LME vs DME

[lbz215]

Just a question I have before considering my next batch. I'm very much a newb, and I'm currently waiting for my first batch to condition over the next few weeks.

My question:
- Liquid Malt Extract vs Dry Malt Extract, which is better?

I used a Wheat DME for the Hefe I'm currently waiting on, and so far so good.

From all the homebrew supply stores on line it seems like it's less expensive to go with LME rather than DME. Also a lot of places who sell recipie "kits" are all using LME. When I try to make a similar kit by piecing all the ingredients together replacing LME with DME it ends up being double the cost.

I'd like to use the best ingredients I can while improving on my new hobby, but also stay within a reasonable budget.

Thanks for your comments, suggestions and any other blathering that may come about...

Salute!

 

[mmb]

You need to remember that you'll need about 20% more LME than DME so your shipping costs may be higher.

That being said, I'd go with Fresh LME, DME, unknown age LME, canned LME in that order.

 

[homebrewer_99]

DME is always better than LME. PERIOD.

 

[ifishsum]

I'm with mmb right down the line...Fresh bulk LME is my first choice.

 

[NewBrew75]

+1 on the DME. You'll get lighter beers that way also. I don't know where you're getting your ingredients, but it shouldn't double your cost.

 

[lbz215]

+1 on the DME. You'll get lighter beers that way also. I don't know where you're getting your ingredients, but it shouldn't double your cost.

It didn't quite double the cost but I found a Saison recipie kit in LME form for about 30 dollars, I converted it to DME using slightly less DME to make up the difference and the cost came out to about 50+ dollars. Similar prices for DME were found on a couple sites.

Thanks...

 

[histo320]

I used both. Think I am going to start using more DME in the future.

 

[homebrewer_99]

It didn't quite double the cost but I found a Saison recipie kit in LME form for about 30 dollars, I converted it to DME using slightly less DME to make up the difference and the cost came out to about 50+ dollars. Similar prices for DME were found on a couple sites.

Thanks...

Buy bulk DME, bulk hops and learn to wash your yeast....

Midwest supplies.com gets you 55# of DME for $140 + shipping. Using 5.5 lbs per batch that 11 batches for the price you pay for 3.

I buy a minimum of 2 boxes with every order.

 

[mmb]

I only lean towards fresh LME because of the wider range of extracts and the quality of those extracts. I always used DME when I was extract brewing but now with anything from munich and pils extracts to actual Maris Otter you have so much more control over the flavor profiles available these days.