Preventing Boilover in Erlenmeyer Flask

[WiscBrewer]

I like making starters by boiling in an Erlenmeyer flask, but boilovers are tough to prevent. I've had a couple. Since switching to RO water for mashing, I've noticed much less foaming at the start of the boil in my brew kettle. Today, I made a starter with RO water in a pan, and noticed the same thing. Not much foam to boilover. I'll try boiling with RO in the flask next time, and I'll bet it'll be much less prone to boilover. Has anyone else noticed this?

 

[HomebrewSupply]

I like making starters by boiling in an Erlenmeyer flask, but boilovers are tough to prevent. I've had a couple. Since switching to RO water for mashing, I've noticed much less foaming at the start of the boil in my brew kettle. Today, I made a starter with RO water in a pan, and noticed the same thing. Not much foam to boilover. I'll try boiling with RO in the flask next time, and I'll bet it'll be much less prone to boilover. Has anyone else noticed this?

Haven't tried with RO, but I cannot recommend FermCap enough. Saved my ass (and stovetop) so many times.

 

[pvpeacock]

Fermcap is the key to preventing boil overs in Herlenmeyer flasks!

 

[poptarts]

fermcap, or pressure can your starter wort. the only two ways I've found to make starters not suck.

 

[beergolf]

Another vote for fermcap. Necessary if you are going to boil in a flask.

 

[Qhrumphf]

+50 on the Fermcap. 2L starter in a 2L flask can be done that way. It also helps keep the krausen down too. Which also helps with starters too big for their flasks.

 

[Gavin C]

+1 Fermcap S



Indispensable



More to learn about it in the article below on making a starter in a flask.



Works like a champ. No downside.

 

[DurtyChemist]

Buy a 5 liter flask.

Other than that I use hot water (130F) to mix my DME so it is already dissolved before it hits a boil then when I see the very first sign of a boil I move to my smallest burner on either high or medium. On the smaller burner it is much easier to control the heat and boil over. Use some oven mitts and swirl the starter. This helps even out the heat and I haven't had a boil over in a while. Also making 1.75 liter starters in a 2 L flask helps.

 

[sudbuddy]

fermcap

 

[303Dan]

Fermcap S is awesome. Indispensable for me.

 

[passedpawn]

Fermcap-S. I buy it by the half-liter.

 

[poptarts]

Fermcap-S. I buy it by the half-liter.

Where does one source this half liter size?

 

[passedpawn]

Where does one source this half liter size?

Both of my local homebrew shops have it. They can get it, just ask them to - that's what I did. From Crosby & Baker and BSG and probably others.

I transfer to small jars with eyedropper-lids (I have two of these, one is for brewing, the other is in the kitchen fridge for when we want to prevent a boilover). My whole family knows to get a drop or two in the pot when making pasta. I got the small eyedropper containers from http://cynmar.com/.

BTW, I don't remember the exact cost, but it was under $20.

 

[passedpawn]

Where does one source this half liter size?

If you don't have a LHBS, you're going to have to contact an online source and ask them for the big boy bottle. No idea where to buy it online.

Or, you could call http://www.vetterbrew.com/ or http://www.southernbrewingwinemaking.com/ . I've bought the 500mL from both places. I would not attempt to buy from their online stores though. They are not really online places.