The Grainfather Connect

$999, grainfather.com

In 2016, we reviewed the first U.S. release of the Grainfather in “Brew Test: Electric All-in-one Brewing Systems” (beerandbrewing .com). That review gives you the basics and compares this unit to others. In this review, we largely focus on the updates.

Updates, Pros, and Cons UPDATES: The primary cons for the old version were the controller; slow heating; and a fit and finish reminiscent of a 30-cup coffee percolator. The good news: the controller has been completely redesigned to a digital PID controller that controls current and has companion apps for Android and IOS. Temperature control is much more stable; you can program your stepped mash; timers notify you when you need to take action—move on to boil, add hops, finish your boil; you can monitor your brew while you are doing other tasks (such as mowing the lawn); and you can fill your Grainfather the night before (let the chlorine evaporate out) and schedule it to be at mash temperature when you get up refreshed and ready to brew. And for you brewers who have the old controller, the new one is compatible with the old Grainfather, and you can order the new controller for $150. Slow heating has not changed, but for $50 you can add the Graincoat Insulation Jacket, which cuts your time from mash to boil in half, gives you a much more vigorous boil, and is definitely a worthwhile addition. Also: if you can, use a 20A circuit, and if you need an extension cord, get a high-amperage cord. Reducing power loss to the Grainfather helps a lot.

Fit and finish has remained about the same, but I’ve had no damage issues after a couple of moves and almost fifty brews on the first version.

The structure of the counterflow chiller is vastly improved. It works about the same, but is much easier to handle and move around.

If you live/brew in a small space, the compactness of the Grainfather as both mash and brew kettle is awesome. The built-in pump helps with mash, brew, and chilling to the fermentor.

Grainfather publishes an online “Weekly Mash” with tips and hints, and the online community is quite active. CONS: The new model doesn’t have handles. We recommend that you put it on a rolling cart with a shelf for the chiller, fermentor, and miscellaneous stuff for ease of movement for cleaning and storage.

The pump is sensitive to fouling/plugging. If you are coagulating a lot of protein or adding hops without a hop sack or a hop spider, you are in danger of plugging up the filter (requiring a bit of scraping with your paddle to clear it) or plugging the check valve just past the on/off valve from the pump, which is a real pain to clear in the middle of a brew. Use a hop sack or spider ($40 from Grainfather) to make your day easier. And make sure your cleaning regime includes disassembling the check value, blowing whatever is in the pipes out, cleaning the spring and ball, then reassembling.

Additional Gear You’ll Need You will probably need heated sparge water. I fill a pot and put it on the stove the night before. For the counterflow chiller, you need either a hose or access to a threaded faucet (a number of adaptors are provided with the Grainfather). You have the option of bringing water to the Grainfather or the Grainfather to water. I’ve done both (which is why I harp on handles).

You also need a fermentor. Grainfather sells a basic fermentor ($199) or the Pro Edition ($695), which is a conical fermentor with temperature control (both heat and cool), but it does not include the source of the cooling liquid. It is a well-thought-out unit. I’ve used both and would definitely pick the Pro over the basic fermentor.

What Would Make this Product Better? A whirlpool function would make the Grainfather better. I have a pump and piping for recirculation. With a little additional design, there could be a whirlpool recirculation pipe, which would really help with the end game of your brew day.

Verdict While I have brewed on (and really like) 3-vessel brew systems, I don’t have room for a 3-kettle system. I have found the Grainfather to be a great system for the price point and the space constraints of condo and townhouse living. — Roy Hall