Covering the pot - when is it ok (and not ok)?

[TasunkaWitko]

Following is my understanding - if it is wrong, please let me know

This is for 1-gallon-batch brewing, if that matters ~

During the mash - OK

Bringing the wort to a boil - Not OK

During the boil - Not OK

After the boil during the chill-down - OK

Thanks in advance -

Ron

 

[Double_D]

You've got it. I like to sanitize my lid before covering to cool just in case there's any grain dust from the mash. I don't want it falling in during cooling because of condensation.

 

[TasunkaWitko]

Makes perfect sense - thanks!

 

[wilserbrewer]

I leave the cover off until the wort is down to 160-170 as those high temps are still resistant to contamination.

A covered kettle at 200 degrees will take a lot longer to cool, as well as DMS produced will condense back into the wort.

My theory is hot wort protects itself, wort below pasteurization temps may be at risk.

 

[mongoose33]

I cover my pot as I bring it to boil; it helps it heat up faster. Not during the boil. While I'm chilling I'm stirring w/ the chiller, but during that I'll put the lid on the pot to the extent I can. One thing I do not want to have is a fly decide to check out the sweet wort.

 

[Yooper]

I don't even HAVE a cover for my pot, if that tells you anything.

 

[C-Rider]

I cover mine to about 208* then remove to prevent boil over. The rest of the day it stays off.

 

[njpatg]

I cover my kettle when I put it away

 

[kh54s10]

I don't even HAVE a cover for my pot, if that tells you anything.

Me neither!

 

[seatazzz]

I use my kettle to treat my water the night before a brew day...that's the only time I use the lid. Except for when I'm playing Let's Pretend I'm Captain America. That lid makes an AWESOME shield.

 

[Temptd2]

I cover mine to about 208* then remove to prevent boil over. The rest of the day it stays off.

Ditto, except after the boil, I sanitize the lid and put it back on after the beer has cooled to about 160*.

 

[botigol]

I also cover on the lead-up to boil.