Grainfather - first impressions

A forum to discuss one pot automated brewing systems.
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sram
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Re: Grainfather - first impressions

Post by sram » Fri Sep 28, 2018 9:11 pm

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
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Re: Grainfather - first impressions

Post by cerbera84 » Fri Sep 28, 2018 9:36 pm

gobuchul wrote:
Mon Sep 17, 2018 11:49 am
A 2nd connection for the pump, so you can connect a HLT for sparging, would be a good addition.
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Planning: BrewEasy system build; possibly a Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold clone
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chefgage
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Re: Grainfather - first impressions

Post by chefgage » Sat Sep 29, 2018 8:30 am

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
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Re: Grainfather - first impressions

Post by Swiller » Thu Mar 12, 2020 10:51 pm

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. 😁

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Cobnut
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Re: Grainfather - first impressions

Post by Cobnut » Mon Mar 16, 2020 3:24 pm

@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
Fermenting: Sunshine Marmalade
Conditioning: Festbier, Helles Bock
Drinking: Smoky, lager beer, Irish Export Stout, Hazelweiss 2023:2, Cascade APA (homegrown hops), Orval clone, Impy stout, Duvel clone, Conestoga (American Barley wine)
Planning: Kozel dark (ish), Simmonds Bitter, and more!

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Dennis King
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Re: Grainfather - first impressions

Post by Dennis King » Mon Mar 16, 2020 8:30 pm

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
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Re: Grainfather - first impressions

Post by lord.president » Tue Mar 17, 2020 10:15 am

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.
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