Grainfather!!

[RedlegEd]

Nope , I just let it ride . Once my mash is done I start sparging . My temp is rising towards the boil at this time . By the time my sparge is done my wort is almost to boiling temp.

^^^^+1 what Jag75 said. Waiting a few more minutes isn't a big deal, use the time to clean up a little.
Ed

 

[Chorgey]

I'm trying to get my Beersmith numbers and Grainfather app's numbers to match. It seems successful with the water numbers (except there's a quart missing in the GF sparge water calculation)

After importing the BS3 recipe file into the Grainfather app, the OG/FG/ABV and Color are all lower on GF's app.. is there something that I missed here?

Oh, and how do I change the GF app to show SRM, instead of EBC?

 

[skleice]

That's always been my experience with the GF recipe calculator. I just load my recipe so it will automate my brewday, but as a calculator, it's useless imo.

 

[Jag75]

That's always been my experience with the GF recipe calculator. I just load my recipe so it will automate my brewday, but as a calculator, it's useless imo.

I've had the opposite outcome. I've found the GF app to be absolutely on the money when it comes to calculations. The calculator in the book was off imo. I use Gf app to keep my recipes and I use Bru N Water for profile.

 

[Chorgey]

Do you use the water volume suggested by GF? I was thinking of using the recipe from Beersmith but with Grainfather's water volume suggestion.

I also use Bru'n Water

I like the idea of keeping my recipe on the GF app.

 

[Jag75]

Do you use the water volume suggested by GF? I was thinking of using the recipe from Beersmith but with Grainfather's water volume suggestion.

I also use Bru'n Water

I like the idea of keeping my recipe on the GF app.

Yes I use the water volume on the Gf app. Its spot on . I take that amount and input it on the Bru N Water program .

 

[skleice]

Do you use the water volume suggested by GF? I was thinking of using the recipe from Beersmith but with Grainfather's water volume suggestion.

I also use Bru'n Water

I like the idea of keeping my recipe on the GF app.

I basically use the water volumes, but I steal 1qt of sparge water and add it to the mash. I just find I get a better recirculation.

 

[ferm.adventures]

110v user here, anyone using a heat stick to speed up boiling?

I put together a hot rod. It’s an awesome addition.

 

[Jag75]

I put together a hot rod. It’s an awesome addition.

I heating rod that you set in to speed up boiling temp?

 

[ferm.adventures]

I heating rod that you set in to speed up boiling temp?

Yeah, I use it to heat/maintain temp of my sparge water, since my HLT is a cooler. I also use it to speed the heating of water to mash temperature, boil temperature, and get more boil vigor.

It was cheaper and much more versatile than buying a seperate HLT.

I hate to spam the thread, but I did make a video of the first time out with it...

 

[Pkrd]

Getting ready to brew tonight I had a terrible time with the bottom plate seal. Usually it takes one or two goes but I tried half a dozen times, swapped seals, and then tried warming the malt pipe, no different. Eventually got it seated. Do the seals need to be replaced periodically?

Is this a new warning when brewing?

.

 

[RedlegEd]

Hi,
Are you wetting the grain pipe/silicone ring before inserting the bottom plate with seal? I usually give the pipe a few squirts of Star-San and insert the plate at an angle so just the two opposing edges are touching the pipe, Then at the bottom, carefully rotate it into position and press into place. I hadn't seen the warning in your post yet, but I usually don't use the app as a checklist, just as a timer. Not surprising though given that some folks can be forgetful and/or careless and risk getting burned, so GF is trying to protect them. At least they give you a "I'm a grown up, don't remind me" option.
Ed

 

[Pkrd]

Yep, sprayed star san as usual.

 

[skleice]

Getting ready to brew tonight I had a terrible time with the bottom plate seal. Usually it takes one or two goes but I tried half a dozen times, swapped seals, and then tried warming the malt pipe, no different. Eventually got it seated. Do the seals need to be replaced periodically?

Is this a new warning when brewing?

. View attachment 684354

I find that the seals do loosen/stretch over time. I just replaced mine because 1 actually snapped.

 

[Jag75]

I never take the bottom screen off . I just clean and leave it .

 

[jaymosbeershack]

I've forgotten the bottom seal before. Had no ill effect. Didn't even realize I had done it till clean up.

 

[TBC]

it’s been awhile since I posted in this thread. If anyone needs spare parts for their grainfather Rite Brew has a bunch in their bargain bin. This link should work.

https://www.ritebrew.com/category-s/1999.htm

 

[RedlegEd]

Hi TBC,
Thanks for posting that!
Ed

 

[DGW]

Has anyone put a steam condenser on the side of their GF? I've searched the forum and the web and haven't found a answer. If I get a GF it will be in the garage a steam condenser will make life a lot simpler.

 

[Pkrd]

Is this available to you?
https://grainfather.com/craft-distilling-with-the-grainfather-part-1/

 

[DGW]

I hadn't looked into the distilling hoods because of the problems I've been reading about removing them to add hops and other additives (this was also mentioned on putting the steam condenser on the kettle lid). I've been thinking the best spot would be high up on the side, less chance of steam burns. I know a lot of brewers are adding their condensers there, but have no idea if this would practical with the GF. I'm getting ready to sell my single tier, 3 kettle system to go e-BIAB, so all information I've been able to gain is by other posters.

 

[jschein]

I have not had any steam issues brewing inside with the GF.

 

[Chorgey]

I have not had any steam issues brewing inside with the GF.

I would like to be so lucky. When I first got my GF, I ran a test to see how everything worked, all the windows in the kitchen and dining room steamed up. I will probably end up brewing in the garage or outside, which defeats the purpose.

 

[DGW]

My garage has low drywall ceilings--I live in SW florida so the humidity is bad anyway in the summer. I'd almost bet $ without some kind of venting or a steam condenser I'll have a problem. With the low ceilings, winter could also be a problem. Where I would be brewing is about 12 ft from the garage door, far enough away that I can just visualize water dripping on my head lol. I'd try it out first just to see, the GF are pricey enough though that I don't want to have to try venting outdoors.

 

[DGW]

If no one knows, I'll give Bobby at Brewhardware a try. I've been looking at his Steam Slayer as being a good option to buy (when it's back in stock). I'm concerned that adding a steam condenser may drop the boil capacity to much and I have an idea he'll know the answer.

 

[ferm.adventures]

FYI - A new 220V GF is coming to the USA.. was announced in the Homebrew Con Online Q&A. Based on the commentary, it will be a whole new unit, and not just a new controller. As well, sounded like the 220V unit would be dedicated to 220, not switchable to 110. Not a lot of details.

 

[skleice]

Grainfather died today during the boil, just stopped heating. Reset is not tripped. I'm trying to save the batch on the stovetop atm. I'm out of warranty. What are the chances they fix/replace my unit?

 

[couchsending]

Grainfather died today during the boil, just stopped heating. Reset is not tripped. I'm trying to save the batch on the stovetop atm. I'm out of warranty. What are the chances they fix/replace my unit?

Depends on what’s wrong with it.. when this happened to me and it wasn’t due to the controller melting the heating plug it was cause the reset switch got fried. Turn it over and take off the bottom panel. It should be pretty obvious if it’s the reset switch, mine was in some stage of melting. You can either bypass the reset/safety switch or buy another one that’s similar on Amazon for next to nothing. You’ll have to do some digging to find the exact part but I found it by just googling “Grainfather reset switch replacement” or something along those lines. I bypassed mine for like 2 years and the house didn’t burn down. Ended up putting a replacement switch in after a while.

 

[skleice]

Depends on what’s wrong with it.. when this happened to me and it wasn’t due to the controller melting the heating plug it was cause the reset switch got fried. Turn it over and take off the bottom panel. It should be pretty obvious if it’s the reset switch, mine was in some stage of melting. You can either bypass the reset/safety switch or buy another one that’s similar on Amazon for next to nothing. You’ll have to do some digging to find the exact part but I found it by just googling “Grainfather reset switch replacement” or something along those lines. I bypassed mine for like 2 years and the house didn’t burn down. Ended up putting a replacement switch in after a while.

Tx. When I finish this batch, I'll do some surgery...

 

[Beeru]

All these posts about the GF breaking in various ways has me worried. Does anyone know of any tricks to improve the longevity of the GF? Any preventative measures to take to avoid potential disasters ?