DME vs. LME

[moger777]

allright, I've been brewing exclusively with LME since I've been doing kits and that seems to be what comes with them. So far no troubles but I figured it would be fun to move away from kits and make my own recipes. I'm also trying to save money which means buying in bulk which means I should probably use DME. On the other other hand I'm wondering if I lose something sticking with DME instead of LME or vice versa. I was wondering what the benefits of each are.

 

[rdwj]

DME allows a little more flexibility - you can store it longer and you can produce a lighter colored beer with it. LME is cheaper, and as long as it's fresh, it's fine to use. If you're looking to buy in bulk, DME is probably your best option.

 

[Willy Boner]

I have been brewing with DME the last few batches. DME keeps longer than LME. A lot of people say they can taste a extract "twang" using LME but I have not really noticed much difference. DME is more expensive, but you use less, so if I was going to buying in bulk I would go with DME. DME seems to clump up when adding to brew pot, so I put it in a bowl rather than try to pour it out of the plastic I get mine in. MY LHBS seems to move the extract pretty well so it stays fresh. I pay about $3.79 a pound for DME, and $2.25 a pound for LME, I do 7.5 gal. batches so it's around $8 bucks more to use DME in a typical batch. I like to do a late extract addition and a full boil so you can cut back on the hops a little to save there, ( you do the math) BTW welcome to the forum. You will find a lot of tips here to help you brew better ales and beers.

 

[homebrewer_99]

To add to rdwj's comment, I think LME is cheaper because they are also selling you water...

If you read up/search on the "late addition" that a lot of us have been using you'll notice that we only boil a small amount of of DME in the boil and add the rest of it at the end, or in my case, after I turn off the heat.

This reduces the carmelization of the malt which results in light colored beers.

I buy my bulk (55# boxes) from midwestsupplies for $140, which comes out to $2.55 a lb (plus shipping). I can't estimate the shipping chrage because I usually get 2 boxes when I do as well as other supplies. Other places sell bulk in 40#'s.

I recommend you check out some of the other sites to compare where you want to do your business with your geographic location (product vs shipping charges).

 

[tgreene7]

Just got 55 lbs DME from midwest. It was a real PIA to break down. What do you guys do to store yours, just work out of the big bag, or split into smaller pakages?

 

[homebrewer_99]

I stack mine on a dolly (Menards, $15, holds 360 lbs - that's 6 boxes). I filled in the opening with some boards (for a flat surface) and re-carpeted it.

It's stored in a room away from my brewing kitchen in the basement. It's a finished walk-out style basement not the dungeon type.

I just roll it into the kitchen and place the box I want to work out of on top.

I open the outer bag and fold it back to hold the 4 sides down. I cut down the inner bag leaving just enough of it to close with the rubber band.

I measure out 1 lb at a time and add it to the pot making sure to dissolve most of it while stirring before adding the next lb.

When I'm done measuring I re-seal only the inner bag and roll it back into my storage room.

 

[jjmadden08]

DME allows a little more flexibility - you can store it longer .

Exactly how long do the two store for? I have an LME sitting in the fridge for about 2 weeks. I'm assuming this should still be fine to brew this weekend?

 

[homebrewer_99]

DME is good for a recommended 2 years, but I've used older DME without any problems.

 

[big supper]

we buy our extract as we need it. We use LME as the DME is more expensive.(3.75/kg vs 12.95/kg. I know that you need to use less DME, but not enough to make it worthwhile for us. We are happy with our results so far, and the LME is always relatively fresh(I think that they change barrels at least every 6 weeks).

 

[feedthebear]

The problem with LME is the longer it is stored, the more sugars will breakdown inside the can and youwill get more extract twang. Also, I've found that beers made only with LME tend to have a more watery mouthfeel.

The problem with DME is that it is packaged extra dry. When you open the seal, it starts to suck up moisture from the air, which will start to age your DME and make it go stale. If you live in a high humidity area, you'll want to think about how you store it.

Personally, I haven't had a problem with either LME or DME. But I usually only buy cans of LME right before I need them and I only by 5 or 10 lbs of DME at a time.

Lately I have been brewing more beers with DME than LME.

 

[mrfocus]

we buy our extract as we need it. We use LME as the DME is more expensive.(3.75/kg vs 12.95/kg. I know that you need to use less DME, but not enough to make it worthwhile for us. We are happy with our results so far, and the LME is always relatively fresh(I think that they change barrels at least every 6 weeks).

Are you in Quebec cause those are the same prices that La Cachette du Bootlegger sells their LME and DME. Atelier biere et vin is even worse! (11$/1.5kg for LME and 20$/2kg for DME).

 

[homebrewer_99]

The problem with LME is the longer it is stored, the more sugars will breakdown inside the can and youwill get more extract twang. Also, I've found that beers made only with LME tend to have a more watery mouthfeel.

The problem with DME is that it is packaged extra dry. When you open the seal, it starts to suck up moisture from the air, which will start to age your DME and make it go stale. If you live in a high humidity area, you'll want to think about how you store it.

Personally, I haven't had a problem with either LME or DME. But I usually only buy cans of LME right before I need them and I only by 5 or 10 lbs of DME at a time.

Lately I have been brewing more beers with DME than LME.

I can't argue with anything you said...

Only difference is I buy bulk and wash my yeasts. I don't need to make a special trip to get extra ingredients. This way If I am bored and want to brew at 2 AM I won't be uttering those famous words..."FUNK, I need this or that"...I usually have more supplies on-hand than my HBS does...

 

[big supper]

Are you in Quebec cause those are the same prices that La Cachette du Bootlegger sells their LME and DME. Atelier biere et vin is even worse! (11$/1.5kg for LME and 20$/2kg for DME).

Was there yesterday!