Jim's Beer Kit

I have been brewing with untreated water (other than the addition of a campden tablet in past few years) for over 20 years now. We have good soft water so unless I really want to emulate something I don't bother. Otherwise nowt to stop you using your FV as a temp holding pen for the COLD water sparg...

You can always do a COLD WATER sparge. I've been doing this all year with no real difference. Just take cold water direct from the cold tap in your kitchen. I just use a 2L jug and pour it directly on the mash, keeping a water head above the grain. You only need to use a larger container if you want...

My only real problem with the Bulldog has already been mentioned, the fact the controller is at the base. If you are happy lying on the floor to change the temp then go for it. IF you try to have it on the counter top make sure you can lift the malt tube all they way up, BEFORE you mash otherwise yo...

As long as it is still in condition, i.e. no leaks, then it should be fine for about 6 months.
Mine never used to last that long, but theory is good.

I would love to evaluate a SmartPID, send me one and I will do a write up on it controlling a Grainfather

@arzman if you have another spare I would be interested, PMed you.

Its probably more likely that you have hit the limit of 35W of heat, it IS getting cooler at night now.
As long as the brew temp is constant you don't have to worry to much.

mash for 60min then ramp up to 75C for a mash out then cold water sparge.) what am i missing here, i've never heard of a cold water spare, i thought the sparge water should be 75c[/quote] There has been loads of talk on the Grainfather facebook pages about cold water sparging. As long as you do a m...

Well that's quite a contrast so what were the results? TBH I couldn't tell the difference! Horses for courses. If I was going to be busy the following day then setting up a mash at night and leaving it until I was ready to sparge meant I could save a couple of hours. Both turn(ed) out good beer, no...

Been doing 60 min or overnight for several years now.

I wasn't sure of the amount as they hadn't stated the cost of the new controller, only that it would be about £100 when I last checked. As I have said I ain't interested in it so didn't check into it.
That's why I said £100.

I've been COLD water sparging all year on my GF. So no you don't NEED one. If your hot water is direct fed (i.e. new boiler/combi etc) then you can just use the hot water from the tap. Cheapest no idea, but I would get it before the new controller ones are released when the cost will rise by over £1...

That's a LOT of boil off.
I used to use 33L for 27/8 in the FV. The Grainfather is 27 for 23.
Maybe you need to throttle DOWN the flame a bit?

As to lid, no idea as I don't normally cover the boiler at all.

IPA wrote: The price increase is due to the drop in value of sterling. Along with everything else that is imported.
Something that Boris and company failed to point out.

Nope, they CLEARLY stated that the price increase on the mk3 would be because of the new controller. This was LONG before britexit.

The only difference between mk3 and mk2 (the current one) is the new controller box.
It will also be £100 dearer cause of it as well.
Get it now if I was you, I will not be getting a new controller box.