Grainfather....Should I??

[Deebee]

The pump is of concern as it contains some ?soft metals? which apparently require a special grainfather cleaning solution??? tying you into buying aftermarket supplies from grainfarther inc.. got a loud mental warning klaxon going off on this point..

On this note in a recent AMA on reddit the industrial designer stated that PBW would be fine to clean the system. http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2 ... he/covw3nh

I think the reason being there is copper parts/pipe in the pump system and this like all copper in home brewing is best cleaned with percarbonate based cleaners.


For the record I have pre ordered a Grainfather and I am looking forward to starting on AG (Been doing kits for 3 years). The reason for my purchase is based on two factors cost (in time and money) and size/footprint.

Cost
I have read this forum and came up with a plan for a stainless 3v system with out a thermopot and it came in at £510 all bought from http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk

HLT- £160.00
Mash Tun- £55.00
Boiler- £160.00
Fermenter- £28.00
Sparge arm- £22.44
Sight glass- £25.20
Chiller- £44.00
False bottom- £19.00
Mash Tun tap- £12.00

3v/AG can be done cheaper but this was my plan also after buying this it all had to be assembled and troubleshot, also as I am shed brewing the need for increasing the breakers/sockets in there would have to be accounted for. More time more cost. Also my job is fixing things etc i don't want my hobby to be that as well.

Size

The grainfather is a neat package and easily stored, enough said.

All in all I am pro grainfather, yes it is not the bruamiester (which I considered but I want to buy corneys as well) but it is nearly a 3rd of the price, yes it has a few problems but it has been on the go for a while down under and the company have a very good reputation for sorting issues, yes it only has a STC controller instead of a PID but how good is a mash tun temp control and a cheap thermometer, people make great beer with plastic buckets, sleeping bags and kettle elements.
I have yet to see a damning review of the grainfather and it seems to be gathering a following I am one of them. Just a bit peeved it's been delayed but as mentioned in the AMA linked above it is due to production timing issues in China and if the thing is no use when I get it I can get a refund.

my all grain set up before an upgrade.

Asda cool box for mash tun 10 quid
2 m copper pipe and fittings 10 quid
50 liter stainless pot inclusive delivery from Bergland 60 quid
copper cooling pipe 15 m roll 25 quid
fv 20 quid ( 2 fv)

Diverse fittings taps valves etc. 15 quid.
10 kw gas burner 50 quid.
Best not to buy ready made. If you are slightly handy it really is simple ( even i managed it)

[shepp]

I agree Shepp, looking at videos of it in use it looks great. I don't really think it has much competition at the price. I found a Brewolution Brewster but it looks awkward to use and a bit faffy, not a lot cheaper either. The Braumeister looks very nice but is expensive and I can't personally see why it's worth the money other than it's German and the world seem to think that German stuff is good for some reason. I'm not suggesting the Braumeister isn't good but I don't see what it does over the Grainfather for double the money. Maybe someone can enlighten me. Let the forum know how you get on Shepp.

I like the idea of turning it into a 'still' with the copper hood, I quite fancy having a go at making one of these modern complex gins or a malt whiskey.
I will definitely keep the forum informed with my efforts.

Sadly, not on this forum, shepp - mentioning anything to do with the "D" word (unless you're making water) will get your post shut down double quick given the legal implications. There are dedicated places on the web if you want to do research - just a google search away

Thank's for the warning pinto, I am a bit ignorant of such matters, will do a bit of reading up.