hookset wrote:...the instructions said to boil 2 gallons and then add the 3 after it cools. Wife and I could not figure out how that sanitizes all the water. I guess they do that since getting 5 gallons to boil takes some time, but I could take the burner for the turkey deep fryer and use that to get the 5 gallons to boil.
Yeah, the instructions are accounting for the fact that most brewers starting out don't have a big boil kettle.
Another thing to be mindful of is your fermentation (which, to me, is 90% of brewing). Proper pitching rate and an appropriate, consistent temperature are vital. You'll figure it out.