I have used steeped grains in my brews and have stepped them in 150 -170 degree water then sparged with clean 170 degree water into my brew kettle.
My LHBS only steeps their grain in the water (1.5 gals) that is heating for their extract boil as that usually takes about 30 minutes or so to come to a boil anywaynot concerning themselves with temps (other than not boiling the grains). They place the grains in and let the water heat slowly to a boil and remove the grains just before the water actually boils (30 minutes).
I have read this method before and have also read somewhere (can't remember where) that for extract brews it doesn't really matter. That all you really need to do is steep in your hot brew water for 30 minutes removing before the water comes to a boil. The 150-170 degree thing doesn't matter much. Just don't boil them. Do others here just steep in the brew pot without worrying about temp or sparging?
My LHBS only steeps their grain in the water (1.5 gals) that is heating for their extract boil as that usually takes about 30 minutes or so to come to a boil anywaynot concerning themselves with temps (other than not boiling the grains). They place the grains in and let the water heat slowly to a boil and remove the grains just before the water actually boils (30 minutes).
I have read this method before and have also read somewhere (can't remember where) that for extract brews it doesn't really matter. That all you really need to do is steep in your hot brew water for 30 minutes removing before the water comes to a boil. The 150-170 degree thing doesn't matter much. Just don't boil them. Do others here just steep in the brew pot without worrying about temp or sparging?