Boiling Losses.

[maglorski]

So I finally have the gear where I can do a full boil and cool it properly but I have a question on boiling loss...

The inter-webs seem to be a little non-concrete with regards to water loss due to boil.

I'm doing a 5gal extract kit that only provides directions for a partial boil/top-up. Can anyone provide some insight as to how much I should put in the kettle to start?

Furthermore, do I need to adjust the amount of extract I'm using? From what I've found 1 pound of LME in 1gal of H20 will yield 1.034 - 1.038. The kit says the OG should be 1.068.

I've been looking at the formula OG(Pre-Boil) = [Volume(Post-boil) x OG(Post-boil)] / V(Pre-boil) to try and figure out my numbers...

Thx as always.

Mike.

[mthibodeau]

Mike, you can use an online calculator, or beer smith to figure out those numbers. But the simplest thing to do, is put some water in your pot, boil for half an hour and see what you lose. Double that amount to account for a full hour boil, and add that extra amount to the kettle, prior to boiling. You know what you are supposed to end with (5gal), so if you boil off 1gal per hour (not unreasonable) then start with 6, etc

[maglorski]

Thanks Marc, I like that, straight forward.

M.