Grainfather

[DEMPSEY]

And of course you have to do this as well,

Grainfather Profile for BeerSmith V2.3
Water to Grain ratio should be set at 2.7L/kg when selecting a mash profile
Default grain absorption should be changed in the Beersmith Advanced settings (tools->options->advanced). The default setting is 0.96 fl oz/oz. This will need to be changed to 0.7669 fl oz/oz (0.8 L/kg) to line up exactly with the Grainfather official calulations

[Níall]

I'd put this down to a freak occurrence. As I said, I've done about 60 sessions on my Grainfather and the only issues I've had were knocking off the filter when stirring the wort. Other than that I've never had any real problems.

If it happens again I reckon you're doing something wrong or something isn't hooked up right but I'd chalk this one down to experience.

Hopefully that's the case, I plan on brewing again between Christmas and New Year so will have a better idea then if it was a once off.

I brewed again over Christmas and this time I had no issues with the pump. I did however include almost 20% porridge oats in the grist and went with a single infusion mash which made for a stuck sparge, much lifting of the top plate, stirring of the mash and a little swearing. I did wonder whether a Beta Glucan rest might be worthwhile with such a high percentage of oats and I got my answer, so that's a lesson learned. Ultimately the wort got into the fermenter so we'll see how this turns out.

[mick02]

Has anyone else had any issues with their malt pipe (grain basket) ?

Mine has become mis-shapen so now when I put the perforated plate into the basket the rubber seal always comes off.

I can see that the basket is no longer perfectly round so it's causing these issues. It's a pain in my arse every brew day

[fishjam45 (Colin)]

Has it taken a bang maybe?

[DEMPSEY]

No issues here. They do recommend that if you are having trouble fitting the plate then to use some of the brewing flour from the grain crush to make the sides slippy   

[mick02]

It had a small fall but I wouldn't have thought enough to cause it to become misshapen. 

There are a few dings on the outside alright.

This is severe enough that brewing flour or water are not sufficient.

[fishjam45 (Colin)]

Post a few pics maybe?

Mind had a very light fall recently, landed on the upper lip which bent in but doesn't affect it's performance thankfully.

[mick02]

I'll try get some pics when I get home. It's not very easy to see from the pic though. If I put the perforated plate (without the seal) in the basket you should be able to see the problem.

[Pheeel]

Lads on the GF group on Facebook recommend spraying the silicone ring with starsan to help ease it in. I've never had any issues

[mick02]

This is definitely more than a snug fit, the basket is warped. I'll post pics when I get a chance

[armedcor]

Anyone here use the sparge heater? Worth it?

[DEMPSEY]

I do,it was €100 nicker but I thought that the grainfather was lonely without it . It give you just enough water for the sparge so its fine. I would recommend that you fill it and switch it on the same time you start the boil as it takes a long enough time to reach 75C.

[mick02]

I do,it was €100 nicker but I thought that the grainfather was lonely without it . It give you just enough water for the sparge so its fine. I would recommend that you fill it and switch it on the same time you start the boil as it takes a long enough time to reach 75C.

You mean switch it on when you start the mash right? 

[DEMPSEY]

Eeh,yeah,wot he said  

[DEMPSEY]

As Homers would say, Doh