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shanecb · 08-11-2010, 10:40 PM

Just thought it would be nice for comparison purposes. Post some info about your rig/procedure just to see where the number are coming from.

I'm averaging a 75% mash efficiency at the moment. Using a 5gal converted igloo cooler for my tun, and typically do 2 rounds of batch sparging to get to my boil volume (about 7gal for a 60min boil). I like to do a mashout when I have the room, but with only a 5gal tun this isn't possible unless making a recipe with an OG in the lower range because of the grains.

My efficiency into the fermenter really seems to vary. Yesterday I had 64% into the fermenter, but before that it was about 80%. I use a 7.5 gal turkey fryer to boil on my gas stove (takes awhile to get going, but boils alright once it does).

mullenite · 08-11-2010, 10:54 PM

I get 80 to 85% out of the tun, my brewhouse efficiency changes with the beer though as low as 72% for my IPA and up to 80% for simple beers.

Guildenstern · 08-12-2010, 12:49 AM

I get about 75% out of a Coleman Polylite 2 gallon Beverage cooler lined with a nylon paint strainer bag. I have to batch sparge 3 times to get that number, and I have no space for step mashing or mashout (unless I do Decoctions, I like Decoctions) But for a 3 gallon batch it gives me an alright O.G. with 4 pounds of grain.

I hope to move up to a 3 gallon Tun someday. And mabey a 5 for really big stuff!

northernlad · 08-12-2010, 12:54 AM

I have been using a 5 gallon round cooler batch sparging twice. I set my calculations at 70% and hit my numbers almost without fail.
However, I just fabbed a keggle and got a 54 quart cooler so I can make bigger 5 gallon batches and even some 10 gallon. I look forward to seeing what this system will yield.

indigi · 08-12-2010, 01:34 AM

I'm still trying to figure out my overall effeciency. My first AG-batch I got only like 63%, my next two I got 80% on both, and I've hit 68% 73% 68% on the three since then. I think the grains I get from my LHBS have a bad crush or something; I always get better extract on the grains I order from Northern Brewer. I batch sparge twice and usually mash for 90 minutes, though on my last brew I only did 60. I didn't do a mash-out on my two 80% brews, but I've tried doing it since. I don't know if/how that would effect my numbers.

edit: That's all into-the-fermenter effeciency, by the way.

JerD · 08-12-2010, 02:12 AM

I'm going w/80%. That's technically just the extraction efficiency I think. I plug 80% into Beersmith and my preboil volumes and SG is right on. I did my first few batches at the default 75% and I things worked out OK. I replaced my stainless screen with a copper manifold and all of a sudden my beers started a get stronger. I plugged the 80% into Beersmith, and everything seems to be turning out consistently.

Newton · 08-12-2010, 02:59 AM

I do batch sparging with a 36 quart Coleman Extreme. I'm currently averaging just better than 75%, but that was after I adjusted my hbs grinder to its finest setting. With the "average" setting, I was getting 65%.

chefmike · 08-12-2010, 03:11 AM

I do about 75% on 2row 80% on wheat (I grind finer?) and 90ish% on extended mashes (12ish hours to facilitate schedule)

I am grinding with a pasta mill, mashing in a 10 gallon with a false bottom. Equal volume mash and sparge, batch sparging.

10 gallon bathes seem to be more consistent than 5, which are harder to nail temps and numbers. I love brewing 10 gallons, as it seems to just nail it on my system every time.

heywolfie1015 · 08-12-2010, 03:14 AM

Slightly off topic, but I recently listened to a Brewstrong episode where Jamil and John said the best tasting worts they get are from 70-75% efficiency mashes. The reasoning was that 80+% mashes start to get husk materials and other undesirables that add off flavors.

Just found it interesting that they don't shoot for the highest efficiencies ever.

prosper · 08-12-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heywolfie1015

Slightly off topic, but I recently listened to a Brewstrong episode where Jamil and John said the best tasting worts they get are from 70-75% efficiency mashes. The reasoning was that 80+% mashes start to get husk materials and other undesirables that add off flavors.

Just found it interesting that they don't shoot for the highest efficiencies ever.

I'm not sure that I agree with them. I certainly do believe that their recipes and process were tailored to produce the best results on their systems, so are 'tuned' for best results at this level of efficiency. But that's not the same as saying the 70-75% efficiency is the 'best' efficiency for all beers across the board, period. Many pro brewers get much higher efficiencies than that, and produce excellent beers. It's greatly dependent on the individual practices and equipment, and anecdotal evidence from a couple of (admittedly expert) brewers is not enough to draw that sort of conclusion