New Grainfather G30, grist ratio/efficiency

[DVCNick]

Hello all... I've been away from brewing for about a year due to my schedule changing. To get back into it, I got a G30 V3 that should let me brew inside on weeknights. I took it on its maiden voyage last night. I'll probably have beer, but definitely learned some things that will hopefully be applied for a smoother experience next time.
One thing that stood out: I was under the impression that my extract efficiency would improve vs. a cooler mashtun, but I actually came up pretty much bang on the number I get with the cooler (75% on a ~5.5% beer)

What I noticed is that due to the space below the grain basket, the actual volume of water available to soak the grains is significantly lower than what I'm used to. So running with my usual 1.5 grist ratio lead to a very thick mash.
I've read before that grist ratio isn't vitally important, but I'm wondering if there is any potential downside to bumping it up to 2 or so for the next batch. What are other people running for this?
I turned over the grains a few times during the hour mash, and there were not dry balls in the middle, but it was decidedly chunky the whole time.

Also... get rid of that spring loaded "safety ball" in the valve on the pump arm... Immediately. Like first thing you do after taking it out of the box.

TIA

 

[Whisky River]

You can get a good idea of the water to grist ratio by using the mash and sparge water calculator designed specifically for the G30.
https://shop.grainfather.com/brewing-calculators

And…Make sure the second thing you do after you take it out of the box is to increase your health insurance to cover reconstructive surgery.

 

[pvpeacock]

I have a Grainfather G40 and don't pay much attention to the grain to water ratio when mashing. I typically mash using 5 gallons of water for a 5 gallon batch regardless of the grain bill. I use less water for a 10 gallon batch primarily to avoid grain spilling over through the grain basket handle holes. My mash efficiency seems to be affected more by the grain crush through my grain mill more than the water to grain ratio.

 

[Boozehound]

You can get a good idea of the water to grist ratio by using the mash and sparge water calculator designed specifically for the G30.
https://shop.grainfather.com/brewing-calculators

And…Make sure the second thing you do after you take it out of the box is to increase your health insurance to cover reconstructive surgery.

Do you have any suggestions for keeping that ball clear of particulate? I ran into the same problem with my Grianfather system and removing the ball was what kept the recirculation going.

 

[doug293cz]

Mashing with a higher water:grain ratio (thinner mash) is fine. I just made some applicable comments in another thread.

Brew on