How vigorous a boil is required?

[CanadianQuaffer]

Hey everybody,

So, I'm getting (pretty sure anyway) a 15 gallon megapot of Christmas and I'm *a bit* concerned about boil overs.

I've heard and read that a lot of brewers go for a full rolling boil which, of course, adds to the potential for a boil over when you add hops at the beginning. My question is: Isn't a gentle rolling boil enough so long as your temp is 200 -212F? A boil is a boil, is it not? I'm hoping I can keep the boil to just a gentle one to reduce the chances of a boil over.

Thanks!

Nick

 

[birvine]

I keep a gentle to medium boil going. If too vigorous you can boil off too much water, use too much gas/electricity and make a mess.

B