I have the HF burner. In my experience, they work well amongst the rocks and concrete etc, but less so in open ground. I've done hot water and try to burn them out. I've found the same result. Better in an area where the ground can stay hot I guess. Now, I haven't tried to make myob go away. The only thing I spray at all is wild morning glory at the edge of the yard. I used to spot spray the canaidian thistle. Weeds can be an indicator sometimes of a nutrient the soil is missing. I think I would try to smother them out if they were localized enough.

Keep in mind that 12,000 BTUs is the max recommended for most all the pressure canners. So even though ours have more BTUs we don't use them at full power ever. Both Deanna's and my model have infinte control settings and that is what is important. That is the issue with many of the fish fryer burners for sale - very limited flame control. The single burner that I started with, the $40 one at the same link I posted above is basically the diameter of my Presto 23 qt canner - fits perfectly. It also has infinite controls plus 3 separate burners in the ring for even more control. I was quite happy with it and only moved up to the double so I could have 2 PCs going at the same time. But with it you will need to purchase the regular separately for another $12-15. And you will need some sort of heat shield for underneath it for the table top. Dave

Bump! Anyone? I heard back from the appliance store and he suggested the JennAir range, JDS8860BDP. I haven't even looked at that one yet, but would love to hear from someone who has a propane range - midlevel price and whether they are happy with it. If I need to, I can probably convince dh to spend up to $2400.

I thin bikey may have it backwards. Soot generally means incomplete combustion, which means insufficient air. There may be an adjustable shutter on the line between the adjusting valve and the burner (close to the valve) that has gotten knocked out of its proper place and restricted air flow, or some leaves or other foreign object could be causing a similar problem.