full boil?

[beerisyummy]

I've recently gotten back into home brewing after a long hiatus.

With 15 extract batches done, I'd like to consider some partial-mash recipes. I've read that with all-grain and even partial, a full boil is recommended. My problem is that the range hood in my kitchen is too low to fit anything bigger than 5 gallon pot (in which I boil 3 gallons, 4 if I don't mind cleaning up the mess). I'm not really interested in the rocket-engine-in-the-garage approach.

SO, how important do you think it is to have a full boil in a partial-mash recipe?

TIA -

 

[chickypad]

Lots of folks do partial mash, partial boil. Boil the wort from your mash then top off with extract and water.

 

[Schmoltsbeer]

Lots of folks do partial mash, partial boil. Boil the wort from your mash then top off with extract and water.

+1, also get some de-foamer, such as fermcaps in order to reduce the likely hood of boil overs.

 

[Bosh]

Not doing a full boil isn't a bit deal unless you want hoppy beer.

I do 12 gallon boils with a big-ass heating stick so you don't need a stove.

 

[MaryB]

Get an induction burner and do it off the stove.

 

[wilserbrewer]

How low is your range hood?

I would think there is a low profile larger kettle available....

If your fixed on using your 5 gallon pot, you could all grain smaller batches, or slightly larger batches and top off just like extract or PM. Sure your efficiency may suffer a bit, but likely still cheaper than extract.

 

[beergolf]

Split the boil between two pots. It is a full boil that way, just in two pots. Split your hop additions between the pots.

It works great if you cannot brew outside. I do it occasionally when the weather is really bad.

 

[beerisyummy]

Get an induction burner and do it off the stove.

Interesting idea. I was unaware of these gadgets, so I did a little browsing. Looks like they are effective and not that expensive ... however it looks like induction-capable stockpots can be extremely expensive. Any thoughts?

 

[phyllobeddo]

Interesting idea. I was unaware of these gadgets, so I did a little browsing. Looks like they are effective and not that expensive ... however it looks like induction-capable stockpots can be extremely expensive. Any thoughts?

My Tramontine 22 qt pot from Wal-Mart was 59.99. I use it for 2.5 gallon batches with my Avancto 3500 watt induction burner. I have casually looked for 10 gallon pots for an upgrade and prices seem to be in the 150 -250 range.

 

[dmashl]

I have a 5 gallon pot, do 4 gallon boils(add the initial hop addition off the burner to avoid boilovers). Top off in the fermenter. Usually boils down to about 3.25 to 3.5 gallons. Makes some great beer. use beersmith for my recipe adjustments.

 

[dwhite60]

I just make smaller batches. I usually do 2.5 to 3 gallons. Get to brew more often. Have more styles in the cellar.

I used to have two pots going on the stove splitting hop additions between them. Finally said screw it and went to smaller batches.

All the Best,
D. White