Beersmith, beertools,beertech?????

[jason29307]

OK, what do you guys think the best/easiest brewing software will be for me.
Let me tell you what I am really looking for. Something pretty simple to use, I am an extract brewer with grains.It doesn't have to be water ph, and all the jazz I just need something that has most hops, grains, fermentables etc... I can calculate a recipe, tell me the sp and og. Would a beer software I need to buy be good or should I just use a free online calculator.
Thanks

 

[barroomhero1234]

I know beersmith has free trials and most other programs do try them out and see what you like!

 

[Golddiggie]

Beer Smith does everything I need to figure out the recipe and more.

Try it out for the 21 day trial and decide for yourself.

I have tried some of the online apps out there and find they don't have the functionality I want/desire/need. For one thing, with Beer Smith, I can save my recipe (easily) as well as print it out (formatted really well too). It helps me to calculate mash/sparge water volumes (I've gone AG already) and more. You can also update the ingredients database to include items you're buying, that are not yet included. I've updated mine to include the AA% of the bulk hops I purchased, so I don't need to modify the recipe every time I add those.

Just because you're not looking to have 'all the jazz' now, doesn't mean you won't want/need it at some point in the future.

Oh, and Beer Smith gives you the license to install it onto two systems you own. Such as your regular desktop/tower and a laptop. I have it installed that way (on my workstation class main system, plus my light laptop)... I can send the recipe's from one system to the other, so that I can have them where I am (or when I need them when not at my desk)...