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Hop Spider

Hop spider

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With the Hop Stopper discontinued in 2024 (the manufacturer retired), our suggestion now for a boil kettle filter (if you choose to use one at all) is the largest hop spider you can find. The larger the surface area, the more it helps minimize the loss of hop utilization. Some brewers will assume a 10% reduction in utilization when using a hop spider. This is a small reduction that may or may not be noticed, depending on the beer being produced.

If the beer in question doesn't require immediate chilling to lock in the late addition hop flavours and aromas, or there's a steeping hops being added after the boil, you may choose to skip using a hop spider completely and simply whirlpool at the end of the boil before draining. Hop spiders rest on the edge of the kettle so they're easy to remove when not in use. 

If you choose to use a hop spider we recommend an all stainless version instead of a mesh bag for easier cleaning, longevity, and to ensure it's 100% food safe. The mesh bag versions also have a tendency to twist and get bunched up, so best to use something that allows the hops to move around as freely as possible.

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