I picked up a Grainfather to simplify my brewday a few weeks ago and have brewed 4 batches on it so far. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it, but have a few gripes that I was hoping those who have had it longer (or have had read through this whole thread) might address:
3. It's kind of tedious getting the crushed grains in there when doughing in. The tube is so thin that it's easy to get crushed grains on the rim and between the outer kettle and the malt pipe, which ends up in the wort.
4. I'm still playing with my crush settings but I get a lot of bits in the boil kettle. I've conditioned my malt every time so far, but am considering not doing this next time as I find unconditioned malt makes a better filter bed, if a slower sparge. What crush settings do you guys use?
5. How does the new pump filter work at keeping pellet hops out of the pump and from clogging it up? I generally use whole hops so this hasn't been tested yet, but I'm afraid to chuck pellets in there and I loathe op bags.
3, I found this with big grain bills ground too fine, too much flour, I have my own mill now and find the same size bill pours into the water more so, by the time it's getting full, don't stir so vigorously.
Interestingly I did a Grainkids kit (Grainfathers own kit 6.5 kg grain) for the first time yesterday. It was ground a bit coarser than I would. It didn't even flow over the recirc pipe for about 20-30 mins and was still cloudy during this time. But it cleared up beautifully and overflowed the recirc pipe later. Exceeded my targets.
I'm going to crush my next batch a bit coarser next time.
I believe the recirculating mash means you don't need it crushed too small.
4, Try for little amount of flour, my rollers are 1.2 mm (run it fast) apart but I will to try a bit coarser now after the Grainkit experience. I would suggest it's worth doing one of their kits to experience "their ideal" package and grind. Maybe they could do a discounted kit(coupon) for new system purchasers.
5, I've had no problems here, I put my own valve on the recirc pipe before the later models had it. Mine has no spring and ball. My mate got a later unit and first time it clogged removed the spring and ball which is where the hops clogged, no problem since.
As far as the filter goes, let the hops build up over it when doing your 5 min sterilize and then try not to disturb it, I have never had a hop blockage yet and only used pellet hops, 140grms in last nights batch. I don't use a sock or spider, straight in the boil or flame out whirlpool.
...no "apps" to phuck it up LOL.Go crazy with the grains and have no care about efficiency as I am not a commercial brewery.....same thing for the hops as I am not worried about cost controls.I want to make beer that tastes DAMN good and I do.I buy my base malts by the sack and my hops by the pound....no big deal if I go over on a couple pounds of grain nor if I use an ounce of hops too much.
