Grainfather Connect Instructions

Introduction

The Grainfather is a revolutionary all-grain brewing system designed to provide home brewers with the capabilities of professional breweries. This manual guides you through the process of brewing your first beer from grain at home. For supplementary instructional material, please visit the Grainfather website and YouTube channel.

Website: www.grainfather.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Grainfather

Safety Information

The Grainfather is designed for small-batch beer brewing. Always use it for its intended purpose.

General Safety Notes

• Read all instructions before use.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid a hazard.
• This appliance is intended for household and similar applications.
• Always unplug the unit before cleaning, during storage, or in case of a fault.
• Do not immerse the cord or plugs in water or other liquids.
• The boiler, lid, and pipes can reach temperatures up to 100°C (212°F) and must be handled with caution. Never move the unit while in operation.
• The side handle is for transportation only when the Grainfather is empty, cooled, and not in use.
• Save these instructions for future reference.

Safety Cutout: The Grainfather features a boil-dry protection system that automatically switches off the element if the water level is too low. To reset, switch off and unplug the unit, empty any liquid, and press the reset button located underneath the boiler.

Packaging and Disposal

Remove all packaging material before use, including any securing items for the grain basket. Dispose of the unit responsibly, utilizing proper recycling facilities for electronic devices. Consult your local municipal administration for disposal information.

Technical Specifications

• Total Weight: 10 kg (22 lb)
• Capacity: 30 L (7.9 US Gal)
• Dimensions: 733 x 386 mm (29 x 15 inches)
• Stainless Steel Grade: 304
• Magnetic Drive Pump: 6 Watt, 1,800 RPM
• Power: 220-240V 2,000 Watts / 110-120V 1,600 Watts

Anatomy/Schematics

The Grainfather system comprises several key components:

1. Pump cover
2. Pump screw
3. Pump screw
4. Pump
5. Pump housing
6. Pump silicone tube top
7. Pump silicone tube bottom
8. Pump inlet pipe
9. Reset switch
10. Thermometer probe cover nut
11. Thermometer probe cover
12. Element cover
13. Filter inlet
14. Filter
15. Silicone tube fixing ring
16. Bottom boiler bracket
17. Discharge pipe
18. Discharge pipe nut
19. Top boiler bracket
20. Discharge pipe screw
21. Ball valve
22. Safety valve seal
23. Safety valve
24. O ring
25. Recirculation pipe
26. Silicone hose
27. Tempered glass lid
28. Boiler body
29. Control box power plug
30. Control box
31. Pump plug
32. Heating element plug
33. Inner basket lifting handle
34. Inner basket
35. Grain stopper
36. Overflow inlet
37. Top perforated plate seal
38. Top perforated plate
39. Top overflow pipe
40. Bottom overflow pipe
41. Bottom perforated plate seal
42. Bottom perforated plate
43. Overflow nut

Getting Started

Important to Read Before Starting

• Clean the Grainfather and Counter Flow Wort Chiller before first use to remove manufacturing oils. Refer to cleaning instructions on pages 11 & 12.
• For small grain bills (under 4.5 kg / 9.9 lb), refer to page 14.
• Ensure a sanitized fermenter is ready for cooling and transferring.

Controller Operation

Operate the Grainfather Connect Control Box according to the included instructions. Familiarize yourself with its functions before brewing. Download the Grainfather Connect app (Android and iOS) for an enhanced experience.

Get the Most Out of Your Grainfather Connect

Grainfather Brewing Community

Join the Grainfather Brewing Community for access to cloud-based recipes, recipe creation tools, and advice from fellow brewers. Features include:

• Recipe Creator: An intuitive web platform to build beer recipes from scratch, with searchable ingredient menus and guides for beer styles.
• Grainfather Connect App: Sync your created recipes with the app to control your Grainfather via mobile device and log brew session notes.
• Cloud-Based Recipes: Access and edit a wide variety of recipes shared by the community.
• Badges: Unlockable badges to showcase brewing skills.

Assembly

Assembling the Recirculation Pipe

Ensure an O ring (24) is fitted into the plastic knob. Attach the silicone hose (26) to the barbed end of the recirculation pipe. Set aside for use during mashing.

Attaching Control Box

Assemble and attach the Grainfather Connect Control Box as per its specific instructions.

Discharge Pipe Operation

The discharge pipe features a ball valve for flow control. It also incorporates a safety valve with a spring mechanism that automatically shuts off flow if the valve becomes blocked. Regularly clean the valve assembly to prevent blockages.

Assembling the Boiler & Inner Basket

Assemble & Install the Filter

Insert the silicone tube into the filter (14), ensuring the hole faces down. Secure the filter in the silicone tube groove with the round silicone piece. Attach the silicone tube to the filter inlet (13) on the boiler.

Install Bottom Overflow Pipe

Remove the overflow nut (43) from the bottom overflow pipe (40). Insert the pipe into the hole in the bottom perforated plate (42) and secure it with the nut.

Insert Thermometer Probe

Fit the thermometer probe into the thermometer probe cover (11).

Install Top Overflow Pipe

Push the top overflow pipe (39) over the bottom overflow pipe (40), ensuring the wire springs face downwards.

Install Bottom Perforated Plate

Firmly push the bottom perforated plate (42) into the inner basket (34). Wetting the inside of the basket or using grain dust can ease insertion. Ensure the plate is level.

Operating Instructions

Mashing

Follow these general instructions along with your specific recipe and Grainfather Connect Control Box instructions.

Mash Water Calculation

Use the provided formula to calculate the required mash water volume:

Metric: (Grain bill (kg) x 2.7) + 3.5 = Mash water volume (L)

Imperial: (Grain bill (lb) x 0.34) + 0.9 = Mash water volume (US Gal)

Set Mashing Temperature

Input the desired mash temperature into the control box and switch on the heat.

Add Water to the Boiler

Add the calculated mash water volume to the boiler body (28) with the inner basket removed to view the internal scale.

Replace the Inner Basket

Insert the inner basket (34), ensuring the top overflow pipe (39) is fully extended.

Cover Overflow Top Pipe

Place the grain stopper (35) into the top overflow pipe (39). The stopper's rolled edge indicates the maximum extension height.

Add Grain

Once the mash temperature is reached, slowly add the grain to the inner basket (34), stirring to prevent clumps.

Attach the Recirculation Pipe

Screw the recirculation pipe (25) onto the discharge pipe (17). Ensure the silicone hose (26) passes through the glass lid hole and rests on the top perforated plate (38).

Install Top Perforated Plate

Fit the top perforated plate (38) onto the grain bed without compressing it. Ensure it is level.

Install Overflow Inlet

Fit the overflow inlet (36) onto the top overflow pipe (39) and press it into the hole in the top perforated plate (38).

Turn on the Pump

Switch on the pump. Wort should flow through the recirculation pipe and fill the space above the top perforated plate.

Step Mashing Temperatures

Follow your recipe for mashing out procedures.

Sparging

If using the Grainfather Sparge Water Heater, pre-heat sparge water to 75°C (167°F). This typically takes about 20 minutes for 18 L (4.75 US Gal).

Sparge Water Calculation

Metric: (Preboil volume (L) + Mash water volume (L) - Water loss in boil & trub (L)) + (Grain bill (kg) x 0.8) = Sparge water volume (L)

Imperial: (Preboil volume (US Gal) + Mash water volume (US Gal) - Water loss in boil & trub (US Gal)) + (Grain bill (lb) x 0.1) = Sparge water volume (US Gal)

Lift the Basket and Rotate

Attach the inner basket lifting handle (33) and lift the inner basket. Rotate it 45 degrees to rest on the support ring at the top of the boiler.

Sparge

Allow mash liquid to drain. Gently press the top perforated plate (38) down onto the grain bed. Pour sparge water evenly over the grain, maintaining a level approximately 10 mm (0.4 inches) above the plate.

Caution: Do not twist the basket while in the sparge position. If the sparge is stuck, slice the grain bed with a paddle. Ensure the support ring is well-tensioned.

Boiling

Switch to Boil

Once the inner basket is draining, set the Grainfather to boil. Be cautious to avoid boil-overs, especially during the initial foaming period (first 5-10 minutes). Stir foam down with a paddle. Scrape the element periodically to prevent the safety cutout from engaging.

Do not replace the tempered glass lid during boiling.

Add Hops and Take Readings

Stir the wort before taking a preboil Specific Gravity (SG) reading. Add boil additions as per your recipe. Boiling typically lasts 60-90 minutes.

Plumbing the Counter Flow Wort Chiller

Attach the Cooler Connection

Connect the counter flow wort chiller to the Grainfather using the plastic knob on the discharge pipe. Ensure an O ring is present. Run cleaner through the system before the first brew.

Cooling

Connect the Wort Hose

After boiling, create a whirlpool by stirring. Place the chiller on the glass lid, fitting its tube into the lid hole. Screw the plastic knob onto the discharge pipe (17). Insert the 'cold wort out' hose (connection D) into the lid hole. Ensure no wort or water tubes are kinked.

Connect the Tap Water Hose

Connect the two long hoses (B and C) for tap water. Connection B is for cold water inlet, and C is for hot water outlet. Turn on the pump to recirculate wort through the chiller for 5-10 minutes to sanitize the coil.

Pump Wort into Fermenter

Turn on the cooling water. Once connection D runs cold, switch off the pump and place it in a clean, sanitized fermenter. Add yeast as per recipe instructions and take an Original Gravity (OG) reading.

Cleaning

Use a dedicated CIP cleaner like Grainfather High Performance Cleaner or PBW cleaner. Alternatively, use an alkaline, non-caustic, non-staining detergent suitable for stainless steel and copper. Avoid chlorine-based or corrosive cleaners.

Empty the Trub, Add Water and Cleaner

Empty the trub. Rinse and replace the pump filter. Fill the boiler with water and cleaner according to the cleaner's instructions.

Recirculate Clean Water

Empty the cleaner and fill the boiler with clean cold water. Scrub the boiler's interior. Recirculate water through the chiller and recirculation pipe.

Recirculate Through the Chiller

Connect the counter flow wort chiller. Set the temperature to 55°C (131°F). Recirculate the cleaner through the chiller for 5 minutes via the 'cold wort out' hose (connection D) through the glass lid hole.

Recirculate Cleaner

After 5 minutes, remove the chiller and connect the recirculation pipe (25). Recirculate the cleaner for another 10 minutes.

Ensure all parts are dried before storage. Clean and sanitize other equipment using appropriate cleaning systems.

Fermenting & Beyond

Fermenting

1. Transfer wort to a sanitized fermenter and pitch yeast immediately to prevent bacterial infection. Follow recipe guidelines for yeast strains and fermentation temperatures.
2. Seal the fermenter with an airlock filled with water.
3. After 7-10 days, measure SG with a hydrometer. Fermentation is complete when SG remains stable for two consecutive days.
4. Once fermentation is complete, transfer to a secondary fermenter (or use the same one) and add beer finings. Allow 2 days for clearing.

Bottling

Prepare approximately 30 x 750ml bottles. Ensure bottles are cleaned and sanitized.

1. Clean bottles using a cold water cleaner solution and a bottle brush. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Sanitize bottles using a no-rinse sanitizer solution. Allow to dry.
3. Transfer beer to bottles using a siphon or bottler.
4. Add 5g (0.2 oz) of white sugar or 2 carbonation drops per bottle for priming, then seal.

Kegging

1. Clean and sanitize kegerator and kegs.
2. Transfer beer from the fermenter to the keg using a siphon, minimizing splashing to avoid oxygen exposure.
3. Seal the keg lid and connect to CO2 at 12 psi for 4-7 days.

Forced Carbonation

1. Chill the keg for 1 hour.
2. Connect the CO2 line to the 'in' post.
3. Set pressure to 30 psi for 2 days.
4. Reduce pressure to 12 psi for 1 more day.
5. Release excess pressure if necessary. Chill the keg for 4 hours.
6. Connect CO2 at 8-10 psi.

Additional Information

Small Grain Bills Below 4.5 kg (9.9 lb)

For grain bills under 4.5 kg (9.9 lb), add extra mash water. Follow the standard calculation for initial mash water, add grain, then add additional water until the level is just above the perforated plate. Record the amount of additional water added.

Sparge Water Calculation (Small Grain Bills)

Metric: (Preboil volume (L) - (Mash water volume (L) + Additional water (L))) + (Grain bill (kg) x 0.8) = Sparge water volume (L)

Imperial: (Preboil volume (US Gal) - (Mash water volume (US Gal) + Additional water (US Gal))) + (Grain bill (lb) x 0.1) = Sparge water volume (US Gal)

Final Volume in Fermenter

Account for water loss during boiling (approx. 3 L / 3 US qt) and in the Grainfather (approx. 2 L / 2 US qt) to estimate the final volume in the fermenter.

If You Collect Too Much Wort

Boil for longer to increase evaporation and achieve a higher Original Gravity (OG).

If You Don't Collect Enough Wort

Top up the boiler with water. Longer boiling times will result in higher OG and ABV, but less volume.

Grain Crush

Ensure grain is crushed correctly. Insufficient crush reduces starch availability; over-crushing can lead to a stuck mash.

Distilling

The Grainfather can be used for distilling spirits with the addition of Pot Still Attachments. Check local regulations regarding alcohol distillation.

Efficiency

Efficiency is calculated using the formula:

Efficiency (%) = (Last 2 digits of SG x Preboil volume (L)) / Grain bill (kg) x 100

ABV Calculation

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is calculated using the formula:

ABV (%) = (OG - FG) x 131.25

Grain Weight and ABV: Generally, ABV correlates with grain weight (e.g., 5 kg grain ≈ 5% ABV), but mash and fermentation conditions influence the final ABV.

Calculating Standard Drinks

Standard drinks can be calculated using:

Standard Drinks = Amount of drink (L) x ABV (%) x 0.789

Responsible Drinking: Be aware of the alcohol content of your beer and advise consumers accordingly. Drink responsibly.

Glossary

• ABV: Alcohol by Volume.
• Beta Glucan Rest: 45-50°C (113-122°F) for breaking down beta-glucans.
• Brewing Water: Water characteristics affect enzyme efficiency and yeast activity. Additives can correct hardness and pH.
• Counter Flow Wort Chiller: A heat exchanger for cooling wort.
• EBC: European Brewing Convention, used for beer color.
• Enzymes: Proteins that convert starch to sugars, activated at specific temperatures.
• Ferment: Yeast converting sugars to alcohol and CO2.
• Fermenter: Vessel for holding brew.
• Final Gravity (FG): Gravity measurement at the end of fermentation.
• Grain Bill: Grains used in a recipe.
• Hop Addition: Quantity and timing of hop additions.
• Hydrometer: Measures liquid density (Specific Gravity).
• IBU: International Bitterness Units, measures beer bitterness.
• Mash: Mixture of grain and water, held at specific temperatures.
• Mash Out: Ramping temperature to 75°C (167°F) to denature enzymes.
• Original Gravity (OG): Gravity measurement at the start of fermentation.
• Protein Rest: 45-55°C (113-131°F) for head retention and clarity.
• Refractometer: Measures wort/beer sugar content.
• Saccharification Rest: 55-72°C (131-162°F) for sugar conversion.
• Sparge: Rinsing grain with hot water to extract sugars.
• Specific Gravity (SG): Density of a liquid.
• Step Mashing: Mashing in distinct temperature stages.
• Trub: Proteins and hops remaining after wort transfer.
• Wort: Liquid produced from mashing grain.
• Whirlpool: Stirring wort to collect trub in the center.

Legality

Homebrewing is legal in most countries, but selling alcohol requires a license. Drink responsibly and do not supply alcohol to minors.

Guarantee Conditions

• Statutory guarantee conditions apply for 3 years from the date of purchase.
• A valid purchase receipt is required for guarantee claims.
• No guarantee for defects due to non-compliance with instructions, improper handling, or unauthorized repairs.
• Contact Grainfather for any product defects within the guarantee period.

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