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The Govna · 07-04-2008, 02:58 AM

I recently purchased a 36 qt. aluminum turkey fryer. So, I have enough room to boil all 5 gallons of wort. Is it better to boil all 5 gallons or boil only 3 and add water at the end?

Reno Homebrewer · 07-04-2008, 03:14 AM

The closer you can get to a full boil, the better. You will get better Hop utilization, and the Wort won't caramalize as easily.

homebrewer_99 · 07-04-2008, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reno Homebrewer

The closer you can get to a full boil, the better. You will get better Hop utilization, and the Wort won't caramalize as easily.

...that is unless you do small boils, use fewer hops, and use the late addition method...you won't carmelize that way either...BUT with a full boil you will need a wort chiller...

**Coastarine** · 07-04-2008, 04:13 AM

Extract brewers also often use kits, and the increased hop utilization can throw off the kit recipe. I have one more extract kit left, and I'll probably do a 3 gal boil even though I could do a full boil. It also saves propane.

The Govna · 07-04-2008, 01:28 PM

I have a chiller and I've never used a kit, so sounds like the consensus is 5 gal. boil, huh?

SteveM · 07-04-2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Govna

I have a chiller and I've never used a kit, so sounds like the consensus is 5 gal. boil, huh?

I'm not getting that from the replies so far, and there are tons of other issues - but if you got a nine gallon boiler and you have a chiller, then you might as well use them and see how things turn out.

**wilserbrewer** · 07-04-2008, 02:51 PM

Just a heads up, this time of year in most parts of the country, the tap water is running warmer and a chiller alone will not bring you to pitching temps. For example...if the tap is running at say 70, the chiller will bring you in to the 90's. I usually ice bath the kettle once the chiller loses effectiveness.

You could boil and chill 4 w/ the chiller, and then add a gallon of pre-boiled and chilled / frozen water, or boil all and ice the kettle, it's really up to you.

Mike

**Coastarine** · 07-04-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilserbrewer

Just a heads up, this time of year in most parts of the country, the tap water is running warmer and a chiller alone will not bring you to pitching temps. For example...if the tap is running at say 70, the chiller will bring you in to the 90's. I usually ice bath the kettle once the chiller loses effectiveness.

You could boil and chill 4 w/ the chiller, and then add a gallon of pre-boiled and chilled / frozen water, or boil all and ice the kettle, it's really up to you.

Mike

Maybe true with an IC but my CFC chills to the temp of the tap with even low tap flow.

ArcaneXor · 07-04-2008, 04:18 PM

There really should be very little difference between a partial and a full boil if you use the late extract addition method - what you want to do is boil at about the OG of the beer (i.e. if your expected OG is 1.048, add just enough extract to reach 1.048 for the boil, then add the rest of the extract 5 minutes or so before the end of the boil). If you're picky, adjust for evaporation. This way, you get identical wort utilization and avoid caramelization of the extract.

Ultimately, it's a matter of preference. If you have the ability to do both, just go with what's easier or with what tastes better to you.

homebrewer_99 · 07-04-2008, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcaneXor

There really should be very little difference between a partial and a full boil if you use the late extract addition method - what you want to do is boil at about the OG of the beer (i.e. if your expected OG is 1.048, add just enough extract to reach 1.048 for the boil, then add the rest of the extract 5 minutes or so before the end of the boil). If you're picky, adjust for evaporation. This way, you get identical wort utilization and avoid caramelization of the extract.

Ultimately, it's a matter of preference. If you have the ability to do both, just go with what's easier or with what tastes better to you.

I agree!!!