Wort volume measuring

[-Liam-]

This maybe a silly question but how do I measure the volume in my kettle post boil? Surely a wooden rod that has markings etched into it would not be sanitary enough to dip into the wort? I have a stainless stirring spoon but I worry about marking it with a sharpie, Surely I don't want to be putting that near my wort either?

 

[brew_ny]

Surely a wooden rod that has markings etched into it would not be sanitary enough to dip into the wort?

when the wort is boiling it shouldn't be a problem

S_M

 

[-Liam-]

But if I want to measure Post Boil, then what?

 

[brew_ny]

But if I want to measure Post Boil, then what?

like after you chill?

 

[-Liam-]

Yes.

 

[cluckk]

I use a stainless steel yardstick to measure wort. It can be sanitized and I know how many inches each gallon should be in each kettle size. For example, in my 44qt Bayou Classics a gallon is 1.5 inches. However I never do this post boil, though I could.

Instead, I calculate what my gravity should be at a certain volume and know my volume by my gravity. To do this:

If I have a mash wort volume of 7.5 gallons with a preboil gravity of 1.040, then once my gravity hits 1.060 I have 5 gallons in the kettle. I use a refrac, so these checks are easy and the math is quick.

 

[Puddlethumper]

I bought a piece of 1" flat aluminum at Home Depot for about 5 bucks. Measured 1 gallon into my pot, marked it on the metal, added another gallon, marked it, etc. etc.

When all was done I scribed the marks into the aluminum with an engraver (you could use a stamp or scratch awl). I use this as a "dip stick" and it is easy to clean and sanitize.