A cylindrical frame is fabricated to provide for a tray and heating system that facilitates the condensing of liquid through the process of evaporation. In exemplary embodiments, the barrel evaporator provides a suitable heating system to allow for evaporation at a rate at or above 4 gallons per hour on a tray that has approximately 600 square inches of surface area. In exemplary embodiments, the barrel evaporator has a removable tray that can be replaced by grill grates to allow for uses other than evaporating liquids.