Partial vs Full Boil Hops: Which Method Is The Best?

There’s a heated debate brewing (no pun intended) over which method of hop extraction is the best: partial or full boil. Some people prefer the quick and easy approach to partial boils, while others prefer the longer, more methodical approach to full boils. The truth is that both techniques are capable of producing delicious brews with rich hop flavors; however, there are some differences between the two methods that shouldn’t go unnoticed. If you’re still scratching your head trying to figure out which one is right for YOUR homebrew, keep reading for a list of the pros and cons associated with partial and full boil hop extracts.

Partial Boil

The key advantage to using a partial boil is the simple fact that it’s faster and can be done in a smaller pot. First-time homebrewers may not have access to massive, oversized pots, so they’re forced to use traditional kitchen cooking pots. Assuming you have access to a 3-gallon kettle, you can easily brew your hops to a partial boil without worrying about poor hop utilization.

Of course, the downside to using a partial boil in your homebrew is that it required a greater amount of hops. When all of your hops are packed tightly into a small 3-gallon kettle or pot, they’ll have less surface area exposed to the heat. The only way to combat this problem is by adding more hops into the pot. And with the price of hops on the rise, some homebrewers don’t want to spend the extra money when it’s not completely necessary.

Full Boil

Now, let’s take a look at full boil hop extraction, as this seems to be the most popular method among experienced homebrewers. Common sense should tell you that full boil is a cleaner, more sanitary option simply because the extreme heat kills all of the germs and bacteria. This not only makes your homebrew beer safer to drink, but it also helps remove contaminants that may affect its flavor and characteristics.

By heating your hop+brew to a full boil, it will naturally take longer to chill. If you’re stressed for time and looking to cook up a batch of homebrew beer in the shortest amount of time possible, then you should probably stick with the partial boil method. On the other hand, if your goal is to produce the highest quality brew possible, and you have plenty of time to spare, then you should cook it to a full, roaring boil.