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That's a fair point, and a lot of workaround to pick up 400 watts. It would have been plugged into a 20amp circuit, which should be enough, but, who knows if you'd actually be pushing 2000w to the unit itself. Based on all the feedback I've seen from users of 120v electric systems, I still...

I had never even though of that. So in theory, I think something like this should work. Shipping from NZ to the US seems cost prohibitive though, but perhaps not. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLYMMCC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Reddit AMA going on with the Grainfather's designer until 9pm EST. http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2x0sxs/i_am_imker_swanepoel_industrial_designer_for_the/

I'll second that, pretty impressive for a device I don't think many stateside even knew about until a few weeks ago. I went from never considering a system like this due to cost (see picobrew or braumeister) to ordering one and selling off the parts I had assembled to do my own electric build.

One other thing that has surprised me is the amount of people requesting a 220v model. Isn't the appeal here the ability to run on a 120v circuit? There's several 220v models out already that for a few hundred more have 3x the power and can do up to 15 gallon batches.

A user on the Kickstarter page posed a very interesting question about offering an insulated sleeve made specifically for the Grainfather, to help increase heating efficiency which should shorten ramp times and increase the boil off rate. Is this something you would consider making? There is...

It's the same as the NZ/AUS model with the exception of a 1600w element, and since there isn't a PID, I'd assume it's a toggle switch. Sounds like a PID may be a down the road upgrade.

Well, last night I thought I'd be passing on this, but after thinking it over some more, at this price point the pros still outweigh the cons here and I ended up backing the Kickstarter. I do still wish the boil was more vigorous, but I do think there are options to get around that, via either...

Grainfather, what volume boil is that? Appears to be a fair amount of headspace. 7 gallons? I was iffy at first but this is a rolling boil still, even if it's on the lighter end. I'd also guess that due to the geometry of the kettle, carefully wrapping the unit in a reflective insulation...

Thanks for uploading that. Direct link is below for those who want to shortcut it. Well.... that's a much less vigorous boil than the videos I've seen of the non-US version in action, and it appears that's at around 7 gallons at most. Curious to hear other people's thoughts after seeing the...

Ha, you're basically describing my exact dilemma. Ready to pull the trigger but hesitant due to uncertainty on how the boil will perform.

Here are a few videos showing the NZ/AU/UK model boiling plenty vigorously, but again, that's with a 2000w element. If you use a spreadsheet to calculate the ramp times, between going from tap water temp to mash in, and mash temp to boil the difference between 1600w and 2000w is around...

This does help. I will say this, I watched some videos online today of your rig in action, and if the US version was at 2000w like the NZ/AU version, I'd have already backed your Kickstarter. Your rig is exactly what I've been looking for at the right price point. But, when you are talking...

Grainfather folks, Could you speak more to the ability to step mash? How to you ensure accurate temperatures both at strike, and during the ramping phase? One of the main benefits to me would be the ability to do step mashing mainly for lager brewing. From what I've read, you are using a...

I wouldn't dispute some of what you say, at that point, subtle nuances would probably differentiate them, but I agree, what you propose is closely related. I will say this, one of the things I'm learning about Festbier is to make a great example, you need to be able to push lager yeast to its...

Thanks to everyone who has taken it so far. 40+ responses in only 24 hours! Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

Hello HBTers, I'm currently working on an article for a popular homebrewing publication that I'm sure many of you subscribe to, that if all goes as planned would come out next spring. It's designed to be a comprehensive look at Oktoberfest style beers, including the proposed new BJCP category...

I won't speak for everyone, but leaving a lager on the yeast for a month is perfectly fine. I routinely do that before transferring to a keg to finish lagering. As long as you are keeping control of your temps during primary fermentation (especially from pitching through the end of first week)...

The correct zip is 49321. I live 5 miles from the brewery where the bottles are being shipped to so I'm positive that's correct. Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

I also advanced a pils (German) with a 43.5. I'm hoping it retains its character, because I didn't have time for a re-brew. Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew