At least 13 cinder blocks (depending on how tall you want your chimney — the taller, the better, without it getting dangerously precarious) — $1.75 each Two stainless steel pans (you could get larger sizes to increase surface area, and thus evaporation rate, but you’ll also then need to tweak the spacing of the firebox) — $13.00 each That’s it!

DIY Evaporator Pan on three-burner propane cooker. Pre-made hobbyist sized evaporators can be bought online. The advantage of these are they have a draw-off spout which reduces spills and potential burns from trying to pour the boiling sap or syrup out.

This wood fired maple syrup evaporator can help you harvest the maple syrup on your homestead. Many backyard evaporators are built from concrete blocks. A firebrick liner stops heat damage. Steam-table trays, like those used for buffets in restaurants, make ideal evaporator pans.