ahave
Well-Known Member
I could use some help with my mash efficiency.. I switched to AG after a year or so of brewing. I currently have 4 AG batches under my belt and have yet to hit a mash efficiency over 52%. I have tried no-sparge, batch sparge, and even fly sparge methods and still get less than expected results. When switching to AG I didn't expect to hit higher efficiencies at first but after this many batches it is quite frustrating to see no improvements. I have been compensating by buying more grains and longer boils, but after making my dry porter a 'caramel porter' I am needing to understand my errors.
So far I have the following ideas to troubleshoot this issue:
Is it normal to get such low efficiencies staring out?
Is using an ale pail typically good enough for volume measurements?
What are some good dial / digital thermometers to get?
Should I just splurge and get a grain mill?
I know this question gets asked a lot, but I am just looking for a lil' guidance thanks in advance!
- I mash in a keggle with SS false bottom and pickup tube. (I do not preheat my mash tun, but it seems to work)
- I typically hit my mash-in temps (~150*F).
- Mash with 1.25 qt/lb
- I measure my mash/sparge water and wort with 'ok' accuracy (just using ale pail to 'eyeball' .25gal increments)
- I get my grains from one of the two LHBS in town.. they crush it for me also.
- I do a starch test for conv, usually 45-60min is needed to convert.
- I have read through the braukaiser wiki.
So far I have the following ideas to troubleshoot this issue:
- get my grains crushed at the other LHBS.
- Purchase crushed grains from online source (any suggestions?)
- be more accurate with mash water measuring (use nalgeen to measure off in 32oz increments)
- better thermometer? Current dial probe is kinda hard to read accurately, I have also fried 2 digital ones (steam)..
- take first running SG measurement. (I typically just start the sparge/no sparge process)
- replace strike water container with cooler (currently using bottling bucket)
Is it normal to get such low efficiencies staring out?
Is using an ale pail typically good enough for volume measurements?
What are some good dial / digital thermometers to get?
Should I just splurge and get a grain mill?
I know this question gets asked a lot, but I am just looking for a lil' guidance thanks in advance!