Kettle size

[RollingStone]

Hello everyone,

I am about to brew a stout with 26ltr pre boil volume, i was wondering if 27ltr pot would somehow be enough or can i start boiling 23ltr of the wort first then Add the rest after 30mins? Normally my boiling time will be about 1.5 hrs so, i can add the rest after 30 mins and once i reach the hot break again, i can add the bittering hops and etc.

Please let me know what you think about it

 

[FrankAbagnale]

I'm sure you could, but in my humble opinion, I think you'd be pushing it!

 

[RollingStone]

I'm sure you could, but in my humble opinion, I think you'd be pushing it!

What disadvantages do you think there would be to add the rest at 30mins after starting to boil?

 

[mongoose33]

I'd think that would work; you're still boiling 60 minutes minimum, you're giving time for hops to do their thing, Maillard reactions will occur, hot break will still happen....

I'd expect the beer to taste slightly different than if you'd boil all of it the same time, but not enough to care about unless you're trying to exactly match some sort of recipe.

 

[RollingStone]

thanks for the comments guys. One last question, 27ltr kettle for 26ltr pre-boil volume, do you think I could make it work with keeping my hand on the gas regulator? This is my second ever all grain experience and actually I designed a recipe to be proud, so, I want everything in the best quality possible. Sorry if I sound a bit amateur, but it is because I am one.

 

[Morrey]

thanks for the comments guys. One last question, 27ltr kettle for 26ltr pre-boil volume, do you think I could make it work with keeping my hand on the gas regulator? This is my second ever all grain experience and actually I designed a recipe to be proud, so, I want everything in the best quality possible. Sorry if I sound a bit amateur, but it is because I am one.

You certainly have zero room for error as a boil over is well likely to occur. Yes, watch your gas regulator like a hawk and have a water sprayer bottle handy to spritz the foam to prevent boil overs. Another product you may find beneficial is Fermcap which helps reduce or prevent foaming.

My experience is that full volume is the best method "IF" at all possible. You are going to end up making a mess I do think. Review your thoughts on working in stages as you suggest and using a top off method. The obvious best method is a bigger boil kettle as you well know, but that's another subject.

 

[Sadu]

I used to do this all the time. Fill the kettle to about 75% full, bring to boil, then gradually add the leftover wort over the first 30 mins of the boil.

You need to really watch the pot while it comes to the boil - boilovers are a big problem when you are maxxing out your pot.

You can also just put the remaining wort into a pot on the stove and boil it there, then merge the 2 pots once a bit has boiled off and the hot break is gone.

The main downside is inconvenience, and for me that in itself was enough reason to get a bigger pot. But as a one-off thing, you will be fine.