Low Fly Sparging Efficiency Gain

[ajf]

To answer an earlier question, I was fly sparging. Does anybody have any recommendations on refractometers? That seems the convenient and accurate way to go.

If you are fly sparging, they are great for telling you when to stop sparging.
They probably aren't quite as accurate as an hydrometer, but not having to cool the sample makes them invaluable; plus they are a lot more robust than hydrometers.
I don't find them at all accurate for calculating the FG, but I use a finishing hydrometer for that.

-a.

 

[twofools]

I fly sparge and I'm getting only 50-60% effic! My crush is from a local brewery, stainless steel false bottom in a converted keg, sparging with 180 deg water for 45 min or so. I tried stirring the mash right before sparging but it didn't help. I need to try a mash out- that may help. Also, I sparge to volume but always keep an inch of water of the grains, even at the end. Could this be my issue??