Boil off too high

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McHoppy
Light Lager
Light Lager
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:47 pm
Location: Rocklin, California

Boil off too high

Post by McHoppy »

Hello everyone. I'm new to brewing, only just completed second batch, and have a question. I'm losing what I think is an extreme amount of volume during the boil. I'm losing about 2.5 gal from a 6.5 gal boil (1hr). From what I've read I should only be losing about 1.5 gal. Can this be due to the type of kettle I'm using? I'm using a 9 gal kettle, but it is very wide. I'm thinking I'm losing a lot due to the large surface area. Would I be better off with a narrower taller kettle? I seem to lose about the same amount whether the kettle is covered or not. The lid is notched for the chiller, so it loses a lot of steam even when covered.

I'm using this kettle, http://www.morebeer.com/product.html?product_id=15755

I'm thinking of switching to this,
http://www.morebeer.com/product.html?product_id=15439

I'm not fond of spending the money on a guess. What do you all think?
BillyBock
Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout
Posts: 561
Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2000 11:37 am
Location: Ohio

Boiling Too Hard?

Post by BillyBock »

McHoppy:

Kettle geometry plays a factor in evaporation rate, but so does the amount of BTUs you put into from the flame. Before spending money, just try turning down the juice on your boil. It sounds like you might be boiling it too hard. Keep it at a nice rolling boil...not a violent boil. That should help considerably. Until recently I used a 15 gal Polarware which is 18" wide and 13" tall. I would adjust my propane regulator to about 1/4 on and it maintained a nice boil. I'd evaporate from 12 gal down to 10.5 to 11 gal. Try that and let us know. Hate to see you spend $150 needlessly.

v/r
Bill
McHoppy
Light Lager
Light Lager
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:47 pm
Location: Rocklin, California

RE: Boiling to hard?

Post by McHoppy »

I appreciate the advice. I had the same thought after the first brew. I attempted on my second brew to turn down the heat. I kept it low enough where if I had the lid off for a few minutes, stirring, the boil would almost stop. Only with the lid on did it have an aggressive rolling boil. I'm not sure I can lower the BTUs any further. I'll keep working at it.
BillyBock
Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout
Posts: 561
Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2000 11:37 am
Location: Ohio

Burner Type

Post by BillyBock »

What are you using for a burner?
McHoppy
Light Lager
Light Lager
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:47 pm
Location: Rocklin, California

RE: Burner Type

Post by McHoppy »

I'm using a Camp Chef rated at 70k BTU.

http://www.morebeer.com/product.html?product_id=15766
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