I've completed well over 100 brews with my GF and learned many things along the way. Couple tips for the newbies out there. 1) Unless you are using a hop sider always whirlpool before chilling. This will help the hops/trub settle to the middle of the GF and keep the pump following. 2) Sanitize the chiller before late edition hops. 3) Set your strike water temp to be about 7ºF higher than your mash in temperature. And yes the new app is annoying. I wish I had the option to go back the old Connect app. Here's hoping GF will update the app and provide a stream-lined simple interface...
Thanks for the tips P!! I forgot to mention I had cleaned and sanitized the chiller beforehand.. I did run the near boiling wort through it too. Cheers P! 👍🍻
Yes you can and should do it that way. with counter flow chillers though I do like to run a little bit of water through them first just to make sure there's nothing nasty in there before circulating into my wort.👍🍻
Great to see the final video after the initial issues you had, especially as things worked out pretty well in the end. At least they seem to have fixed the main problems with the app now but what remains does sound frustrating. I will see how it holds up with the new G70 very soon but like many these days I do not use the supplied software anymore. The G70 is certainly a big leap forward in terms of technology compared to this older 30L system, so I suspect this smaller model will get an update soon. Like you say at the end people need to work out if this is for them being in mind what is on offer vs the price tag. NIcely done Brian as always.
Glad to see you put out a GF review! I bought mine used about six months ago and have had some of the same experiences. On the chiller front: I fill a bucket with ice and water and drop a moderate flow pond pump in connected to the cold water line of the chiller. I also added a GF wortometer which takes the temp probe from the GF and puts it on the wort our side of the chiller. As soon as I see yeast pitching temps on the GF, it run it into the fermenter. That really speeds up the chilling process. Honestly, I don’t use the app, I use Brewfather and it has all the timers and alarms for my recipes built in, no need to recreate the wheel. I do pair it with my phone to check the temps when I’m not right in front of the brewery.
It certainly isn't a lack of wanting to review the grain father unit. I just recently got this one. I think I should have clarified on the slow comment on the counter flow chiller. I mainly meant slow flow through the chiller. My ground water temperature was apparently below 50 degrees. So it worked fine from that aspect. I hear you on the app. My main thing was to try it and see how it worked, and if there were any problems with it in case anyone was watching the video, wondering about the app. I definitely like brewfather app. Thanks for commenting. cheers! 👍🍻
I have found mine to be reliable. Love being able to brew no matter what the weather is doing. It has also been pretty spot on for my gravities. It is a little pricey but I have been happy so far.
Sure! That is what matters quite honestly with any system. If you are happy with brewing, which is what the hobby is all about. Doesn't hurt you get to drink the fruits of your labor either!! Cheers! 👍🍻
Brian, nice vid. I've been brewing on mine for almost 4 years and love the fact that I'm no longer out in the cold garage, plus, no more lugging 50# of liquid down the basement stairs. A few notes for you and any other GF brewers: 1) The app has the ability to set up a timer to allow for a preheat of the water. Great for the dawn patrol brewers, ensuring you're all set for that 6 am start 2) The original instructions have you adding sparge water slowly, maybe a quart or two at a time. The control box has a count feature during the sparge. Each press of the up arrow = approx a quart/liter. Once you get to the target volume, it switches you over to boil mode ... or just go thru the app like you did in the vid. 3) Depending on your elevation and the barometric pressure on brew day, the actual boil temp may not get to 212F (100 C). I don't start the boil timer until after the hot break even though the app will say different. 4) No need to send the counterflow back into unit. Route it direct into the fermenter. You can control the temp by both the pump valve and cold water spigot. 5) Initially open up the pump valve a little during cooling. This helps set up a bed of trub on the filter and creates another layer for filtering. After a minute or so slowly open it up to full ... or whatever is needed to maintain the desired pitch temp. (Definitely like the Winter water temps. Summer water temps here in Cleveland don't quite get it down where needed.)
Great video. Thank you. Love your basement brewing setup! One suggestion: get an iPad wall mount and run the grainfather app on an iPad there instead of having to reach for your phone all the time.
Been using mine for about 4 years - overall, a great system. I also found that the filter in the bottom is inadequate. Purchased a Robobrew 35L malt pipe boiler screen, and this perfectly fits the GF under the malt pipe, and actually does a pretty great job! The app is lacking, and the pump could stand to be more powerful. I also have the Clawhammer BIAB system, and it does a great job as well. Bounce back and forth between these two systems. Great video, Brian!
Thanks Nick! As I said in the video I enjoyed brewing on it. I have an extra bottom screen I could throw in.. Might have to try it on another brew. Cheers! 👍🍻
i have the origional version of the grain father, one big upgrade is getting a false bottom that sits under the grain basket. helps a heap with hops cloging the filter. i use the app to help with reminding me with additions and strike temps for brews ( my unit does not has bluetooth).
Nice video. There has been much discussion about the use of the overflow pipe and top plate on the GF, especially in regards to restricting the flow with the ballvalve.. In the end I contacted Grainfather directly about it and their answer was that the system was designed to have the valve fully open so wort can go down the pipe to ensure that there will always be enough wort under the grain basket for recirculation and to help prevent scorching.
Yeah I think if my grain bed had not been flowing like it was tht would have been necessary. However with the flow I had it wasn't an issue. Thanks for the tip!! 👍🍻
I'm going to be spending some time on your channel watching your electric brewing reviews and videos. I'm going to pull the trigger on a system here soon. Thanks for doing these Brian!!! They are extremely helpful
Fine walkthrough. There was just one thing that had me shouting at the tv screen; you didn’t push down the overflow piece to fit into the gap in the top perforated plate during the mash. Otherwise excellent walkthrough
Also tip: you can add bittering addition directly without the hop spider, but you should Whirlpool at the end to collect the remnants of hop material, and whatever trub from protein coagulation remaining. Personally, I always use a hop spider, you'll get extraction with a 60 min boil no matter what... and I also always whirlpool because the filter for the GF is located on edge therefore making whirlpool insanely effective no matter what solid matter is present. Also tip: I use a 50 mesh in-line basket filter to catch any carryover... 100% effective.
Just search 3/8" Hose Barb in-Line Strainer with 50 mesh Stainless Steel Filter Screen, I also use it for transfer to kegs... Trust me it's a life saver if you are worried about stuck liquid out poppets.
WOW! I can't believe David took time away from the "BEER MAIDS" to talk about beer. I suppose if the beer maids we busy making the beer, David had some idle time to extend in the name of charity for fraternity. LOL Cheers Brian. I couldn't help but notice there was something missing from the vidya. No sensual music or slomo's. Kinda felt like a trip to the library. :) Thanks for all you do buddy. Happy Brewing.
Hahaha. I guess my elevator music is all you get on this one. I was lucky enough to get David away from the beer maids, apparently. The beer gods were smiling upon me that day. Lol!! Cheers!! 👍🍻
Already mentioned but the overflow tube and the inlet tube needed to be pushed down against the plate. Having it up like this likely allowed a lot of liguid to bypass the grainbed and roll down the tube. The proper positioning should add to efficiency. Otherwise, a very good video. I just replaced my old manual controller with the Bluetooth and really appreciate the guidance on the website. I’ve had my grainfather for quite a few years and even with a few engineering quirks it’s been a great system.
Great video! I'm working on my own "Grainfather G30 first brew day", will be a different style, more step-by-step quick look than lots of commenting. I think the two might look good together (but I'm by far not as good a talker as you, love that natural style!).
Thanks Brian for the review. Nice to have another persons fresh start view. I’ve been brewing with the system since it’s release. It works well for me and find that I’m getting almost 80% efficiency now. But it took awhile to dial in grain size and have learned to dial down the flow rates by about 50%. The main issue I find with the app now is their strike water calc’s are way off and my grain ends up too hot to start. Wondering if you noticed that too? Hope they add in WiFi ability for any future updates with an aged, but great working system.
Thanks Dan!! That was what I had to mess with when I mashed in. There was no accounting for temp drop when I mashed in. I adjusted it. Or so I thought.. Lol then had to adjust it back down.. It is a nice system to brew on. The app is not robust enough for me to brew with though. No pre boil gravity?? Really.. Lol cheers! 👍🍻
Good video 👍, I'm begining to like electric brewing, just so much easier and less mess to clean up. More accurate temperature's and don't have to worry about running out of gas 🥴, and you have the options to brew inside in the winter time. I'm looking at buying a electric Digiboil 35L, has 2 elements 500w+1900w 230v AC . I have a SS Brewtech 10gallon kettle which I converted into a mush Tunn and Kegland stand alone 25w pump with 1/2 camlock system/ 1/2 silicon tubing. I could do a larger brew at 9 gallons and higher gravity beers🍺
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers check out the Kegland Digiboil 35L is a great way for people who want to convert there gas system to electric , very cheap upgrade 🍺
I’ve had this system and had major issues. The problem was the boiler plug fusing/melting to the digital control unit. This happened 3 times! They honored the warranty but got fed up and went to the Blichmann 10gal breweasy. Just an FYI for your viewers.
7:15 I mean, the quirky thing is mixing and matching grams and ounces within the same recipe. 18:30 It's not slow, you're using it wrong. The temp of the wort at the output was likely ready to pitch from the start, but you kept putting it back in the kettle, which was hot and only passively cooling.
You did not go from the start placing those screens with the silicone gaskets is a total nightmare top and bottom I find the top screen if not pushed down far enough will drop on its own and the centre conical piece will stay suspended allowing grain and hulls through thus clogging the pump filter making life difficult for the pump. I have had to shut the whole process down pull out my grain basket dump the liquid back in the grain basket to filter the stuff that got by the screen and wanted to settle and scorch on the bottom. Many times have I thought the old way was less troublesome and quicker very expensive sou vide lol.... cheers
My efficiency has always struggled with the grainfather compared to my ol’ reliable homemade mash tuns, 5g and 10g Igloo coolers, plus the ease of cleaning. I do love it as an all in one brew system though
Overall I like my Grainfather a lot, but have completely abandoned the app as it is pure garbage. I only brew "manually". I also modified several parts, mostly per David Heath's suggestions. In the end, it works well and brews great beer.
I've been curious about these coffee urn systems for a while now but after watching this I don't see this as being much of an advantage or improvement to my current brew system. Especially considering the overall cost.
Sure. I get that. They aren't for everyone. They do work for some but not everyone. What are you currently using, if you don't mind sharing? Thanks for the comment! Cheers 👍🍻
Yeah, it was frustrating for me, too. I put in a recipe and discovered everything was metric, which is fine, but I'm US and not thinking that way. To change the units you have to leave the recipe creation, and I couldn't save it, so it was lost. I had the same problem with the equipment profile, and had to login to the website, set the profile, and then sync the app with my online profile, which finally worked. The interface for the phone isn't great either, the list of ingredients when you do a search all pile on one another. Again, I created the recipe through the site and synched it. I'll be experimenting with the app tomorrow, as I set up a step mash, etc. Be interested to see how/if it works. Thanks for the video.
Why use the overflow pipe if you're not going to seat it over the top mesh plate? Next time I'd look at having the mesh plate closer to the grain, then lower the extension pipe and overflow pipe until it seats into the mesh plate thus setting the grain bad evenly. This should help with lautering too
The wort her rose up high enough to overflow quite honestly. The top screen was down right above the grain. If the wort had started to rise very high with recirculating I would have pushed the pipe down, but I didn't need to. 👍🍻
Great video Brian, Love the app portion of the Grainfather, but it's too expensive for me - It makes great beer and is a good experience, but it's too close to the cost of real 3 vessel systems. Robobrew is half the cost and for me, the app is not worth 50% more. (But, hey, to each his own! It's all about makin' beer! How can you go wrong?!?) Your brewhaus is sick...lucky, lucky dawg.
@@Texaviator Sure have - has one advantage over the Robobrew - the pump is separate from the rest of the system. You can replace/upgrade easily. I have an Anvil burner - like it fine. (It's not a Blichmann Hellfire, but it'll do!) Wonder where the "wort sump" is - it's in the bottom of the Robobrew, so you get every drop - no tilting. But that is quibbling...price wise, there's both good values.
Greetings Brian, New to the home brew world and have watched most, if not all, of your reviews. Torn between the Anvil, Robobrew, and Grainfather. Price really isn't the deciding factor, just a quality, dependable rig. Do you have a favorite or preference between the three?
The anvil was recently redesigned with the controller up at the top. With that change it is a real competitor for the grainfather from a ease of use standpoint. Unless you have to have the connectivity. The Anvil is probably good to be the best value our of the three. The robonrew is a great system. The anvil does have a slight edge with the ability to convert to 240v IMO. 👍🍻
Stupid question here but does the red hose just drain into the sink ? thats the cold water that has run through the coil and it exits out the red hose to sink until the desired temp has been reached to transfer to fermenter correct ?
Very helpful video, I had a question about the wort chiller. I am in an apartment and dont have access to a hose. What kind of attachments did you use for the sink to cool hose? The sink I have currently is a run of the mill kitchen faucet head with no real good connection types. Is there another way to feed cold water into the cooling hose? Thanks
can you comment or describe the increased grain requirement and how to calculate the increase from a standard receipe, using the Blichmann Brew Easy no sparge system?
Foundry or GF? You have experienced both. Do they both boil about the same? I think I would rather have an immersion chiller on Foundry for easier clean up.
Ok so I’ve watched videos on both the Grainfather and the Anvil Foundry. Great job on those btw! I’m in the market and narrowed down to these two units but I gotta know, which do you prefer? I about know the price difference and not worried about that, what are your thoughts on the two units? Which do you prefer to brew on? Thanks
They are very similar in the type of control unit. As they both are a true PID control. I know you can get the grain father here in the US as a 240 V model. That is one of the advantages of the anvil is being able to switch voltages. From 120 to 240 depending on your ability to power it. I do like the external pump on the anvil because if it gets clogged you can clean it out. I know people say you can blow back through the hose on the Grainfather but I still prefer taking the pump apart and cleaning it out if there's a clog. The grandfather does have the advantage of being able to be controlled over Wi-Fi and import recipes etc. I know you said money is not an object so really it comes down to if you want to be able to control the unit remotely with your phone or some other device. And if you want to be able to switch voltages. I personally brew on the anvil more than the Grainfather. really the main reason that I do that is because I run the anvil at 240 V and it's so much faster than 120. Hope that helps! 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Yes! Thank you so much for the quick response. I appreciate your insight as always. I’ve been leaning towards the Anvil but the advantage of the WiFi is where my battle lies. That is what is intriguing to me. The ease of following along with the recipe is appealing. Thinking back when I first started brewing three years ago, I think about my first starter kit and since then it’s been all about the ways to make the process faster and easier without impacting quality of brew. I wish I could test drive them both! Tough decision to make. Hey...love the channel. You do a great job with you videos and they are always educational to the brewing community. Thanks again.
Hey there. Been doing some mini brew with the Brooklyn sets. Want to upgrade to a all in 1 as my wife likes it clean and we don’t have tons of space. For a newbie like me is this what you would suggest or are there better tools out by now? Thanks!
I would check out the Anvil foundry. It's no where near as expensive and does a great job.. available in 10.5 and 6.5 gallon versions. Here is my video on the 10.5. th-cam.com/video/Wk9TznTWzXY/w-d-xo.html
Thx. Just looked at your video! Issue is that I’m based in Europe so no go. Most people here use braumeister where with grainfather I could get a good fermenter with it. I love all the app business as my little one sidetracks ALWAYS 😂 Think I’ll book a day course at a local brew store and see if that helps the decision making... thanks for all you do for the community
The price is the biggest thing for me. After that I like the external pump so you aren't as prime to clogs. The dial voltage is a plus. You can the grainfather in 240 in the us now, but that wasn't always the case. As far a controller type they are both PID based which is best. The Anvil doesn't have any remote control but I don't care about that. 👍🍻
The app used to be very functional, a tool. Now it's a chore. I don't like using it AT ALL and I do not trust it. I prefer brewing on the Brewzilla 65L in manual mode, to be honest. The GF hardware is well-built, but they need to revert back to the old app.
Brian, was wondering if you could advise me. I want to switch to a 20 gallon 240 volt single vessel Biab. I have $1,200 to work with, I have a plate chiller, pump, hoses, fittings etc. I need a kettle and controller, I was looking at clawhammer but I can’t come to grips with spending $700.00 for a single vessel controller. Any suggestions? Thanks
The blichmann brew commander is a great option. If you have any skills for building a Bayou classic kettle with a basket is a great platform to build on. Here is a system I built in action. (I haven't done the build video yet.) th-cam.com/video/oKggGNlSxSw/w-d-xo.html And here is the brewcommander th-cam.com/video/R9NsgkTXRds/w-d-xo.html
Short Circuited Brewers Brian, does the brew commander have a function to turn the power on and off to the element? I read someone say he tested it and it was always on. Great show today
I really don't care if people in the United States use imperial or metric measurements, but please don't expect a system to allow you to do both at the same time.
I just found it interesting that you could change one part or the other but not have what you wanted to measure by choice. Just about any brewing software will let you mix metric and imperial. The app is supposed to let you create recipes. No big deal to me I just create my recipes elsewhere...
"Imperial measurements won't let you choose grams" ...Really ? What did you expected from Imperial ? :)))) You should call Grainfather to make a "Metrimperial" measurement system just for you ;)
Check out my review of the Grainfather conical and chiller.
th-cam.com/video/OOQtt5MJZos/w-d-xo.html
I've completed well over 100 brews with my GF and learned many things along the way. Couple tips for the newbies out there. 1) Unless you are using a hop sider always whirlpool before chilling. This will help the hops/trub settle to the middle of the GF and keep the pump following. 2) Sanitize the chiller before late edition hops. 3) Set your strike water temp to be about 7ºF higher than your mash in temperature.
And yes the new app is annoying. I wish I had the option to go back the old Connect app. Here's hoping GF will update the app and provide a stream-lined simple interface...
Thanks for the tips P!! I forgot to mention I had cleaned and sanitized the chiller beforehand.. I did run the near boiling wort through it too. Cheers P! 👍🍻
@Rasmus Hosbond Kirch - Laer Yes... That's how I normally sanitize the chiller.
I'm brewing up a Hoppy Pale Ale at the moment...
Happy Brewing...
Yes you can and should do it that way. with counter flow chillers though I do like to run a little bit of water through them first just to make sure there's nothing nasty in there before circulating into my wort.👍🍻
I've been out of brewing at home 13 years now. All I can say is WOW HAS THIS CHANGED. Where was this awesome equipment in the past.
Right!! When I started there wasn't any of this either!! 👍🍻
Great to see the final video after the initial issues you had, especially as things worked out pretty well in the end. At least they seem to have fixed the main problems with the app now but what remains does sound frustrating. I will see how it holds up with the new G70 very soon but like many these days I do not use the supplied software anymore. The G70 is certainly a big leap forward in terms of technology compared to this older 30L system, so I suspect this smaller model will get an update soon. Like you say at the end people need to work out if this is for them being in mind what is on offer vs the price tag. NIcely done Brian as always.
Thanks David! And thanks for the help!! Yes hopefully the G70 will be a step forward! Cheers! 👍🍻
Glad to see you put out a GF review! I bought mine used about six months ago and have had some of the same experiences.
On the chiller front: I fill a bucket with ice and water and drop a moderate flow pond pump in connected to the cold water line of the chiller. I also added a GF wortometer which takes the temp probe from the GF and puts it on the wort our side of the chiller. As soon as I see yeast pitching temps on the GF, it run it into the fermenter. That really speeds up the chilling process.
Honestly, I don’t use the app, I use Brewfather and it has all the timers and alarms for my recipes built in, no need to recreate the wheel. I do pair it with my phone to check the temps when I’m not right in front of the brewery.
It certainly isn't a lack of wanting to review the grain father unit. I just recently got this one. I think I should have clarified on the slow comment on the counter flow chiller. I mainly meant slow flow through the chiller. My ground water temperature was apparently below 50 degrees. So it worked fine from that aspect. I hear you on the app. My main thing was to try it and see how it worked, and if there were any problems with it in case anyone was watching the video, wondering about the app. I definitely like brewfather app. Thanks for commenting. cheers! 👍🍻
I have found mine to be reliable. Love being able to brew no matter what the weather is doing. It has also been pretty spot on for my gravities. It is a little pricey but I have been happy so far.
Sure! That is what matters quite honestly with any system. If you are happy with brewing, which is what the hobby is all about. Doesn't hurt you get to drink the fruits of your labor either!! Cheers! 👍🍻
What did u pay for it ?
Curt whao it was around $1000 usd. But I did buy a bunch of extra stuff like the jacket
Brian, nice vid. I've been brewing on mine for almost 4 years and love the fact that I'm no longer out in the cold garage, plus, no more lugging 50# of liquid down the basement stairs. A few notes for you and any other GF brewers:
1) The app has the ability to set up a timer to allow for a preheat of the water. Great for the dawn patrol brewers, ensuring you're all set for that 6 am start
2) The original instructions have you adding sparge water slowly, maybe a quart or two at a time. The control box has a count feature during the sparge. Each press of the up arrow = approx a quart/liter. Once you get to the target volume, it switches you over to boil mode ... or just go thru the app like you did in the vid.
3) Depending on your elevation and the barometric pressure on brew day, the actual boil temp may not get to 212F (100 C). I don't start the boil timer until after the hot break even though the app will say different.
4) No need to send the counterflow back into unit. Route it direct into the fermenter. You can control the temp by both the pump valve and cold water spigot.
5) Initially open up the pump valve a little during cooling. This helps set up a bed of trub on the filter and creates another layer for filtering. After a minute or so slowly open it up to full ... or whatever is needed to maintain the desired pitch temp. (Definitely like the Winter water temps. Summer water temps here in Cleveland don't quite get it down where needed.)
Nice!! Thanks for the tips and the feedback!! Lake effect!! Lol 👍🍻
All great tips! I personally love waking up to strike water temps, I have used that feature from day 1.
That's a great feature!
G30 is the best all grain brewing system out there had mine around 5 year love it
Great video. Thank you. Love your basement brewing setup! One suggestion: get an iPad wall mount and run the grainfather app on an iPad there instead of having to reach for your phone all the time.
Haha... If I only brewed on the grainfather I would certainly do that! Thanks for the comments! 👍🍻
Been using mine for about 4 years - overall, a great system. I also found that the filter in the bottom is inadequate. Purchased a Robobrew 35L malt pipe boiler screen, and this perfectly fits the GF under the malt pipe, and actually does a pretty great job!
The app is lacking, and the pump could stand to be more powerful.
I also have the Clawhammer BIAB system, and it does a great job as well. Bounce back and forth between these two systems.
Great video, Brian!
Thanks Nick! As I said in the video I enjoyed brewing on it. I have an extra bottom screen I could throw in.. Might have to try it on another brew. Cheers! 👍🍻
i have the origional version of the grain father, one big upgrade is getting a false bottom that sits under the grain basket.
helps a heap with hops cloging the filter.
i use the app to help with reminding me with additions and strike temps for brews ( my unit does not has bluetooth).
Nice video. There has been much discussion about the use of the overflow pipe and top plate on the GF, especially in regards to restricting the flow with the ballvalve.. In the end I contacted Grainfather directly about it and their answer was that the system was designed to have the valve fully open so wort can go down the pipe to ensure that there will always be enough wort under the grain basket for recirculation and to help prevent scorching.
Yeah I think if my grain bed had not been flowing like it was tht would have been necessary. However with the flow I had it wasn't an issue. Thanks for the tip!! 👍🍻
I'm going to be spending some time on your channel watching your electric brewing reviews and videos. I'm going to pull the trigger on a system here soon. Thanks for doing these Brian!!! They are extremely helpful
Thanks SJ!! You know where to find me if you need any more details! 👍🍻
thanks Brian allow me to buy this for my partner who has been brewing with this very cheap ebay brewing kit. appreciate your quality content
Thanks!! 👍🍻
Fine walkthrough. There was just one thing that had me shouting at the tv screen; you didn’t push down the overflow piece to fit into the gap in the top perforated plate during the mash. Otherwise excellent walkthrough
Meh.. Lol whatev.. I didn't have any issues.. I thought I heard something that sounded like you.. Must have been my ESPN.. LOL Cheers Larry!! 👍🍻
Also tip: you can add bittering addition directly without the hop spider, but you should Whirlpool at the end to collect the remnants of hop material, and whatever trub from protein coagulation remaining. Personally, I always use a hop spider, you'll get extraction with a 60 min boil no matter what... and I also always whirlpool because the filter for the GF is located on edge therefore making whirlpool insanely effective no matter what solid matter is present. Also tip: I use a 50 mesh in-line basket filter to catch any carryover... 100% effective.
Just search 3/8" Hose Barb in-Line Strainer with 50 mesh Stainless Steel Filter Screen, I also use it for transfer to kegs... Trust me it's a life saver if you are worried about stuck liquid out poppets.
Excellent down to earth and honest review, it really helps me in deciding what to buy, thanks.
Great!! Glad it helped! 👍🍻
WOW! I can't believe David took time away from the "BEER MAIDS" to talk about beer. I suppose if the beer maids we busy making the beer, David had some idle time to extend in the name of charity for fraternity. LOL Cheers Brian. I couldn't help but notice there was something missing from the vidya. No sensual music or slomo's. Kinda felt like a trip to the library. :) Thanks for all you do buddy. Happy Brewing.
Hahaha. I guess my elevator music is all you get on this one. I was lucky enough to get David away from the beer maids, apparently. The beer gods were smiling upon me that day. Lol!! Cheers!! 👍🍻
Already mentioned but the overflow tube and the inlet tube needed to be pushed down against the plate. Having it up like this likely allowed a lot of liguid to bypass the grainbed and roll down the tube. The proper positioning should add to efficiency. Otherwise, a very good video. I just replaced my old manual controller with the Bluetooth and really appreciate the guidance on the website. I’ve had my grainfather for quite a few years and even with a few engineering quirks it’s been a great system.
Thanks for the comments!
Great video! I'm working on my own "Grainfather G30 first brew day", will be a different style, more step-by-step quick look than lots of commenting. I think the two might look good together (but I'm by far not as good a talker as you, love that natural style!).
Haha!; Thanks man! Let me know when you get it done I'd like to check it out! 👍🍻
Thanks Brian for the review. Nice to have another persons fresh start view. I’ve been brewing with the system since it’s release. It works well for me and find that I’m getting almost 80% efficiency now. But it took awhile to dial in grain size and have learned to dial down the flow rates by about 50%. The main issue I find with the app now is their strike water calc’s are way off and my grain ends up too hot to start. Wondering if you noticed that too? Hope they add in WiFi ability for any future updates with an aged, but great working system.
Thanks Dan!! That was what I had to mess with when I mashed in. There was no accounting for temp drop when I mashed in. I adjusted it. Or so I thought.. Lol then had to adjust it back down.. It is a nice system to brew on. The app is not robust enough for me to brew with though. No pre boil gravity?? Really.. Lol cheers! 👍🍻
Great review and information, neatly explained. Cheers!
Good stuff Brian. Thanks for the review. Love the basement brew house and bar. You did a great job on that. Sla'inte!
Thanks guys!! It's a heck of a lot better than brewing outside!! Cheers!! 👍🍻
Good video 👍, I'm begining to like electric brewing, just so much easier and less mess to clean up. More accurate temperature's and don't have to worry about running out of gas 🥴, and you have the options to brew inside in the winter time. I'm looking at buying a electric Digiboil 35L, has 2 elements 500w+1900w 230v AC . I have a SS Brewtech 10gallon kettle which I converted into a mush Tunn and Kegland stand alone 25w pump with 1/2 camlock system/ 1/2 silicon tubing. I could do a larger brew at 9 gallons and higher gravity beers🍺
Nice! Sounds like you are on your way!! 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers check out the Kegland Digiboil 35L is a great way for people who want to convert there gas system to electric , very cheap upgrade 🍺
@@brewing8094 yep! I know the unit.. Not quite as accurate as the brewzilla at holding temps, but it works well! 👍🍻
I’ve had this system and had major issues. The problem was the boiler plug fusing/melting to the digital control unit. This happened 3 times! They honored the warranty but got fed up and went to the Blichmann 10gal breweasy. Just an FYI for your viewers.
Wow. I have seen some issues with them. I have not had any thank goodness. Thanks for the feedback. 👍🍻
Was yours a 120 or 240 system?
7:15 I mean, the quirky thing is mixing and matching grams and ounces within the same recipe.
18:30 It's not slow, you're using it wrong. The temp of the wort at the output was likely ready to pitch from the start, but you kept putting it back in the kettle, which was hot and only passively cooling.
Yeah that is a bit goofy! 👍🍻
Nice Video I enjoy your content of this and your many other videos that I've seen. Cheers!
Thanks! 👍🍻
You did not go from the start placing those screens with the silicone gaskets is a total nightmare top and bottom I find the top screen if not pushed down far enough will drop on its own and the centre conical piece will stay suspended allowing grain and hulls through thus clogging the pump filter making life difficult for the pump. I have had to shut the whole process down pull out my grain basket dump the liquid back in the grain basket to filter the stuff that got by the screen and wanted to settle and scorch on the bottom. Many times have I thought the old way was less troublesome and quicker very expensive sou vide lol.... cheers
Awesome showcase of this grainmaster. I really like your way of narrating things. Greetings from Germany :)
Thanks!! 👍🍻
My efficiency has always struggled with the grainfather compared to my ol’ reliable homemade mash tuns, 5g and 10g Igloo coolers, plus the ease of cleaning. I do love it as an all in one brew system though
I agree!
Overall I like my Grainfather a lot, but have completely abandoned the app as it is pure garbage. I only brew "manually". I also modified several parts, mostly per David Heath's suggestions. In the end, it works well and brews great beer.
Yes it brews fine beer. No fault with that at all. 👍🍻
G’day from Australia! Great video in a nice home brewery! Hope it hit your bitterness and flavour profile? Cheers....
Everything came out great!
I've been curious about these coffee urn systems for a while now but after watching this I don't see this as being much of an advantage or improvement to my current brew system. Especially considering the overall cost.
Sure. I get that. They aren't for everyone. They do work for some but not everyone. What are you currently using, if you don't mind sharing? Thanks for the comment! Cheers 👍🍻
So, grainfather vs anvil foundry? Is the grainfather really worth double the price?
Not IMO
For the beginning brewer which would you recommend between the Grainfather G30, The Anvil 10.5 and the Brewzilla Gen 4 35L?
Can you please do the vevor all in one. Looks like another brand but way cheaper
Yeah, it was frustrating for me, too. I put in a recipe and discovered everything was metric, which is fine, but I'm US and not thinking that way. To change the units you have to leave the recipe creation, and I couldn't save it, so it was lost. I had the same problem with the equipment profile, and had to login to the website, set the profile, and then sync the app with my online profile, which finally worked. The interface for the phone isn't great either, the list of ingredients when you do a search all pile on one another. Again, I created the recipe through the site and synched it. I'll be experimenting with the app tomorrow, as I set up a step mash, etc. Be interested to see how/if it works. Thanks for the video.
Your welcome thanks for sharing your experience as well. 👍🍻
Why use the overflow pipe if you're not going to seat it over the top mesh plate? Next time I'd look at having the mesh plate closer to the grain, then lower the extension pipe and overflow pipe until it seats into the mesh plate thus setting the grain bad evenly. This should help with lautering too
The wort her rose up high enough to overflow quite honestly. The top screen was down right above the grain. If the wort had started to rise very high with recirculating I would have pushed the pipe down, but I didn't need to. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Makes sense. I enjoyed the video nonetheless. cheers from Australia!
@@JeremyMacGregor cheers!! 👍🍻
Great review. Go Bengals!
Haha!! Got the bucket for a dollar from Home Depot..
Good video, been wavering on the grainfather and claw hammer setup. What is the piece of equipment you were using for the sparge water?
Thanks for the comments! The sparge water heater from Grainfather. It is like a temperature controlled coffee urn pretty much. Works well though 👍🍻
Great video Brian, Love the app portion of the Grainfather, but it's too expensive for me - It makes great beer and is a good experience, but it's too close to the cost of real 3 vessel systems. Robobrew is half the cost and for me, the app is not worth 50% more. (But, hey, to each his own! It's all about makin' beer! How can you go wrong?!?) Your brewhaus is sick...lucky, lucky dawg.
Thanks man!! Cheers! 👍🍻
jcinsaniac Have you looked at the Anvil Foundry?
@@Texaviator Sure have - has one advantage over the Robobrew - the pump is separate from the rest of the system. You can replace/upgrade easily. I have an Anvil burner - like it fine. (It's not a Blichmann Hellfire, but it'll do!) Wonder where the "wort sump" is - it's in the bottom of the Robobrew, so you get every drop - no tilting. But that is quibbling...price wise, there's both good values.
Great video 👍🏻👍🏻🍺🍺
Thanks Tom!! 👍🍻
Greetings Brian,
New to the home brew world and have watched most, if not all, of your reviews. Torn between the Anvil, Robobrew, and Grainfather. Price really isn't the deciding factor, just a quality, dependable rig. Do you have a favorite or preference between the three?
The anvil was recently redesigned with the controller up at the top. With that change it is a real competitor for the grainfather from a ease of use standpoint. Unless you have to have the connectivity. The Anvil is probably good to be the best value our of the three. The robonrew is a great system. The anvil does have a slight edge with the ability to convert to 240v IMO. 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers many, many thanks for your assistance. Looking forward to more videos.
Stupid question here but does the red hose just drain into the sink ? thats the cold water that has run through the coil and it exits out the red hose to sink until the desired temp has been reached to transfer to fermenter correct ?
Yes that is correct. It will still be pretty hot initially, then cool down over time.
Thanks for the heads up about this 'app' crap.
I won't be buying one as I don't have a 'smart' phone!
Very helpful video, I had a question about the wort chiller. I am in an apartment and dont have access to a hose. What kind of attachments did you use for the sink to cool hose? The sink I have currently is a run of the mill kitchen faucet head with no real good connection types. Is there another way to feed cold water into the cooling hose? Thanks
They do make slip over faucet adapters like this
amzn.to/3guzixK
Which system would you recommend for beginning all grain brewer the Grainfather G30 110v version 2 or the Anvil Foundry 10.5 110V?
The anvil..you can switch to 240 if you want. 👍🍻
can you comment or describe the increased grain requirement and how to calculate the increase from a standard receipe, using the Blichmann Brew Easy no sparge system?
You would just choose the equipment profile in your recipe software and use that to scale the recipe
How about a full brew day video on a brew tools system? ;)
It's coming I have the steam hat now, along with a few other items for it.
My first time here. like ok
Welcome!! 👍🍻
The ounces grams thing bothers me as well constantly converting.
Haha right!! 👍🍻
Foundry or GF? You have experienced both. Do they both boil about the same? I think I would rather have an immersion chiller on Foundry for easier clean up.
They do boil about the same on 120v but... The anvil can switch to 240. It REALLY boils on 240.
Ok so I’ve watched videos on both the Grainfather and the Anvil Foundry. Great job on those btw! I’m in the market and narrowed down to these two units but I gotta know, which do you prefer? I about know the price difference and not worried about that, what are your thoughts on the two units? Which do you prefer to brew on? Thanks
They are very similar in the type of control unit. As they both are a true PID control. I know you can get the grain father here in the US as a 240 V model. That is one of the advantages of the anvil is being able to switch voltages. From 120 to 240 depending on your ability to power it. I do like the external pump on the anvil because if it gets clogged you can clean it out. I know people say you can blow back through the hose on the Grainfather but I still prefer taking the pump apart and cleaning it out if there's a clog. The grandfather does have the advantage of being able to be controlled over Wi-Fi and import recipes etc. I know you said money is not an object so really it comes down to if you want to be able to control the unit remotely with your phone or some other device. And if you want to be able to switch voltages. I personally brew on the anvil more than the Grainfather. really the main reason that I do that is because I run the anvil at 240 V and it's so much faster than 120. Hope that helps! 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Yes! Thank you so much for the quick response. I appreciate your insight as always. I’ve been leaning towards the Anvil but the advantage of the WiFi is where my battle lies. That is what is intriguing to me. The ease of following along with the recipe is appealing. Thinking back when I first started brewing three years ago, I think about my first starter kit and since then it’s been all about the ways to make the process faster and easier without impacting quality of brew. I wish I could test drive them both! Tough decision to make. Hey...love the channel. You do a great job with you videos and they are always educational to the brewing community. Thanks again.
@@travdog916 thanks! Let me know what you choose! 👍🍻
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Absolutely will do Brian. Thank you!
@@travdog916 👍🍻
Hi, is the app fixt today? 2021-07?
It’s the G30 Going to be update like the G70 model ?
Not sure on that. They are working on an updated model though.
Im sorry. I dont recall if you mentioned in the video. Was this a 120v system?
Yes it is the North American version 120v.
Hey there. Been doing some mini brew with the Brooklyn sets. Want to upgrade to a all in 1 as my wife likes it clean and we don’t have tons of space. For a newbie like me is this what you would suggest or are there better tools out by now? Thanks!
I would check out the Anvil foundry. It's no where near as expensive and does a great job.. available in 10.5 and 6.5 gallon versions. Here is my video on the 10.5.
th-cam.com/video/Wk9TznTWzXY/w-d-xo.html
Thx. Just looked at your video! Issue is that I’m based in Europe so no go. Most people here use braumeister where with grainfather I could get a good fermenter with it. I love all the app business as my little one sidetracks ALWAYS 😂
Think I’ll book a day course at a local brew store and see if that helps the decision making... thanks for all you do for the community
@@paskrell sorry didn't realize you weren't in the USA. Grainfather is a good option then.
@@ShortCircuitedBrewers no worries! Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭!!
@@paskrell 👍🍻
Have you posted a video of how you made the hood?
Not yet.. On the to-do list.. I'm taking time off work soon to work on a bunch of videos.. That's one of them
Do you have a preference between the grainfather and the anvil? Anvil seemed more user friendly based on your videos.
The price is the biggest thing for me. After that I like the external pump so you aren't as prime to clogs. The dial voltage is a plus. You can the grainfather in 240 in the us now, but that wasn't always the case. As far a controller type they are both PID based which is best. The Anvil doesn't have any remote control but I don't care about that. 👍🍻
Would be good if we could see inside the actual thing. Then we can see what you are doing more clearly
Ok thanks for the feedback. 👍🍻
How long did it take to get to boil from your mash out temp?
Maybe a half hour? I did not time it but it seems like that was about the amount. Cheers Zach! 👍🍻
Hi! What type of hydrometer are you using?
Brewing America
Very nice video I really enjoyed it, the GF app used to be much better. The recipe creator was never any good. In my opinion anyways.
That's what I've heard on both.. Cheers Bradley!! 👍🍻
The app used to be very functional, a tool. Now it's a chore. I don't like using it AT ALL and I do not trust it. I prefer brewing on the Brewzilla 65L in manual mode, to be honest. The GF hardware is well-built, but they need to revert back to the old app.
That's what I hear.. I enjoy brewing on the 65L myself! 👍🍻
Have you ever done a review of Clawhammer?
I have one in house currently that I will be doing a review on shortly. 10 gallon 240v system. 👍🍻
Short Circuited Brewers AWESOME! That’s the exact one I’m looking at. Appreciate your work man.
@@mdswan47 thanks for letting me know!! 👍🍻
Short Circuited Brewers you bet. Curious how large a grain bill the 10 gal can realistically handle.
Brian, was wondering if you could advise me. I want to switch to a 20 gallon 240 volt single vessel Biab. I have $1,200 to work with, I have a plate chiller, pump, hoses, fittings etc. I need a kettle and controller, I was looking at clawhammer but I can’t come to grips with spending $700.00 for a single vessel controller. Any suggestions? Thanks
The blichmann brew commander is a great option. If you have any skills for building a Bayou classic kettle with a basket is a great platform to build on. Here is a system I built in action. (I haven't done the build video yet.) th-cam.com/video/oKggGNlSxSw/w-d-xo.html
And here is the brewcommander
th-cam.com/video/R9NsgkTXRds/w-d-xo.html
Short Circuited Brewers I will check it out, thanks
Short Circuited Brewers Brian, does the brew commander have a function to turn the power on and off to the element? I read someone say he tested it and it was always on. Great show today
@@marcusfabiousmaximus3463 it does not has a element specific switch I talked about it in my review. 👍🍻
Short Circuited Brewers thanks as always👍
What's the price on one of those?
Most places are $999
Thumbs up i subscribe
Thanks!!
I really don't care if people in the United States use imperial or metric measurements, but please don't expect a system to allow you to do both at the same time.
I just found it interesting that you could change one part or the other but not have what you wanted to measure by choice. Just about any brewing software will let you mix metric and imperial. The app is supposed to let you create recipes. No big deal to me I just create my recipes elsewhere...
"Imperial measurements won't let you choose grams" ...Really ? What did you expected from Imperial ? :)))) You should call Grainfather to make a "Metrimperial" measurement system just for you ;)
There's the comment I was expecting.. Lol 👍🍻
Whodey!