Any reason to switch from batch to fly sparging?

So far I'm getting between 75-80% efficiency by batch sparging. Its really simple and enables me to walk away during the sparge process (I have small kids). Are there really any tangible benefits of fly sparging if my efficiency isn't an issue?

 

Yeah, exactly what Yooper said. Years ago, I thought it was better to follow "style" and fly sparge lagers and batch sparge ales. That was stupid.

 

same same

I would love see to a paper that says fly is better.

 

Yes, there's a good reason. You'll learn a process that half the home brewing community uses and learning is great. Whether it does anything for the beer itself is debatable.

 

I always batch sparge and get 80-83% all the time so I see no reason to change.

 

I fly sparge and last batch got me 85%.... Have never batch sparged. But if Batch is working I see no real reason to switch...

Unless like Bobby noted you want to learn a new process.

 

I found fly vs batch gives me about 5% more efficiency. Sounds like you're getting pretty good efficiency as it stands though so no need to change. If you really want to fly sparge in your situation there is one option...

 

I get 89% efficiency on the nose with my fly sparge... I've never done a batch sparge. I know someday soon I'll invest the extra $1 in grain and give it a try. Seems like an easy way to shave 30-60 minutes off your brew day.

 

78-82 pct with fly sparge, 78-82 pct with batch sparge. Both take me 1 hour.

M_C

 

I imagined that batch sparging would be faster and produce lower efficiencies. Interesting...

 

No. Though you may enjoy doing it differently.

 

Even though it takes longer, I found fly sparging to be rather relaxing, easy way to do it. Once you have your sparge arm/flow dialed in, you can pretty much walk away and just check on the kettle every 15-20 mins to see when you hit your volume.

Last brew day I got the sparge running, then went inside and had lunch + beer.

 

FWIW, there is a considerable loss of efficiency when batch sparging high gravity beers (1.080+). But, grain is relatively cheap...

 

For my batch sparge, I'm limited by equipment. My HLT tank is a 5-gallon kettle, which I refill after adding a batch. Most of the times, the mash tun will drain out faster than I can bring the next batch of water up to 170F.

... I really should invest in a larger HLT.

M_C