Vorlauf or not to Vorlauf

[Auric82]

Question about the vorlauf process. I just started batch sparging today. I have previously fly sparged. Generally when reading about batch sparging, people recommend to vorlauf the first running's. I didn't, I instead run the wort through a fine sieve to catch any grain bits.

Does anyone have any thoughts about why you should put the first runnings back into the mash tun?

[Ozwald]

Setting the grain bed is going to be a much better filter than your sieve. It's not a huge problem, but it will make the difference between clear wort & crystal clear wort.

[BDawg]

+1
You will get a fairly noticeable amount of husk into your kettle if you don't recirc. I used to, at least.
I was using either a false bottom or a braided hose. It was enough to make me want to recirc it out, that's for sure.

[brewinhard]

Be sure to vorlauf after each water addition in your batch sparge after a good stirring. Not only will it help to increase your efficiency but it will also help to set the grain bed for a proper filter to provide you with clearer wort as stated above.

[bambrew]

Im no scientist, and I have always vorlaufed, but I attended the Intensive Brewing Science week long course at UC Davis with Dr. Charles Bamforth and Dr. Michael Lewis and they say that the vorlauf is unecessary and they have proved that in the lab. They even said you can inhibit efficient lautering by doing the vorlauf. Most in the class were surprised by this and said that it makes them feel better to see crystal clear wort going into the kettle. Dr. Lewis said, "well, if it makes you feel better than i guess that is a reason to do it but it is unecessary."

[brewinhard]

Im no scientist, and I have always vorlaufed, but I attended the Intensive Brewing Science week long course at UC Davis with Dr. Charles Bamforth and Dr. Michael Lewis and they say that the vorlauf is unecessary and they have proved that in the lab. They even said you can inhibit efficient lautering by doing the vorlauf. Most in the class were surprised by this and said that it makes them feel better to see crystal clear wort going into the kettle. Dr. Lewis said, "well, if it makes you feel better than i guess that is a reason to do it but it is unecessary."

Was this comment made with regards to a professional commercial brewers system or homebrewing?

[Auric82]

Well, looks like I will be keeping to the sieve.

[Kbar]

Well, looks like I will be keeping to the sieve.

In conjunction with Vorlauf............