martyjmc

Recipes 

When steeping grains, is it better to use less water and then add water to full boil volume after steeping?

conpewter

Recipes 

I've always steeped the grains in the 2-gal or so that I had in the pot for the boil (doing partial boils, then topping up)

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martyjmc

Recipes 

Is it better to steep the grains in less water? I like to do a full boil and read somewhere that steeping the grains in less water is better. I am wondering if it really makes a difference?

doublebogey10

Recipes 

My first four batches, I steeped in five-plus gallons.
Last couple, I steeped in a gallon on the stove and then had five gallons in the BK in the garage heating up at the same time. I can almost time it perfectly now in terms of having the BK ready to boils about the time grains are done steeping. Has certainly saved time.
As for quality, will tell you next weekend when I have some bottles ready to drink.

Calder

Recipes 

For steeping grains, a larger volume is better, as it helps maximize the amount of sugars you extract.

Even better would be to use 2 pots and steep in one, then rinse the grains in the other.

If you are trying to do a mini-mash where you are trying to convert starches to sugars, less is best.

Srceenplay

Recipes 

+1 to this. This is my process as well.

This is what I have gathered in the last couple months. I don't think you have to worry about sugar extraction while steeping, maybe with a mini mash. The more water you use the more grain you need to drop ph of the water. To high of ph can cause tannins.

martyjmc

Recipes 

Ok. Ty for all the info. Will try steeping separately next time.

cmiyc

Recipes 

How did this turn out? I have always steeped with 5+ gal since I always do a extract at full boil. Now wondering if I should be steeping with less water?