leave airflow and follow safety guidance from the manufacturer.
Heat Control and Noise
Simmer Control for Delicate Work
If you need gentle heat hold, such as keeping stock at a low simmer or maintaining steady mash temperatures while brewing, the KAB4 tends to feel calmer and more forgiving. The lower-pressure setup makes small adjustments easier, and flame noise is milder. It is well suited for cooks who value control over sheer speed.
Torch Mode for Fast Boils
The KAB6’s higher pressure regulator can feel like a turbo button. It gets big volumes of water up to a boil faster, and it recovers heat quickly after you add seafood, corn, or wort. This is great for time-sensitive events and big gatherings. Expect a more forceful flame and a louder burner sound when running near full power.
Sound Considerations
All high-output propane burners make noise, and the harder they run, the more they sound like a jet. The KAB6, with higher pressure, is louder at max output. If you have close neighbors or low tolerance for burner noise, the KAB4 keeps things quieter in typical use.
Fuel Efficiency and Cost to Run
Propane Use Patterns
More pressure and more flame use more propane per minute. At the same boil temperature, both cookers will settle to similar gas use. The difference shows up during heat-up and when maintaining huge boils. The KAB6 gets you to the boil fast but can drain a tank quickly at full blast. The KAB4 is thriftier during everyday cooks because you are less likely to run it wide open.
When High Pressure Saves Time
Time is a resource too. If you often boil large volumes, the KAB6’s speed can shorten your cook day. For brewers, fast heat-up can trim total brew time. For big seafood boils, rapid recovery after adding food keeps the schedule tight. If your sessions are smaller or more relaxed, the KAB4’s efficiency wins.
Tips to Stretch Your Tank
Use a lid while heating to speed up boiling. Shield the burner from wind. Preheat smaller volumes of water indoors if safe and then top off outside. Turn down the burner once you reach a steady boil; a rolling boil does not need maximum flame. Keep your regulator and orifices clean so the burner runs efficiently.
Safety and Setup
Regulator and Hose
Both cookers typically include a regulator and hose. Inspect the hose for cracks and ensure tight connections. Use soapy water to check for leaks at the tank and cooker connections. Replace damaged hoses or washers immediately. Never modify regulators or swap to a higher-pressure regulator than your cooker is designed for. Doing so can be dangerous and can void warranties.
Lighting and Shutdown
Open the regulator a small amount first and ignite with a long lighter at the burner edge. Then bring flame up slowly. Keep your face and hands clear of the burner. When finished, turn the regulator down to extinguish the flame, close the tank valve, and bleed off any line pressure before disconnecting. Let everything cool before moving or storing.
Where to Place the Cooker
Use the cooker outdoors only. Place it on level, non-combustible ground away from walls, fences, and overhangs. Keep kids and pets at a distance. For oil frying, keep a Class K or multipurpose fire extinguisher nearby and never leave hot oil unattended.
Real-World Use Cases
Homebrewing 5 to 10 Gallon Batches
For 5-gallon brew days, the KAB4 is more than capable and gives smooth control from strike water to boil. It is quieter, uses less gas, and is easier to fine-tune for mash steps or holding a gentle boil. If you brew 10 gallons often, double-batch, or run thick pre-boil volumes, the KAB6 cuts heat-up time and recovers fast after hop additions. If you are sensitive to boil-overs, remember that fast heat requires attention; keep a hand on the regulator as you approach boil.
Crawfish and Seafood Boils
For large backyard boils with big pots and heavy loads, speed is king. The KAB6 excels here by bringing water to a boil quickly and bouncing back after you drop in a lot of cold seafood and veggies. If your boils are smaller or you only host a few times a year, the KAB4 will still deliver great results without being overly aggressive on propane use.
Canning, Stock, and Backyard Frying
For canning and stock making, steady simmer control matters more than raw speed. The KAB4’s gentler behavior makes it a friendly choice. For turkey frying and fish frying, either cooker works; the KAB6 heats oil faster, while the KAB4 offers smoother temperature adjustments once you are near your target oil temp. A good thermometer is essential with either cooker.
Maintenance and Longevity
Cleaning and Storage
After use, let the burner cool fully. Brush off food debris and wipe the frame. Keep the burner ports clear; a quick pass with a soft brush helps. Store the cooker in a dry spot to prevent rust. If left outside, cover it and keep the regulator and hose out of standing water. Light surface rust on the frame can be touched up with high-temp paint if needed.
Replacing Parts and Upgrades
Burner orifices, hoses, and regulators are consumable parts over the long run. You can replace them with manufacturer-approved components. Some owners add a needle valve for finer flame control or a simple windscreen for better efficiency. Stick to safe, compatible parts, and avoid unauthorized high-pressure swaps that your cooker was not designed to handle.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the KAB4 if…
You want strong heat with easier control. Your typical jobs include 5-gallon brewing, moderate seafood boils, canning, and general outdoor cooking. You prefer quieter operation and better fuel economy during everyday use. You value smooth simmering as much as top-end power.
Choose the KAB6 if…
You need serious firepower for big pots and big gatherings. You want fast heat-up and quick recovery after loading in food. You regularly boil large volumes for crawfish, crab, corn, or 10-gallon brew days. You are okay with a louder burner and higher propane use when running at full output.
What About Patios and Small Spaces?
If you cook close to neighbors or in an echoey courtyard, consider the KAB4 for lower noise and gentler behavior. Whichever you choose, follow all outdoor-use rules and keep safe clearances to avoid heat damage and fire risk.
Common Buying Questions
Do both come with a regulator and hose?
Many packages include them, but not all. Check the product listing to confirm what is included. If you need to buy separately, match the regulator pressure to the cooker’s design and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
What pot size is too big?
There is no single number because pots vary by shape and weight. As a rule, stay within the cooker’s rated capacity, keep the center of gravity stable, and avoid stacking heavy accessories on top. If your pot overhangs the support surface by a lot or wobbles, size down or choose a wider-frame cooker.
Will the KAB6 burn food more easily?
It can if you push too much flame. High pressure demands careful adjustment. Start low, bring heat up gradually, and watch for hot spots. With practice, both models can cook cleanly and evenly.
Practical Setup Tips
Position for Safety and Performance
Place the cooker on level concrete or pavers, not on wood decks or dry grass. Keep at least several feet of clearance on all sides. Avoid strong wind paths. Set your pot centered on the supports before lighting.
Dial In the Flame
Open the tank valve slowly. Crack the regulator slightly and light the burner. Adjust until you see a mostly blue flame with defined inner cones. Too much yellow flame means you are either too rich or wind is interfering. Make small adjustments and give the flame a moment to settle after each turn.
Manage Boil-Overs
Watch closely as you approach a boil, especially in brewing or starchy cooks. Lower the flame at the first sign of foam climbing. A spray bottle of clean water helps knock back foam quickly. Once the boil is steady, you can increase flame slightly if needed.
Value and Long-Term Ownership
Cost vs Capability
The KAB4 is often the better value for most home cooks because it covers more tasks comfortably without wasting fuel. The KAB6 earns its premium when you routinely handle large volumes or you care most about speed. Neither is a toy; both are professional-strength tools if treated with respect.
Resale and Parts Availability
Bayou Classic cookers are well known, so used value holds reasonably well. Replacement parts and support are widely available. This makes either model a safer long-term buy compared to no-name burners, especially if you plan to cook outdoors for years.
Conclusion
Final Take
The KAB4 and KAB6 are built on the same rugged idea: a big, reliable banjo burner that can handle serious outdoor cooking. Pick the KAB4 if you want strong heat with friendlier control, quieter operation, and better day-to-day fuel efficiency. Choose the KAB6 if speed, large pots, and rapid recovery are your top priorities and you are comfortable managing a higher-output flame.
What to Do Next
List your top three uses and the pot sizes you actually own or plan to buy. If most cooks are moderate in size, the KAB4 is the smart, balanced choice. If you are all about big boils and fast turnarounds, go with the KAB6. Either way, set it up safely, shield from wind, and learn your flame. You will get reliable boils, crisp fries, and steady simmers for many seasons to come.