Mash and Boil Systems

I’ve got 250ish brews on a Grainfather. It’s actually the only device I’ve ever brewed on so I don’t have much to compare. It’s nice to be able to brew inside and there’s a lot less stuff to clean. The step mashing is nice as well.

Yes it takes a while to get heat up. I preboil all my water and then drop to mash temps. You can set the timer to turn it on ahead of time or you can just split the strike water in half. Heat half in the grainfather and half somewhere else. Pretty much cuts the time in half.

There are other issues like large grain bills. Even if you recirculate you’ll still need to stir large grain bills to get better efficiency. You rely only on gravity when sparging, so sometimes you can get crappy efficiency if your sparge goes too fast. Ideally you want one that’s pretty slow. Flaked adjuncts help slow everything down.

I’ve done a few other modifications as well to improve a few other weird issues I’ve encountered.

 

I use a High Gravity Electric Brew in a Bag for 5 gallon batches, 110 volt model. Basically, this is a Blichmann Boil Coil with a temp controller with a 10 gallon Bayou classic kettle with basket insert. I have the version with the recirc pump, but I haven't used the pump for a couple years now, as it is noisy.

• It does take longer than a propane burner to heat to mash and boil, although if I had the 240 volt model, I don't think this would be an issue. Regardless, it is easy to find things to do to be productive during the heat time: make coffee, let the dog out, weigh out mineral additions, weigh out grains, crush grains, etc.
• The boil coil boil does not get as vigorous as a propane burner, but this has not proven to be a shortcoming in any way that I perceive.

In short, I would not hesitate to go for an electric system again.

 

I also use a Grainfather. Overall I'm very happy with it. It's very easy to use and clean and the automated step mashing is awesome. I usually use the timer to heat strike water, so it's just ready when I want to start. Reaching a boil does take a bit and it's not a rigorous boil.

For me it's perfect because I have twin 5 year olds and I can't spend my time hovering over a propane burner in the garage (my wife would not appreciate that either). I brew very often and am able to do so by monitoring the iPad on the couch while the GF does it's thing.

 

I've also been considering going to a Grainfather, RoboBrew or Braumeister in the future. One of the issues, I understand, is that when brewing indoors, you need a good exhaust system to keep moisture out of the house and causing mold.

What kind of exhaust system do those who have these systems use?

 

I have a Brewer's Edge Mash and Boil system and I really like it. It's simple, works on a regular outlet, and it makes brewing inside in the winter in NY possible. The drawbacks are that it is tough to get a high efficiency, especially if you get the version without the recirculating pump like I did. Also, it doesn't hold a very large grain bill. I believe 14-15 pounds it's its max. If i want to do a higher abv beer, then i usually have to replace some of the base malt in the original recipe with DME added to the boil. It also takes much longer to boil than my propane burner and pot set up

 

I have a Brewer's Edge Mash & Boil and I am very happy with it. This thread has a lot of great info in it, including some tips that might be helpful for you, @corm44 . I struggled with efficiency for a bit but now that I'm dialed in it hasn't been an issue. I've also never brewed on another system so I don't have experience for comparison, but I don't regret my decision to go with the M&B.

Cheers

 

Just saw this.....short notice but if you act by midnight tonight the Brewers Edge Mash & Boil with pump is on sale at Williams for $320, regularly $400.

 

I was given a Butterball electric turkey fryer but traded it in. Came with a basket and drain. Should have kept it to make small batches.I think it would have worked great.

 

How would you have maintained a mash temperature over the 60 minute mash?

Cheers!

 

Like a keezer. One of my Inkbird/ranco and some testing. Stick the probe in and keep it the top loose or drill a hole in the top. The basket had big holes so i would have installed a stainless steel mesh inside it.

 

I also have a grainfather and save myself a couple hours on brew day.
Its not like it brews it for you, so youre still brewing. My favorite part of it is the Mash/Lauter. My OGs have always been spot on. I also have a really nice SS Brewtech Infussion mash tun, kettle setup. I keep saying Im going to use it again..

 

Ive also made some tweaks. Its not an all-in-one thats for sure. The counter wort chiller for example. I use one of my SS Brewtech Brew Bucket chiller pumps and drop it in a 7 gallon bucket of ice water. drain the first minute or two into another bucket since its super hot.
I also use a stepped gravity sparge setup in an igloo cooler fitted with a valve, hose and a sparge disperse nozzle. Sparge takes me about 45 minutes.

 

Have any critical parts failed? If yes, how was customer service?

 

Yup. I had to bypass the reset switch and I’ve gone through two controllers but GF replaced both. For as much as it gets used though I would say it’s held up well.