Been recently thinking about getting back into it after more than a dozen years away. Still have all my stuff from Fall of '99, when I did my last batch. I'm sure I've forgotten what to do and when, since then.
Found this site by just searching around, looking at prices for canned and dried extracts. Seemed like a good place to ask newbie-level questions. I consider myself to once again be a greenhorn newb after so long away from the hobby, so here I am.
First newbie question: To prevent boil-over, is it acceptable to keep the lid off the stockpot for the entire time the wort is in the pot? I'd put the top on as soon as the boil is done, then commence to swirl and cool in a cold-water bath. Might even go insane and get one of those coiled, chiller thingies. Any potential problems in the no-top boiling approach other than airborne bacteria in the outside air? My plan is to get a propane burner and get to boiling temperature right quick. Boiling three gallons of wort on the stovetop didn't cut it in '99-- and it ain't gonna cut it now...