Solving efficiency problems?

[Troutman47]

Both times I've hit just above 80 percent efficiency

Thank god for that!
I thought there was an error in the program!!

[guypettigrew]

The calculator button at the top of this page has a very useful option in it called 'Andy's strike temperature calculator'. It works out the optimal temperature for your mash liquor taking into account the weight and temperature of the grain, the volume of mash liquor and your desired mash temperature. Without it I'd be using guesswork.

Guy

[Deebee]

The problem sounds to be with your temp.
Do you insulate the top og the mash? I use a camping mat on top of the mash to protect it from the dead space above.
Otherwise you might need to check hardware..

1 are the weights correct.are you really using the amount of grain you think?
2 is your thermometer right. Try another side by side. Loon to see if they read the same.
3 does your hydrometer read properly. There have been some instances where they are 5 or more points wrong. Calibrate it.

[Rick_UK]

Is the 1035 hydro reading pre or post boil? If it's pre boil this will likely rise to at least 1040 post boil.

If you sort your heat retention issues and sparge with water around 85'c I'm sure you will be in the 75% ball park.

Rick