Covering the brew pot during boil

[Bopper]

There is an EXCELLENT Brewstrong podcast called DMS that very clearly covers this. Unfortunately, I can't help you with any real facts.

Cool, thanks. I'll check it out.

I found it in itunes. The brewcast is called DMS and was from 03/03/09. I'll report back after I have a chance to listen to it.

 

[wheatgerm]

Ok, so I ran the experiment. I took an identical skillet and small saucepan from the same set of pots and filled them each with 1/2 cup of tap water. I marked a pencil dot on the inside of each to mark the fill line, then brought them to a boil. After verifying that they were both at 225 degrees, I then re-filled each with boiling water from the microwave up to the pencil dot so that they were both now at the same temp and equal amounts of water.

I let them both boil for 5 minutes and then dumped the contents of each into pyrex measuring cups. The skillet definitely lost more water than the small saucepan.

The setup:

Results from skillet:

Results from saucepan:

Of course, this is all shade tree science so who knows.

 

[ChshreCat]

you rock man

 

[HomelessWook]

EDIT - Just a point of clarification since this is in the beginners forum: DMS is only an issue with all-grain brewing. However, when brewing extract, I would still leave the pot uncovered in order to keep boil-overs at bay.

EDIT #2 - It's OK to leave the lid on while you get up to a boil in order to save some time. Once you start your timer for the boil, then you should take the lid off.

I am brewing my first partial (http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=12372) tomorrow and am having major concerns about my boil.

I have run several experiments i can get a good boil going but have to keep a lid on it.

I am wondering if DMS is a concern when brewing a partial or if it is only a concern for all grain.

The reason i ask for verification is because i cannot reach 212 degrees with a lid off - even after nearly 2 hours. it stays just shy (2 degrees - not a calibration issue).

im thinking about splitting the boils but i rather not if possible. so lid or no lid for my recipe?

im apologize for the dumb question but i have done a ton of preparation and dont want to mess up something simple.

 

[Sammy75]

Thanks much. I have my brew day schedule written out step by step, so I'm hoping it will go smoothly.

It won't, but everything will still be fine!