Boiled Peanut Cooking Pot

by Michael Johnson
(Central Florida)

Bushel basket

Bushel basket

Hi B-P-W! What are acceptable cooking pots for boiling peanuts? I want something very large, something that will hold a bushel. Any suggestions?

Comments for Boiled Peanut Cooking Pot

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Feb 14, 2014
 Boiling a bushel of peanuts
by: Bret

Michael,
One bushel is 9.3 US liquid gallons, or 37.2 quarts. The pot must be large enough that you can float the peanuts, while leaving space so you can stir them easily. One rule of thumb is to fill the pot halfway with peanuts, then add water until it is 2/3 full. If you overfill the pot it will boil over. If the peanuts are packed too tightly they will be hard to stir.

You will need at least a 60 quart pot to boil a bushel of green peanuts. You are better off using an 80 or 100 quart pot, especially if you are boiling dried raw peanuts. A larger pot allows you to start with more water, thus you won't have to add as much as it is absorbed by the peanuts, and boils away.

You can use either aluminum or stainless steel pots to boil peanuts. Aluminum pots are cheaper, and lighter, but stainless is easier to clean, and more durable.

Thin aluminum pots will wear out if you boil often. Aluminum pots may be as thin as 0.8mm, or as thick as 6mm. Thin aluminum pots warp under heat, and dent easily. Aluminum transfers heat better than stainless steel. Some stainless pots have a bottom core made of copper or aluminum to improve heat transfer.

Thickness of the pot is an important factor for longevity whether it is aluminum or stainless steel.

Feb 14, 2014
 Selling boiled peanuts
by: Bill

I manufacture new completely equipped boiled peanut trailers. Everything you need to cook, and serve boiled peanuts is included. I provide a complete information package, and I'm always available after your purchase for any questions you may have. I have twenty five years experience boiling peanuts. This trailer is a must have if you're serious about getting in the boiled peanut business. Eliminate all the guess work, and get started right in this very profitable business.

A photo of our basic trailer is posted above. For more information click here.





Mar 19, 2014
 Boiling pots
by: Bill

The best pots for boiling peanuts are 55 gal stainless steel food grade drums. They are available with an open end or closed. You have to cut out the closed end drums to use for cooking. You'll also need some type of lid. In recent years, they have become rare and quite expensive. I sell the drums and lids, and all equipment needed for peanuts. I live in North Georgia, and most products are only available for pickup. I could ship, but that is also quite expensive, especially for drums. If you can't locate any, contact me and perhaps we can make arrangements.

Bill
Oct 09, 2014
 Drums
by: Chris

Bill where are you located in Georgia? I might be interested in a couple of drums for boiling.
Oct 25, 2014
 Stainless drums for boiling peanuts
by: Bret

Chris, if you click on the second picture above you will see Bill's contact information.
Aug 31, 2015
 Contact me
by: Brian

Is there away I can get in touch with you about buying a couple of pots and lids?
Feb 26, 2018
 Boiling pot
by: Anonymous

How much for a stainless steel boiling pot?
Jul 30, 2019
 Interested in 55gallon as drum, plz call Ron in Alabama, 256-572-2650
by: Anonymous

Plz call me concerning 55 gallon as drum. 256-572-2650. Stainless steel for cooking 50lb raw dry peanuts.
Aug 19, 2019
 For Ron, 55 Gallon Drum
by: Bret

Ron,
I tried calling you regarding your interest in 55 gallon stainless steel drums for boiling peanuts, but got no answer, nor access to voice mail. You need to contact Bill Croft in Georgia about this. You can find his email address, and phone number in the photographs on this page.

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