Boiling in an Erlenmeyer flask

[guypettigrew]

Well, that was exciting!

Usually I boil the dried malt extract for a yeast starter in a saucepan, transfer it to a jug with a lip, pour it into my 2 litre flask and then dump it in a sink full of cold water to cool.

This time I decided to speed the process and reduce the washing up by boiling the DME in the flask (It's boro silicate, so safe) and going straight into the sink.

One moment there was a litre of malt extract slowly warming on the hob, the next moment there was a fountain of boiling liquid. Messy!!

It turned out about 150ml had ejected itself from the flask, but there was still enough liquid left to pitch the yeast into for a starter.

So, how do I avoid similar excitement next time?

Thanks.

Guy

[Rhodesy]

You can use product such as this which help. You only need a tiny amount in water and can then add when coming to the boil, give the flask a swirl and it will more or less control it. I keep it in a 50ml spray bottle, it means I no longer get any boil overs when making starters as you have just experienced.

[WallyBrew]

So, how do I avoid similar excitement next time?

Stand there and do not take your eyes off it. Be ready to turn the heat down and whip it away from the heat if it starts to climb to quickly. The other option is a wash bottle so you can squirt cold water at the foam and hope it collapses.

[RobP]

Swirl the water around periodically as it comes to the boil, stops layering.

[wally]

I find that one drop of Fermcap-S is enough to stop boil overs in a flask on the stove.

[chefgage]

Patience is the key. I put the water in, then the dme and then give it a good swirl. Then its onto a low heat and every minute or so i give it another swirl. This makes sure all the dme has dissolved. I then continue on a low heat swirling now and then untill it very slightly starts to bubble. The heat then goes up very slightly untill i get a very soft boil. I then let it boil for 10 minutes. Whilst this is going on i have a spray bottle of star san ready. If you get a bit of foam nearing the tip, a quick squirt into the flask instantly drops it back. This can also be done to prevent a boil over.

[ciderhead]

I position flask over 1/4 to half the flame and it rolls the boiling wort and never boils up the flask

[guypettigrew]

Thanks all, much appreciated.

The anti foam stuff from Brew Uk looks interesting. Is it the same as the Fermcap-S, does anyone know? 100ml of it would last me the rest of my life at one drop/starter!

Next time I'll pay much more attention to it and not take any chances now I know how suddenly it can boil over.

Guy

[Rhodesy]

I am unsure on dosage comparison / concentration however it seems to be similar as silicone based. I find it very effective as I use it for starters and also in the kettle. Another tip when boiling in the flask is to never add yeast nutrient when boiling . I add that with the DME before boiling.

Dimethicone (also called polymethylsiloxane or dimethylpolysiloxane) is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent. It functions as an anti-foaming agent, skin conditioning agent, occlusive and skin protectant.

[Jocky]

Also helps to get a wire gauze to diffuse the heat.

[FUBAR]

You need the lowest possible heat,it pays to boil some water in a kettle first to dissolve the DME in a jug before adding to the flask and set at the lowest heat.It doesn't matter if it takes a while, and a very gentle simmer for 15 to 20 minutes will do the job .

[IPA]

You need the lowest possible heat,it pays to boil some water in a kettle first to dissolve the DME in a jug before adding to the flask and set at the lowest heat.It doesn't matter if it takes a while, and a very gentle simmer for 15 to 20 minutes will do the job .

That is exactly what I do. Disolve the DME in a little boiling water pour it into the flask and top up to required volume with more boiling water. Then simmer for 10 minutes.

[Normski]

If I remember correctly, According to Walter White an erlenmeyer flask is for measuring and mixing, not boiling.

[IPA]

If I remember correctly, According to Walter White an erlenmeyer flask is for measuring and mixing, not boiling.

Maybe. But it works fine for boiling and it gets sterilised inside and out during the process

[chefgage]

If I remember correctly, According to Walter White an erlenmeyer flask is for measuring and mixing, not boiling.

Everytime i use mine i think of breaking bad