efficiency of infusion mash

[je52rm]

Im gonna be taking the next step and switch over to AG brewing on my next batch and im wondering what others have experienced with their infusion mash setups. How much efficiency do you "typically" get? Whats the high and low end efficiency that i should expect? Thanks!

 

[JonK331]

Most people do single infusion mashes these days due to the highly modified modern malts. 60% would be low and 85% would be high. I'm happy if I can consistently hit 75%. Depends a lot on the crush and also on the sparge method.

 

[je52rm]

Most people do single infusion mashes these days due to the highly modified modern malts. 60% would be low and 85% would be high. I'm happy if I can consistently hit 75%. Depends a lot on the crush and also on the sparge method.

Ok cool. Is there a specific sparge method that works best for you? I'd be totally happy if I could get 75% efficiency on a single infusion mash.

 

[JonK331]

It depends on what kind of setup you have but I prefer the fly/continuous sparge method. Again though, the crush makes a huge difference. My efficiency went way up when I got a grain mill. A lot of shops grind on the coarse side so people can't complain about stuck sparges.

 

[je52rm]

hmmmm very good points! when you got your own mill and cracked your own grains did u have any stuck sparges?

 

[JonK331]

No but the point is to be able to have control over that part of the process. High efficiency isn't the be all end all anyway. What you want is to get really consistent efficiency so you can adjust recipes accordingly. Let's say you get a consistently low efficiency because of your setup or maybe you like a coarse grind, all you would need to do is add another pound or two of grain to bring it up to the target gravity. On a homebrew scale this is only a couple dollars so it doesn't really matter. Consistency beats efficiency anytime.

 

[je52rm]

No but the point is to be able to have control over that part of the process. High efficiency isn't the be all end all anyway. What you want is to get really consistent efficiency so you can adjust recipes accordingly. Let's say you get a consistently low efficiency because of your setup or maybe you like a coarse grind, all you would need to do is add another pound or two of grain to bring it up to the target gravity. On a homebrew scale this is only a couple dollars so it doesn't really matter. Consistency beats efficiency anytime.

ok cool. I'm usually really good at following procedure so once i do my first AG single infusion mash and then make adjustments accordingly (hopefully not needed but expected for my first AG) I will be able to make a solid procedure to stick with so i can be consistent on future batches. Thanks!

 

[JonK331]

Sure. Yeah just do it and adjust. Your efficiency will most likely be low on the first batch but don't worry it'll get better. Just don't rush it. If you need any advice choosing equipment or anything I'd be happy to help.

 

[je52rm]

Sure. Yeah just do it and adjust. Your efficiency will most likely be low on the first batch but don't worry it'll get better. Just don't rush it. If you need any advice choosing equipment or anything I'd be happy to help.

yeah im gonna have 1-2 lbs of DME on hand so i can boost the OG if needed to get closer to the target. Whats your opinion of buying a stainless false bottom from my LHBS or making a manifold for my MLT?