I used a 15 gal stainless kettle for the first time Saturday. I scrubbed it and boiled 10 gals of plain water for an hour to remove any finishing compound left behind during manufacture. I surprised at the amount of evaporation that took place but I didn't measure it.
I did my 1st all grain batch and collected 7 gal of wort from the mash and batch sparge per Beersmith and my equipment entries. After the boil I was left 4.75 gal of wort. Based on my test boil results I had 2 gal of plain water boiled, cooled and waiting. Am I glad I did that! I was shooting for 5.5 gal or wort.
I calculated 32% loss. I did it outside in low 50F weather. Am I using to vigorous a boil? Would covering the pot say 75% help? Do I need to start with 8 gal wort?
I did my 1st all grain batch and collected 7 gal of wort from the mash and batch sparge per Beersmith and my equipment entries. After the boil I was left 4.75 gal of wort. Based on my test boil results I had 2 gal of plain water boiled, cooled and waiting. Am I glad I did that! I was shooting for 5.5 gal or wort.
I calculated 32% loss. I did it outside in low 50F weather. Am I using to vigorous a boil? Would covering the pot say 75% help? Do I need to start with 8 gal wort?