Hops and 2nd Fermenting?

[cglkaptc]

Hi all,

Tomorrow I am making my first batch ever (brewers best red ale kit). I have been reading home brew for dummies, and I have been reading this site to get tips, but I am still confused on a few things.

After I am done boiling the wort, how do I get the hops out if I don't use a bag? Also should I do secondary fermentation with my first batch?

 

[malkore]

secondary fermenation is an incorrect term. no fermentation should occur after primary. its just a clearing tank or a 'bright tank'

you can strain the hops if you like. it really doesn't hurt if some get into the primary.

 

[BierMuncher]

I'm assuming you're stove-top cooking an extract.

I used to use a stainless steel strainer and scoop the majority of hops out of the wort while still in the pot. This would remove about 90% depending on whether they were whole hops or pellets.

Then I would pour the wort through a large colander with a single layer of paper towel. This took some time and patience and at time required I replace the papertowel as it became clogged. But it was extremelyu effective in clearing my wort.

 

[Pugilist]

Best 15 bucks I ever spent for this hobby.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060531053/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[buraglio]

Best 15 bucks I ever spent for this hobby.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060531053/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

+1 My wife got me this with my initial equipment. It's the best home brew book I've read thus far.