What temp H2O for batch sparging?

[airlocksniffer]

When batch sparging what temp water should be used? Beersmith always says to sparge with 170* water, but that temp never comes close to bringing the grain bed up to 170*. I'm getting efficiency all over the board with my batch sparging and I'm thinking of trying hotter sparge water. Also thought I would try stirring longer after adding sparge water and having my LHMS crushing my grain a little finer. Thanks

 

[brewkinger]

I usually sparge with water that is around 180*
Much hotter and the plastic coolers can warp and crack.
The key to better efficiency is

1) crush - this is most critical IMO

2) stir - after adding sparge water, stir it well for about 2-3 minutes
To quote Yooper " stir like it owes you money!"

Just my .02

 

[RM-MN]

Sparge water temperature has little effect on efficiency, crush does. If your stirring in the grains well for the mash, stirring the crap out of the sparge and your efficiency isn't consistent, blame the one who mills the grain.

 

[MEPNew2Brew]

About 190 to get grain bed up to close to 168.

 

[jimyson]

Sounds like you need to give BS a tune up. Once your equipment profile is good to go then the temp of the MO/sparge will depend on the amount of grain, temp of mash, etc.

I usually need to out 190+ *F to bring it up to 168*F

 

[airlocksniffer]

Thanks for the help, I think I'll try the higher temp along with a bit finer crush.

 

[RM-MN]

Thanks for the help, I think I'll try the higher temp along with a bit finer crush.

Good idea. Take good notes. Then try another batch with colder water and see if you notice any difference in efficiency. I'll bet that there are other factors that have more effect on your efficiency than the temperature of your sparge water. I'll also bet that you don't have any reason to get to mash out temperature when you are batch sparging.:rockin:

 

[masskrug]

I used to sparge at 185 (170) after 15 minutes. I read a thread here about a cool water sparge. Last weekend I sparged with ~100 water after a ~5 minute rest and the efficiency was the same. Afterwards, you still have to get that water up to boiling, so it may not save that much time.

Crush and water chemistry will also effect your results.