Liquid or DME??

[chaindriven]

What does everyone use and prefer..?? A liquid extract or a dry extract....? Any preference or any advantages or disadvantages to either..?

 

[kh54s10]

Liquid is thick and gooey. It can settle on the bottom of the boil kettle easier and scorch. It might darken the beer more than DME.

DME gets clumpy when exposed to the steam. It can dust your equipment and then make a sticky mess.

DME will last a longer time, properly stored.

I only use extra light DME, do coloring and flavor with steeping malts (when I don't do all grain). Mostly because that is what I keep on hand. I rarely use darker or specialty extracts.

 

[JimRausch]

I tend to keep a couple lbs of DME on hand for starters and to use in case my OG turns out lower than expected. It stores better than LME and it's easier to measure say 9oz. of DME vs. 1/2 a jug of LME.
However, there are more varieties of LME, and I do on occasion take advantage of that. For example, last year I did a dopplebock on a new BIAB large grain bill system. I figured ahead of time that my mash efficiency would suffer so I ordered a jug of Munich LME.
So, I guess both varieties have their place.

 

[Sailingeric]

I use LME. I start with warming the LME container in a pot of hot, not boiling, water, it makes pouring a lot easier. And when adding to a pot remove the pot from the heat and add slowing while stirring and that should avoid scorching.

 

[eadavis80]

I use whatever is in the kit I bought and I use light DME for starters. Just gotta' be careful when using DME on a windy day!

 

[myerstyson]

Can't really compare as I can only use DME here. Shipping restrictions limit all boxes to less than 16oz of liquid. So at least for 2 years I'm a DME-only kinda guy.

 

[Calder]

I prefer LME as it is cheaper. I have no problem pouring it to get what I need.

Keeps OK. If keeping for more than a few months, probably best to store in fridge.

 

[HB_in_Subic]

I use DME as the LME has bust out of the plastic containers during shipping on me twice. I get it shipped via Sea in containers without climate control.

If I use LME I get a second pot of about 2 gallons of hot water. Mix it well until diluted completely, then pour into the kettle for the 60 minute boil (I do full boils).

 

[soupfist]

I used to use LME all the time but (especially if you're buying it in plastic containers from your LHBS) I think it contributes more negatives to the taste of your beer than DME does. If you do get LME I recommend buying it in cans and paying close attention to the expiration date. Fresher the better, and the less contact with air the better.

I prefer DME in all cases, but I hate how adding it to boiling wort will get you an instant boil-over if you don't baby sit it through the hot break. I have never had a scorching problem with LME - as long as you flame off & keep stirring while you add, you'll be fine.