A pre-mix burner apparatus includes a burner having a generally cylindrical burner surface, the burner having a generally circular burner inlet at one end of the burner, the burner inlet having an inlet diameter. A flow distribution member is arranged to distribute flow of fuel and air mixture into the burner. The flow distribution member includes a closed axially central portion configured to block flow of fuel and air mixture axially centrally into the burner. The flow distribution member includes a plurality of vanes extending radially outward from the closed axially central portion. The vanes are configured to generate a swirling flow of fuel and air mixture flowing past the vanes into the burner.