StillSmart

It wasn't so long ago that I seriously looked down on all in one BIAB brewing systems like the Grainfather but I now find myself seriously thinking of buying one!!!

I was thinking of building one, then decided to upgrade my mash tun with a RIMS system as a cheaper alternative, however BrewUK seem to have screwed my order up, ordered it last Monday, said the bits were in stock, then shipped, then delayed!!! long story short they had lost part of the RIMS kit so arnt shipping until it's all complete, I'm going to phone them tomorrow and cancel my order.

I really wanted a Braumeister (who doesn't) it is very expensive and it's very very nice but after much thought I think the Grainfather will be a better buy for me, not just cos it's half the price of the Braumeister (including a chiller) but from what I've read it's a little more efficient, can do a slightly larger brew lengths and as the element is hidden, it should be easier to clean, I can also upgrade the controller with a modified STC-1000+ Or the Italian Job to enable automatic step mash's etc

I recon I can get a few hundred quid on eBay for my old mash tun and 3kw 50lt boiler so it won't work out that expensive in the end.

The boiler also has a few extras, like a sealing lid with a 2"tri-clamp ferrule fitted to the lid, wonder what that's for!!! Lol

MIGHT assist your mind set Anavrin....take a look here www.forum.realbeer.co.nz

Once there go to Groups, pick up Grainfather Users Group, look for thread 'So I upgraded my Grainfather with a new brain'

Hope it helps

Brilliant idea. For me the real value of the BM is the controller.

An stc1000 controlled by arduino - nice..be well worth getting a small screen for it too.

The dirty deed is done, one Grainfather on its way, I can see myself having a go at whisky some time soon :-)

Well done...shame about BrewUK and the RIMS kit.

Nice one.

No mucking about eh

Just been having a look around Beersmith and there's a "addon" button...the GF profile is already there mate.

I've not had my beer smith activation code yet

Just had a quick play with the Grainfather in the guarage just to make sure it has no leaks etc, I heated a few litres of water up to 50°c and let it run like it was mashing with the pump running.

Seems to do what it says on the tin

Anavrin wrote:I've not had my beer smith activation code yet

Same thing happened to me, send they a email using the number they gave you when you payed...I got my code back within hours.

Your all setup now then... what's the first brew to be?? don't forget when BS is up and running get the GF profile added.

I've just joined the Grainfather clan, my new shiny toy arrived today. I quickly assembled it and ran it up to 65C with a StarSan mix then flushed with cold water ready for a Thursday brewday.

It came with all the mods, new pump gaiters and clips, new filter system, silicon seal on the grain bin bottom strainer.

Before buying I reviewed at least 300 of the 1,991 YouTube videos just to make sure.

SHMBO has made me some 40cm long voile hop bags and I have modded a Brupaks rotating sparge to run from my STC-1000 controlled T500.

Roll on tomorrow, in fact I probably won't sleep tonight, I'm like a kid with a new toy.

Well done VT...Welcome to the single pot club... what's the first brew going to be

Icefever wrote:Well done VT...Welcome to the single pot club... what's the first brew going to be

I've got a 7.3 Kg Belgium Pilsner mix + some Saaz & Hersbrucher Mittelfruh hops, about a 6.6% Blonde.

vino-tinto wrote: Roll on tomorrow, in fact I probably won't sleep tonight, I'm like a kid with a new toy.

Here's to today VT enjoy your maiden brew with the GF.
Keep us posted... pardon the pun...and if you take the odd photo?????