What is better?

Whichever you prefer. With LME you need to make sure it's fresh, as you can get off flavours if it goes stale. On the other hand, some people feel it's easier to use than DME.

Nope. LME is 20% water, so use 80% less DME than LME to get the same sugar contribution.

Probably wasn't due to the form of extract you used.

John.

Liquid extract is a PITA to measure out. I, personally, don't use it unless I'm using an entire can.

One thing you should know is that malt syrup sinks to the bottom of the pot when you pour it in (as opposed to DME floating on top). You have to be careful, or you'll burn it.

Phil

Just made my IPA with LME. Had to make sure I mixed it carefully while adding it to the boil.

I'll let you know how it went in a few weeks.

-- Josh Button Go Parra in 2004 (remove _nospam_ to reply)

I've heard that LME provides slightly better flavor, however it is more difficult to measure and is usually darker in color than DME (and I've never noticed a flavor difference). I believe LME is also generally cheaper than DME, which is kind of nice. Amounts do not convert exactly one-to-one, LME is about 10 to 20% water, so you need to use a little bit extra as compared to DME.

-- Dave "Just a drink, a little drink, and I'll be feeling GOOooOOooOOooD!" -- Genesis, 1973-ish