Another question I've received several times...
Q: Why does BeerSmith estimate a much lower Original Gravity for my Extract Recipe than my other program/spreadsheet/tool?
A: For Extract Recipes, BeerSmith correctly adjusts the starting gravity down to account for the lower yield you get from steeping specialty grains rather than mashing them. Â Many other programs (believe it or not) actually treat steeped specialty grains as if they were mashed. Â The difference can be large since mashing yields 70-80% while steeping grains typically yields only 10-30%.
The bottom line: The BeerSmith estimate will be much closer to the actual starting gravity you will achieve when steeping grains in an Extract recipe.
For more information see the following FAQ:
http://www.beersmith.com/gravity_for_extract_recipes.htm Â
Cheers!
Brad
Q: Why does BeerSmith estimate a much lower Original Gravity for my Extract Recipe than my other program/spreadsheet/tool?
A: For Extract Recipes, BeerSmith correctly adjusts the starting gravity down to account for the lower yield you get from steeping specialty grains rather than mashing them. Â Many other programs (believe it or not) actually treat steeped specialty grains as if they were mashed. Â The difference can be large since mashing yields 70-80% while steeping grains typically yields only 10-30%.
The bottom line: The BeerSmith estimate will be much closer to the actual starting gravity you will achieve when steeping grains in an Extract recipe.
For more information see the following FAQ:
http://www.beersmith.com/gravity_for_extract_recipes.htm Â
Cheers!
Brad