AG/PG advice needed

[jof]

Oh, there are huge threads on here about boiling and what you should/shouldn't do.

You need to find what works for you, as I found that a simmer was perfectly fine for the beer style I brew.
It reduced boil over, condensation & energy useage (and I still boil 25l batches in my brew kettle using the 900w element & partially cover the top with the lid to get my desired simmer level)

 

[kenstel]

Thank you Frisp, that's more than very useful. I've looked at Brew father Beer smith and other and just went dizzy. Now I have an idea how to use it properly, I can foresee many hours of fun copying recipes and toying with quantities.

 

[kenstel]

When boiling, jof, I thought it had to be uncovered? Something about boiling away impurities.... or did I imagine that?

 

[kenstel]

Now, moving on... I'm planning my next brew. Already got the kit, (yes, planning to reuse the recipe later on if it's good by buying the ingredients). For a fermenter volume of 4.5L, how much headspace should I allow. I have a 15L bucket. Couldn't get anything smaller local, but thought it would be OK for 10L brews.

I thought of buying 5L mineral water, using the water for the brew, then fermenting in the bottle. I have a feeling that there won't be enough headspace, especially as the bottle tapers at the top.

I know the amount of krausen is variable but is the water bottle a non-starter?

For a 5L ferment, when I plan my own recipes, what size bucket do I realistically need, without risking krausen all over the place?

 

[Frisp]

When boiling, jof, I thought it had to be uncovered? Something about boiling away impurities.... or did I imagine that?

correct boil uncovered or the drips do bad things is what I was told.

 

[Frisp]

Now, moving on... I'm planning my next brew. Already got the kit, (yes, planning to reuse the recipe later on if it's good by buying the ingredients). For a fermenter volume of 4.5L, how much headspace should I allow. I have a 15L bucket. Couldn't get anything smaller local, but thought it would be OK for 10L brews.

I thought of buying 5L mineral water, using the water for the brew, then fermenting in the bottle. I have a feeling that there won't be enough headspace, especially as the bottle tapers at the top.

I know the amount of krausen is variable but is the water bottle a non-starter?

For a 5L ferment, when I plan my own recipes, what size bucket do I realistically need, without risking krausen all over the place?

Me personally Id use the 15L with the lid on tight and a bubble airlock, i have never know that too much headspace was a big isse. i could be wrong but whats the worst that can happen if you try it.? This brewing lark is one big experiment with benefits .

there is a danger that you get too caught up in teh small details and never take the leap and get a brew on..

Im sure there are people on here who without a care slop it in, slop it on and if it works its all good,

 

[kenstel]

You might be right Frisp but it might also be difficult to keep it at the right temperature - a lot of unheated air above the heat belt.

Having tested it, with 5 L in the bucket, the tap is only just below the surface, and siphoning is difficult because the wort depth is shallow as its spread out.

Doesn't matter, found a supplier of smaller food buckets. Should do nicely.

 

[jof]

correct boil uncovered or the drips do bad things is what I was told.

I boil partially covered, so steam can vent.
Not had a problem with bad drips as I sanitize the lid & it will have reached close to boiling from heat of steam.
But it's like a lot of things, it works for me with my equipment combination, but it might not work for you.