Family designs equipment for backyard hobbyists
Family designs equipment for backyard hobbyists Auto Electric Fan
The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.
Family designs equipment for backyard hobbyists
Vermont couple Justin and Kate Whelley McCabe tried making maple syrup by boiling sap in a large pan on their grill. After burning lots of propane and putting in a weekend of hard work, they weren't thrilled with their results. So they designed something to fit their needs.
They call it the Sapling. It's made with a custom evaporator pan, a barrel and few other parts. They didn't want to build a sugar house or spend the money and time that a bigger system required. They just wanted a small, portable evaporator for their hobby.
"We tap 25 trees and we made five gallons of syrup last year just on the weekends," said Justin McCabe. "It was perfect."
To offset their cost, they sold 10 or 11 prototypes on craigslist. When they sold out in two weeks, the couple knew there was a market -- so they started the Vermont Evaporator Company. They say it's for hobbyists who want to keep things simple.
"People have been doing this for a long time and it doesn't have to be complicated. We've kept everything analog. You need five taps minimum," said Kate Whelley McCabe.
The Sapling is more than just an evaporator. The pan lifts out, grills drop in and it turns into a barbecue big enough to cook for a crowd.
"Forty to 50 hot dogs at a time," McCabe said.
The few parts weigh in at 100 pounds. They've shipped as far as Wisconsin so far.
Eventually, they want to add a smoking attachment and a cover, as well as a spit fitting, perhaps. Pellet and propane versions may also show up in the future.
"We get a lot of customers that have young families, want to get outside in March, which is a challenge. We get a lot of folks who are either thinking about retiring or retiring and ready to pick up a new hobby," said Whelley McCabe.
The Sapling sells for about $800 and is available for order here.
Parking Heater Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.