The Grainfather is a 110 volt compact self
contained RIMS mashing, boiling, and cooling system for mashing 5
gallon batches of beer. What is unique is that no special circuit,
plug, or wiring is needed - this runs on any 110 volt 20 amp
rated plug with a GFCI. It features a 6 watt recirculating
pump, for the mashing stage, and a separate counter flow wort chiller
that you insert into the Grainfather when it is time to cool the 5
gallon batch after the electric powered boil. The boil is handled
by a 1600 watt heating element.
For the initial mashing stage, you
load the Grainfather with crushed grist (up to 18 pounds) per your
recipe, set the thermostat to your desired mash temperature, add water,
and let it go. Because it is a RIMS system, you can easily do multiple
temperature rest mashing if desired - just adjust the
temperature upwards with the thermostat whenever you want to
go to another temperature rest. In addition the manual thermostat
control, the Grainfather Connect Bluetooth control is also included.
After the mash cycle is done, you lift the grain basket partially so you can manually sparge by pouring water over the grain basket into the Grainfather below. You need to heat your own mash water, either by heating 5 gallons or so to boiling with the Grainfather before mashing and storing it in a stainless boiling pot, or heating when it is time to sparge with a separate brew pot on a stove. What we did was heat our sparge water in the Grainfather by getting it to boil in the Grainfather, then transferrring to a stainless boiling pot, and putting a lid on the pot. We then heated the pot briefly on a stove to raise it from 160° F. to the 168° F. needed for sparging,
After manual sparging, the grain basket is removed and you set the 1600 watt electric element to boil. It takes about 60-80 minutes to come to boil depending on ambient temperature. Hops are added manually during the boil per your recipe plan.
When the boil is over, you insert the included counter flow wort chiller to chill the wort which requires an external supply of cold water to run. Our tests found this counter flow chiller extremely efficient, we chilled a 5 gallon batch of Double IPA to pitching temperature (about 78° F.) in 25 minutes, and only used 20 gallons of 70° F. water. It was so efficient that we just ran the end of the wort pipe from the counterflow directly into our fermenter.
After brewing, you run about 3 gallons of
water (ideally saved from the chill) through the GrainFather again
with a bit of PBW or other cleaner to clean the pump, lines, and
counter flow chiller.
The Grainfather comes with a 3 year warranty. We also offer a 60
day money back guarantee on everything we sell, even if you have used
it (although this does not cover return shipping). It is 27" tall
with the recirculation tube attached, the cylinder body is 12" in
diameter, and 15" in overall diameter when you consider the pump and
thermostat.
A Grainfather app which allows you to upload
recipes, and times your brew, is available free for Android and
iOS. For iOS, go to iTunes and search for Grainfather, for Android, go
to Google Play (the Android App has just been updated!). The included
Connect Controller includes Bluetooth connectivity.
Important
Note: A signature is required upon delivery, so pick a
shipping address where someone is available to sign during the
week.
For YouTube video resources, click HERE
We highly recommend you read the excellent Grainfather instruction manual before ordering.
Keep in mind the instructions have a mistake - it takes at least an hour to come to a boil with the 110 volt heat element, not 20 minutes like the instructions say (the instructions are based on the 220 volt current of the New Zealand market, not the 110 volt current of the North American market If you want a 220 volt Grainfather G30, order our item J21 instead).
Click to download the
assembly instructions in pdf format.
Dec 09, 2022 by Patrick
Q: I need a meta lid for the G30 that I can attach a tri clamp fitting to for others items to connect. What is available?
A: See our item B80, Grainfather and Brewzilla distilling lid. Also see our Tri Clamp Bulkhead Z56, which fits this lid and gives you a 2" Tri Clamp fitting on top.
Apr 09, 2018 by Daengren
Q: Is at just a 1600 w element or is there also a 600 w element as described on other websites?
A: There is a switch that lets you choose between 600 and 1600 watts. So there are two elements.
Jan 14, 2018 by Joe
Q: Since the Grainfather is available in New Zealand in the 220 volt version, would there be a possibility of offering it in the U.S. in a 220 volt version, as well, or does it require 50 Hz AC instead of the 60 Hz AC in the U.S.? Thanks.
A: At present, there are no plans to offer a 220 volt version in the USA.
Nov 02, 2016 by Bill M
Q: What is the size of the wort chiller tubing? In other words, what size hose barb fits the wort chiller tubing?
A: 5/16" Interior Diameter
My latest brew equipment upgrade
This GrainFather is perfect, well packaged for delivery, arrived safely no damage to package or contents. I have unpacked it all and am getting ready to begin using this magnificent piece of equipment. Have to watch a series of videos to make sure I do everything correct before I start to use it for my brews. Great quality of workmanship and look forward to having some good experiences.
Awesome
System works perfect!
great piece of equiptment
I decided to go all-grain and did a lot of research. Williams had a good deal on the grainfather package. The only problem I had was the shut off valve was defective. Thomas was wonderful and took care of everything. I've used it 3 times now and could not be happier with my decision.
The Grainfather is AMAZING!
I have been brewing for several years now on a propane system and glad I started there as it helped me to really learn the craft of brewing. However now that I have the Grainfather I am not sure that I would ever go back to a propane system. It is easy to use, gives more control, allows me to brew anytime day or night and is easy clean up. No more taking a giant brew kettle into the shower for me! Everything can be cleaned at my kitchen sink. If you have the money and are on the edge of buying I would say pull the trigger. Especially through Williams Brewing. They are really on top of their game with great prices and AMAZING customer service. I had one little issue with the system when I received it, The wort chiller connector wasn't the right size, and Bill worked with me in a very quick fashion to get me the right part. Again I can't recommend this system or Williams Brewing enough.
Grainfather
I've been brewing for over 20 years and I've always used my 3 tier, gravity flow, propane fired all grain system with great results. I bought a Grainfather through Williams Brewing because I wanted an electric system that I could use indoors. I only have two GF brews under my belt, but both have come out fantastic! I love my Grainfather and would buy it again in a heartbeat. Williams Brewing shipped it out the day I ordered it and it arrived just a few days later--now that's service.