GrainFather for Canadians

[Mobstar76]

Hello,
I'm looking to get a Grainfather brewing system but I was recently told that the Canadian version does not work well because of the 120V CSA standards. Something about the maximum wattage not being sufficient to get a proper rolling boil.

Can fellow Canadians share their experience with the GrainFather?
I would love to get a compact system like this that didn't require gas and venting.

Thank you for your input!
Much appreciated!

 

[canehdianman]

Here you go, start reading

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=550870

I've been on the fence about buying one for a while now. I don't think the boil is an issue so long as you get a graincoat (or make your own) and aren't brewing outside in -40.

 

[MelbBrew]

G'day. Coming across this, I must say that I love my Grainfather. I live in AUS though which precludes me from commenting on the 1600w (I think) element in the North American models. Based on what I've heard from mates in the US, as canehdianman stated, with Reflectix or the graincoat they do quite well.

From a functional standpoint, ease of brew day (especially with children or family commitments), minimal cleanup I've got nothing but wonderful things to say about the unit.

I'd also be on the lookout for the upcoming glycol chiller and conical fermenter systems being released by Grainfather soon. I got to have a play with one at GABS (Like the American GABF). Rippin' units. I'll just have to speak to SWMBO about space and the dosh to get them!

Any questions at all about functionality or the like, feel free to reach out,

Bugger... just realised I sound like a young one gushing about a crush.

Brew on.

 

[mattdee1]

I'm Canadian and my buddy has a Grainfather. He did express concern early on that the boil was not as vigorous as he would like, so he bought the graincoat thing and says that has helped. The GF is the only brewing method he has ever used, but for what it's worth, he seems to love it.

 

[canehdianman]

Also, a timely exBEERiment was done on boild vigor.

http://brulosophy.com/2017/05/29/boil-vigor-weak-vs-strong-exbeeriment-results/

Results show that it doesn't really matter (which is what I would have assumed all along).