Steeping times

[Rhymenoceros]

So the instructions with my kit say to put the grains in the cold water and bring it to almost a boil over the next 30-60 minutes. If I want to just steep them at 155, how long should I do it? The kits also include munich and vienna malts, do they need mashing, or am I just steeping them?

 

[kuphish]

If you bought an extract kit, those should just be specialty grains for steeping, but someone else might want to chime in.

I generally steep for 30 minutes at 155-160F. I bring the water to about 145, then turn the temperature down (leaving the kettle on the element) and let the water get up to the desired temperature. Then I add the grains for steeping. If I keep my element on 3, I can hold a constant 158F for the duration. Your mileage may vary with your stove. I would play around with it first to figure out how you can best achieve and hold a good steeping temperature.

 

[Rhymenoceros]

Yeah, its an extract kit. It involved 7 lbs of LME.

 

[brewmasterpa]

if its an extract with grain kit, youre just steeping only. i would steep them at 155-158 for 45 min, then sparge with near boiling water very slowly. this should get you pretty much right on the money.

 

[Aspera]

I have not done a mini-mash in 2 years, but here is my recommendation just the same:
bring water to a brief boil and allow to cool to 160 F. Then place your grains in it and steep for 30 minutes.

 

[Rhymenoceros]

Im just confused because I've heard a lot of people saying that vienna and munich need to be mashed. Thanks though, I was worried I wasnt going to have all of the fermentables I should have.