Thanks sprkplug! I see the value of having a few smaller pans. I use natural gas so supply and cost isn't an issue. We have a very small time operation and usually can finish the complete season boil in 2-3 days. I'll for sure go for the 6" sides.

Last season we tapped I think 18-20 trees. Some were duds and barely produced, others gushed even if we had 2 or 3 buckets per tree. Funny how you can't judge a sugar maple by its cover...

In fact I had some maple syrup and pancakes this am. The maple syrup in that jar must have gone a bit long as it was so thick it was stringy/tacky and had a very earthy/woodsy after taste. Most of our other batches is watery and just a hint of sweetness compared to the 'store stuff'.