Topping off...diluted wort?

[ScoobyDude]

working on my second batch here. I still do not get the potential for dilution when making a 3 gallon wort and topping off with 2 gallons of water for a 5 gallon batch. I understand the IBU dilution factor, but what about flavor from the steeping grains (extract brewer here)? Is the flavor from the 30 minute steep diminished? I'm about to brew a big stout, but am not sure of what to expect as I can likely only brew 3 gallons of wort. My stove sucks and will likely crumble under the weight of a 50 pounds of a full wort brew...

 

[Clonefan94]

As long as the recipe is designed for a 5 gallon batch, you are just adding enough water to hit your correct OG. Basically, you are diluting to style. Without it your OG would be way too high.