Grainfather!!

[seabrew8]

I just lightly scrape the bottom close to boil with my plastic spoon - stay clear of the pump filter! I do have a little bit of scorch on my also but its almost completey gone now, it was from my first few runs.

Whats your eff? I never used rice hulls before.

 

[billmiller007]

Seabrew8 I am always 71-73%. Honestly I could tweak more but I am happy with this. I haven't gotten into water chemistry yet but I do better when I get my water from work then home.

 

[seabrew8]

Seabrew8 I am always 71-73%. Honestly I could tweak more but I am happy with this. I haven't gotten into water chemistry yet but I do better when I get my water from work then home.

Ok, thanks. I was just curious because i read a finer crush can get you a higher eff.

I get around the same actually - i hit mid to high 70's a couple of times. Mine crush looks to be medium i think. I had a struck spare once.

 

[actech]

How's your liver old man?

51 Dont drink it all by my self !!
Ha misread that as to how old is my liver
must need a beer

 

[M0KCE]

51 Dont drink it all by my self !!
Ha misread that as to how old is my liver
must need a beer

Definite sign of too much blood in your alcohol system.

I assembled my GF today, will perhaps get to brew tomorrow after work. Need to teach the wife or the kid how this all works so if I get called out for a fire I don't end up flushing the whole batch.

 

[TexasWine]

For anyone reading this thread, debating the purchase of a Grainfather, here's an interesting cheap alternative Couldn't find it on the interwebs, hence the snapshot. Just saw it in the William's Brewing catalog.

It's called the "Mash & Boil" by Brewer's Edge. 300 clams. No pump, no chiller, but both of those can be purchased for between $50 and $100, depending on what you want.

And before someone razes me for bashing the Grainfather, I'm not poo pooing the GF. Just trying to show there are alternatives, like Nexus phones and iPhones.

View attachment 1480506766037.jpg

 

[RedlegEd]

For anyone reading this thread, debating the purchase of a Grainfather, here's an interesting cheap alternative Couldn't find it on the interwebs, hence the snapshot. Just saw it in the William's Brewing catalog.

It's called the "Mash & Boil" by Brewer's Edge. 300 clams. No pump, no chiller, but both of those can be purchased for between $50 and $100, depending on what you want.

And before someone razes me for bashing the Grainfather, I'm not poo pooing the GF. Just trying to show there are alternatives, like Nexus phones and iPhones.

Tex,
Thanks. I'll throw no rocks at you for showing us a less expensive alternative (albeit with less features.) This might be the perfect solution for someone just getting into "all-in-one" type machines. In addition to my homebuild eBIAB system, I have a GF and love it. For those of you interested in seeing this thing, it's listed on the Williams Brewing website. Ed

 

[domdom]

what's the max grain bill folks have used? I just made a rye porter that was just shy of 17lb and noticed that when mashing, it was almost topped off. i noticed that while mashing and recirculating, a lot of wort was flowing through the side holes where the lifting handle fits in. is this normal for larger grain bills? I mashed w/ 6.75 gal water. i was wanting to do a large barley wine soon but worried about fitting anything more than 17lb of grains.

 

[elreplica]

For anyone reading this thread, debating the purchase of a Grainfather, here's an interesting cheap alternative Couldn't find it on the interwebs, hence the snapshot. Just saw it in the William's Brewing catalog.

It's called the "Mash & Boil" by Brewer's Edge. 300 clams. No pump, no chiller, but both of those can be purchased for between $50 and $100, depending on what you want.

And before someone razes me for bashing the Grainfather, I'm not poo pooing the GF. Just trying to show there are alternatives, like Nexus phones and iPhones.

No one should razz you bro...it's an interesting alternative and one I might've considered prior to my GF purchase..I'm happy with my GF and am awaiting the controller upgrade - now put off here until "Febrewary"... Thanks for sharing...

 

[Kampenken]

For anyone reading this thread, debating the purchase of a Grainfather, here's an interesting cheap alternative Couldn't find it on the interwebs, hence the snapshot. Just saw it in the William's Brewing catalog.

It's called the "Mash & Boil" by Brewer's Edge. 300 clams. No pump, no chiller, but both of those can be purchased for between $50 and $100, depending on what you want.

And before someone razes me for bashing the Grainfather, I'm not poo pooing the GF. Just trying to show there are alternatives, like Nexus phones and iPhones.

I'm with Elreplica on this one, no razz, glad to see you brought this up! This is a simpler approach, but would be something I'd seriously have considered a year ago, especially if one considers the DIY aspect of putting a pump in if one chose to use a recirc system. I think I'd want to recirc too, as I presume a similar heating element setup in base as the GF would not be as efficient in heating the entire grain bed.

If, and I hope not, my GF craps out some day, I'd certainly research this alternative. Will be listening for folks here who go this route, how it performs and for those that come up with mods (esp recirc).

I bet the GF folks won't be pleased to see this come out in Jan!

 

[Kampenken]

what's the max grain bill folks have used? I just made a rye porter that was just shy of 17lb and noticed that when mashing, it was almost topped off. i noticed that while mashing and recirculating, a lot of wort was flowing through the side holes where the lifting handle fits in. is this normal for larger grain bills? I mashed w/ 6.75 gal water. i was wanting to do a large barley wine soon but worried about fitting anything more than 17lb of grains.

I haven't gone that high yet, only to 15#. Interesting point that it was circulating through those side holes, how high then was that on the overflow tube? Maybe throw in some rice hulls in larger batches to improve water flow. I do throttle mine back to avoid the overflow, and generally I can open up wider as the mash progresses. Did you adjust?

 

[bigtex52]

It's called the "Mash & Boil" by Brewer's Edge. 300 clams. No pump, no chiller, but both of those can be purchased for between $50 and $100, depending on what you want.

And before someone razes me for bashing the Grainfather, I'm not poo pooing the GF. Just trying to show there are alternatives, like Nexus phones and iPhones.

I saw that as well. As a Grainfather user, a couple of things that stand out to me about this unit: 1) these units (Grainfather included) are too tall to use on a counter top and still be able to raise the mash tun and sparge without getting a ladder out, so you have to put it on the floor or a very low platform. This means that to read the controller screen and program this new unit, you would need to get down on the floor, since the screen is attached to the base of the unit. 2) no built-in pump for re-circulation. Yes, I know you can add one but that just adds back to the cost and complexity of the process. Just my .02 worth.

 

[seabrew8]

I haven't gone that high yet, only to 15#. Interesting point that it was circulating through those side holes, how high then was that on the overflow tube? Maybe throw in some rice hulls in larger batches to improve water flow. I do throttle mine back to avoid the overflow, and generally I can open up wider as the mash progresses. Did you adjust?

Yeah thats what i do sometimes. Close the valve some and later in the mash you can open it all the way. The rice hulls are interesting though never even knew about it until a few days ago! haha

 

[seabrew8]

For anyone reading this thread, debating the purchase of a Grainfather, here's an interesting cheap alternative Couldn't find it on the interwebs, hence the snapshot. Just saw it in the William's Brewing catalog.

It's called the "Mash & Boil" by Brewer's Edge. 300 clams. No pump, no chiller, but both of those can be purchased for between $50 and $100, depending on what you want.

And before someone razes me for bashing the Grainfather, I'm not poo pooing the GF. Just trying to show there are alternatives, like Nexus phones and iPhones.

Thats a really neat system. One of the attractions for the GF for me was that i could buy a alembic pot however. But other then that i would probably bought one of these if it was available a year ago. Looks like gas systems will being going to the dojo soon! lol for homebrewers. Electric is so much more mellow so to speak. Then firing up a big propane burner and refilling tanks - outside usually.

Looks like a great and relatively cheap product to get in AG brewing. Which in my opinion is worlds apart from most extract.

 

[TexasWine]

I saw that as well. As a Grainfather user, a couple of things that stand out to me about this unit: 1) these units (Grainfather included) are too tall to use on a counter top and still be able to raise the mash tun and sparge without getting a ladder out, so you have to put it on the floor or a very low platform. This means that to read the controller screen and program this new unit, you would need to get down on the floor, since the screen is attached to the base of the unit. 2) no built-in pump for re-circulation. Yes, I know you can add one but that just adds back to the cost and complexity of the process. Just my .02 worth.

I thought the controller placement was odd as well. My guess, it minimizes the cost, keeping the wire routing very simple and short.

My original thought was that a pump would not be needed with a simple system like this. But I was curious about the ability to do step mashes without one so I posed a question on their website. Sounds like they're doable if you sporadically attend to the mash by stirring every so often.

The other issue with not having a pump is getting wort into the fermenter. Without a pump it would seem that the system needs to be elevated a touch. And as you mentioned, you'll have to find some creative way to sparge if it's elevated.

Not insurmountable issues, especially at $600 cheaper than the GF, but definitely things that need to be considered in the comparison.

 

[domdom]

I haven't gone that high yet, only to 15#. Interesting point that it was circulating through those side holes, how high then was that on the overflow tube? Maybe throw in some rice hulls in larger batches to improve water flow. I do throttle mine back to avoid the overflow, and generally I can open up wider as the mash progresses. Did you adjust?

i put a half pound of rice hulls in it since i had 4 pounds of rye in the bill. though am planning to start adding them to all batches since the mash usually pretty thick and hard to stir regardless. i did throttle the circulation a little but it kept happening.

another issues was because of the large grain bills, the tube kept getting pinched and i had to adjust it a few times so it would circulate right. i also noticed when taking the grain basket out there was was several inches (around 6") of dead space between the top of the spent grain and the top mesh plate. not sure why there was such a loss of volume. next time, i might try a little less mash water and top off if needed.

 

[elreplica]

I'm with Elreplica on this one, no razz, glad to see you brought this up! This is a simpler approach, but would be something I'd seriously have considered a year ago, especially if one considers the DIY aspect of putting a pump in if one chose to use a recirc system. I think I'd want to recirc too, as I presume a similar heating element setup in base as the GF would not be as efficient in heating the entire grain bed.



If, and I hope not, my GF craps out some day, I'd certainly research this alternative. Will be listening for folks here who go this route, how it performs and for those that come up with mods (esp recirc).



I bet the GF folks won't be pleased to see this come out in Jan!

The GF peeps have already dealt with this as the Robobrew has been out and concurrent to the GF...I like to tinker a bit but when it comes to serious sh!t like brewing and beer I don't **** around...turnkey and proven works best for me.

 

[treacheroustexan]

Just looked up the robobrew. Never heard of that until now. A few more dollars than the mash and boil but at least that comes with a chiller. Too bad its a 240v. Like stated above, if my grainfather ever dies on me to the point where it's unrepairable, I'd take a look at the mash and boil due to the price before buying another grainfather. Love my grainfather more than anything but $300 vs. 8-900 is worth looking at. I'l wait until it's released so I can watch brew day videos on youtube of it.

 

[Kampenken]

Just looked up the robobrew. Never heard of that until now. A few more dollars than the mash and boil but at least that comes with a chiller. Too bad its a 240v. Like stated above, if my grainfather ever dies on me to the point where it's unrepairable, I'd take a look at the mash and boil due to the price before buying another grainfather. Love my grainfather more than anything but $300 vs. 8-900 is worth looking at. I'l wait until it's released so I can watch brew day videos on youtube of it.

I hadn't either, not sure if its for sale outside of ANZ, but would require 120v like GF for US/CD mkt. Seems more bare bones (e.g. no grain basket legs) and ~336 USD (if held at 449 AUD), so bit more to get chiller at cost of the clunky sparge step. I too would consider the mash & boil, and would enjoy mods to add a pump to recirc possibly, certainly would use an existing CFC or build one. I'd also build a platform to elevate it about 2', so at sparge it would still only extend to 64", easy enough to still sparge while standing on the ground. I like options!

@domdom- the dead space you talk about I presume is after the initial runoff. That's normal and generally the top plate will fall down towards the grain bed, if not push it down to rest on the top of the bed (when intial mash has drained off) and then begin your sparge step. Yeah, I bet that recirc tube would get a bit twisted/kinked up with such a large grain bill.

 

[skraeling]

For anyone reading this thread, debating the purchase of a Grainfather, here's an interesting cheap alternative Couldn't find it on the interwebs, hence the snapshot. Just saw it in the William's Brewing catalog.

wow does that look tempting. Im not sure I can justify the grainfathers price (though it IS nice). But 300? I could sell a few of my RC cars that I dont use anymore and pick one of these up no problem.

Though I do like the GF already being a recirc setup. All about compromises I guess.

 

[drhusker18]

Question on the temp probe. I just got mine and set up the other night. Does the temp probe just freely slide into the insert that protrudes into the kettle? It concerned me that it is free to move in and out. I figured it would have some way to secure in place to prevent movement.

 

[seabrew8]

Question on the temp probe. I just got mine and set up the other night. Does the temp probe just freely slide into the insert that protrudes into the kettle? It concerned me that it is free to move in and out. I figured it would have some way to secure in place to prevent movement.

Nope thats it. I normally check that its firmly in the thermowell before i mash. I even have taken the probe out during chilling because the temp. readout is useless at that point. One of the major flaws of the GF instructions.

 

[drhusker18]

Thanks Seabrew.

Few things for discussion.

Whats the deal with the discharge pipe fitting with the spring and ball bearing? It won't allow water to be pumped past. I thought my pump was bad or needed primed. More worried about it being air locked and getting hot. I was worried for a bit something was wrong. Took that part off and water went from kettle into pump, through tube, and back into kettle. It seems the spring is too long and is keeping the ball seated to completely stop flow. Any ideas? The ball is defiantly pushed tight by the spring when the valve is both open and closed. In my mind- it would completely stop all flow.


Has anyone built a round dolly with locking 360 degree wheels? I noticed today during my cleaning and test run that it would be nice to have a mobility possibility sometimes.

Best way to hook CFC to garden hose or garden outlet? Mine leaked with the fittings provided.

 

[M0KCE]

Thanks Seabrew.


Has anyone built a round dolly with locking 360 degree wheels? I noticed today during my cleaning and test run that it would be nice to have a mobility possibility sometimes.

Best way to hook CFC to garden hose or garden outlet? Mine leaked with the fittings provided.

Well I know what I'm making at work on Monday. Also mine leaks a little as well. I just tuck it in to the washing machine and let it drip in there where I collect the output water to wash a load of clothes with later.

 

[seabrew8]

Thanks Seabrew.

Few things for discussion.

Whats the deal with the discharge pipe fitting with the spring and ball bearing? It won't allow water to be pumped past. I thought my pump was bad or needed primed. More worried about it being air locked and getting hot. I was worried for a bit something was wrong. Took that part off and water went from kettle into pump, through tube, and back into kettle. It seems the spring is too long and is keeping the ball seated to completely stop flow. Any ideas? The ball is defiantly pushed tight by the spring when the valve is both open and closed. In my mind- it would completely stop all flow.


Has anyone built a round dolly with locking 360 degree wheels? I noticed today during my cleaning and test run that it would be nice to have a mobility possibility sometimes.

Best way to hook CFC to garden hose or garden outlet? Mine leaked with the fittings provided.

I removed the spring and ball quite a longtime ago. I don't even know were it is. lol Yeah the CFC fitting leaks a little i just place a dish rag over the facet. If i thread it on the facet correctly sometimes it won't leak.

 

[d-bone]

Well I know what I'm making at work on Monday. Also mine leaks a little as well. I just tuck it in to the washing machine and let it drip in there where I collect the output water to wash a load of clothes with later.

DeVault DEV3000B 16" Plant Dolly Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TRWJLA/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I am not sure what the diameter is on the base right now, but this comes in different sizes. Also with the hole in the middle, you still have access to the reset button on the base.

 

[KingHippo]

NE IPA time is it? I just brewed a NE IPA on mine this past weekend. 16% flaked oats, I just used 2 big handfuls of rice hulls and it worked fine. I didn't adjust my grainbill or water and it all worked out well. I'm still dialing in my numbers on the GF so I was slightly off on my OG (1.060 vs 1.063 on the low side) but physically the machine performed fine.

I ended up with some stringy, gummy junk on the pump filter when I was cleaning up which I figure was due to the oats. The pump seemed a bit slow but the sparge was fine.

Let us know how the NE IPA comes out:rockin:

 

[M0KCE]

DeVault DEV3000B 16" Plant Dolly Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TRWJLA/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I am not sure what the diameter is on the base right now, but this comes in different sizes. Also with the hole in the middle, you still have access to the reset button on the base.

I have access to a CNC router, and a giant gaylord full of commercial casters. I'll just make one.

 

[bigtex52]

Thanks Seabrew.

Few things for discussion.

Whats the deal with the discharge pipe fitting with the spring and ball bearing? It won't allow water to be pumped past.

That is actually a safety device designed to keep you from getting a face full of boiling wort if you inadvertently remove the connection to the recirc arm or CFC connector without remembering to turn off the pump or close the valve. If you look at the recirc arm and CFC connectors, they have a little nose piece that pushes the safety valve open when tightened in proper position. My biggest gripe with the check valve is that it is always full of rice hulls and trash at the end of the brew day and needs to be disassembled and cleaned. I also worry that it's just a matter of time until I have to take it apart in the middle of a mash because it has finally clogged.

 

[M0KCE]

My biggest gripe with the check valve is that it is always full of rice hulls and trash at the end of the brew day and needs to be disassembled and cleaned. I also worry that it's just a matter of time until I have to take it apart in the middle of a mash because it has finally clogged.

Backflush?