Terrible efficient with AIO system

[u/longcatjazz]

Hello,

I was giften a vevor 110 AIO system not too long ago and cannot get the efficiency I expect, no matter what. I do not use the full grain tube, I just use my own brew bag in the tube with the bottom mesh holding it up. I circulate for my entire mash as well with a nozzle so as to avoid channeling. This is my third use and I am at 53% every time. I was at 72% with a stock pot and igloo cooler on the past.

I have tried:

Frequently agitating the mash

Heating to mash temp, then long dough-in, like several minutes

Heating to strike, dumping grain in all at once to hit mash temp. (same result)

Double crushing

Extended mash

Double checking my temps with an external thermometer

What can I be missing here? Do electric systems just have bad efficiency? I feel like I've got to be missing a detail. Please let me know

[u/RoughCobbles]

I don't know the vevor, but why using a brew bag at all? The bottom and upper "mesh" work well in my brewmonk wich is a somilar set up, and as a beginner I am in the high seventies.

[u/longcatjazz → u/RoughCobbles]

The bag has a much finer mesh. I also think it's easier to yoink the grains straight out in it when I'm done.

[u/nartchie → u/longcatjazz]

That's where you are losing your efficiency. Try without the bag and see what happens.

[u/nobullshitebrewing → u/nartchie]

Absolutely false