Can I use a 10-gallon kettle to boil 3.5 gallons?

[wantonsoup]

I'm wondering if there is any reason that using my 10-gallon brew kettle to boil tiny batches (2.5 gallon so 3.5 gallons of water to boil)? Will is cause things to burn more easily?

I bought a 4 gallon stainless pot but it's too small for 3.5 gallons, when boiling it splashed wort all over the place.

Thanks for the help! I'm thinking of buying a 5-gallon pot but if I can save $40 and use my existing 10-gal I'll do it.

 

[Backyardbrewing]

IMO I would say that would be fine. The only problem that I could see happening would be excess loss of wort volume during the boil. Id say save your money and RDWHAHB.

 

[jflongo]

Are you doing all grain or extract?

Sure you could use it, just be more careful when adding sugar and LME, make sure you take it off the heat, then add it and mix it in.

 

[fuzzy2133]

Another option to save money is to check used restaurant equipment stores if you have any in your area.

 

[wantonsoup]

For now I'm doing small extract batches. I bought the 10-gal for 'down the road' since I found a great price. I know I'll be moving on to all grain soon enough. Thanks for the input.