Grainfather - first impressions

[sram]

I got mine in 2015. There are one or two annoyances, but overall it's a good system. The bottom plate seal hasn't caused me any problems so far. As long as you wet the basket, and slide it down on an angle it's ok.

[cerbera84]

A 2nd connection for the pump, so you can connect a HLT for sparging, would be a good addition.

https://youtu.be/9m32vZcREaU
Problem solved

[chefgage]

Mine always overflows continusly throughout the mash. I can adjust the valve so it it does not overflow as much but it still does a bit. I dont see this a a problem, beer still turns out fine.

[Swiller]

Thinking seriously about a GF I must keep reading these posts, thanks guys. Under letting? I have been ag for quite a few years but lately I have less time due to being a full time carer to my wife. I just use the simple coolbox and boiler setup which has served me well, but time is an issue unfortunately. Any advice would be so much appreciated.

[Cobnut]

@Swiller,
I can't offer any comparisons between GF and a coolbox + boiler system, having moved from BIAB to GF, but I must say I am - on the whole - very pleased with the GF. As long as I am organised (e.g. water prepared the day before brew day) and it's a normal beer (not a RIS or requiring a lengthy mash or boil), I can complete a brew day on less than 5 hours, including cleaning up. And the beer quality has stepped up from my old BIAB approach.
"underletting" is - I believe - introducing the water to the mash from under the grain bed. This is pretty easy with a GF; simply lower the mash pipe into the pre-heated water. I've done this a few times, but I'm not sure it's any different from a more conventional "add the grains to the mash water) approach.
Cobnut

[Dennis King]

I move to a GF from a 3 vessel system at the end of last year and it is certainly time saving. I used to underlet but now just add the grain to the liquor. I know they are pricey but I am glad I made the change.

[lord.president]

I moved from 3V to GF about 5 years ago. I’ve never had any issues with it at all. But then most of the problems l’ve seen are caused by users not reading the instructions properly.