Why should I use Crystal malt when extract brewing?

[beermonstermilburn]

Can anyone help me on this.

I have so far brewed one malt-extract brew, the recipe I got from a John Palmer book. This IPA used LME,DME and 2 types of hops. I am looking to do a different brew, however when looking for recipes that use extract I keep stumbling over crstal malt being used in the recipe. What benefit would crystal malt give me? the IPA I produced without any crystal malt turned out nice..... so will it do any harm if I dont use it for future brews?

Just to confirm I am looking to do a pale ale (LME - pale, DME - light, Challenger, fuggles) and also a dark ale (LME - Dark,DME - Dark, challenger, fuggles and bramling cross) not sure if that helps. If anyone could advise on this it would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

[far9410]

Hi, steeping crystal malt gives body, flavour, and possibly some sweetness if that's what you're after

[danbrew]

...if that's what you're after

Which of course it might not be... There is no reason why you have to put it in and personally I'm going off the flavour a bit lately so I am trying recipes without it in...

Having said that, it's in a lot of UK bitters, milds and perhaps porters so if you like those you probably like crystal...

EDIT: the sticky on grain types and uses may help you find an alternative but I might try to look for a recipe first before trying to make your own up... (sorry forgot how to put a link in and being lazy...)

[beermonstermilburn]

Thanks for that folks! Very useful. I think i'll give it a go on my darker beer, but not for the pale ale.