step infusion efficency

[Warrior]

I've been doing single infusion since getting back to brewing in May. Decided to do a step infusion only not as many steps as I used to do. Brewed a Czech style Pils that used the 1st rest at 142 degrees for 20 mins, I then raised it to 155 deg for 20 mins and then did my mashout at 170 deg. I noticed better effieceny with this batch, I was expecting a 1.052 gravity and ended up with 1.057 instead. I used 42 lbs of grain for 24 gals of finshed beer. Has anyone else noticed better efficency with a step vs a single infusion?

 

[Warrior]

Did some research and I am going with the step mashes from now on. Doing a doppelbock on Sunday and will need to use the mashtun twice as this is going to be a big beer at 1.089 gravity. Going to keep the mash thinner this way so I expect about the same efficency.