Grainfather G70 North American Model First Look

[@BobbyFromNJ]

The market for this is people who have deep pockets and no DIY savvy at all. If a customer called me and asked about this unit, I'd try to sell them either TWO Anvil Foundry 10.5 systems or a single 20 gallon BIAB system. Both of those options are far less money. The main downside to fully manufactured solutions is just how proprietary every component is and ultimately they are quite underpowered. The reason why we see units maxed out at 3500 watts is because 240v/15amp is pretty standard across the rest of the world. In the U.S. though, 240v is a rare sight. If anyone is going through the effort of installing a new 240v circuit, sky is the limit so we really want 5500 watt units.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Can't disagree with you on those points at all.. Thanks for chiming in Bobby! 👍🍻

[@FermentationAdventures]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers yeah I rolled my own 15 gallon biab system for much less than $2000.. and less than $1000.. and that is with a prebuilt controller from Brau supply and a bunch of components from Bobby's website... and I can easily do 5 to 10+ gallon batches.

[@drinkingwithbrian6406]

after seeing this video, i am so happy i went with the Anvil Foundry. for the price, the foundry performs awesome.....the price for the grainfather is insane and i'll say based on seeing how the temps have been with this video and others, i would never invest in this. seems like an overpriced, under-performing all in one hunk of junk....just my opinion....love the video tho Brian!

[@JFlywheel]

I like it for different reason than you suggest. I like that it's very integrated vs other systems that use seperate controller boxes, and that it's more programable. But the negatives are as you say, proprietary parts (I could live with that though since it has allot of support). I already have a 14-30 dryer plug, which is the standard 240v most people have, so it's confusing that it does not use that plug. My house is full of 240v, I don't think it's rare. My stove, oven, both 240v as well as my water heater and laundry. And my car! 240v isn't rare, but it's almost always a 30 amp or 50 amp circuit.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Good to see another honest account of the G70 Brian. As you saw I had temp issues with my first brew but your 179 never reaching 180 is different to the over shooting I experienced, pretty much an opposite problem really. You sure got a better level of boil, so that is something. It was very interesting to see you look inside the G70. What I have not seen anywhere is mention of this minimum batch size? My brew was certainly under this amount but I cannot see that this would cause the issues I had. I look forward to seeing how your first brew goes next :)

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks David. The grai Grainfather website showed it under the specifications section. It wasn't a bad boil and that was 12 gallons.. Not sure how it would fair with the max pre boil volume!! 👍🍻

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Mine was with a final batch of 30L that ended up 28L...very puzzling.

[@AstroHAM]

Thanks Brian for your Un-Biased 1st look!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I don't know any other way!! Thanks for the feedback! 🍻👍

[@fdk7014]

A good, honest review. Thank you. Yeah it has a premium price tag but it's not a premium unit. If I were to buy a larger system this would be far down the list.

[@Trent1899]

I think I'll wait to see the price point and details of Spike's new single vessel BIAB system. I believe they are starting with a 20 gal set up. While that's too big for my use I belive their hardware is a little more robust that Grainfather.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Yes they are!! I will be getting a pre release testing unit very soon so keep an eye out 😎🍻👍

[@chiefsmash7516]

That's the one I'm interested in too. those guys put out some great products and I'd be more inclined to spend 2K on something they put built, not that I want to spend that much.

[@chiefsmash7516]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers can't wait to see that video.

[@northerntrouble]

Thanks Brian, for another great review of the grainfather G70. Cheers

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks John!!

[@aaronwolfenbarger2122]

Thanks Brian, always appreciate your insight on the new systems coming out.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thank you! 👍🍻

[@beeroquoisnation]

Great overview Brian. I agree with you on the monetary position. This is for the guy or gal that wants to get a system with a single click of the mouse. I think Clawhammer is going to really shine when it comes out with its latest big boy all in one. From a classical assembling of great brewing products the Blichmann BrewEasy has this price point DOMINATED. So much more for the money, but most importantly QUALITY. Similar footprint, slightly different process. Cheers

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks for the comment! 👍🍻

[@beeroquoisnation]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Anything for you Brother. David Heath had a comprehensive assessment of the quality on this unit. It needs to show some great performance characteristics to capture a deeper appreciation for value. Time will be the determining factor.

[@januszkszczotek8587]

Users here in the EU made the experience, that the minimum grain bill is rather 9kg (or even slightly more) and not the 8kg specified on the website. Otherwise the price seems a little hefty for the build quality and considering the competition (especially BrewTools). Let's hope Grainfather now makes a new and improved version of the G30.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Yeah there is a lot of competition out there.. 👍🍻

[@stigberntsen9301]

I have mad a 5 gallon brew on it, no problems at all, did block the overflow (not needed anyway on a small batch)

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I could see that.. Thanks for the tip.

[@beerme_2]

I am interested in electric brewing to allow for more brewing sessions during the winter months. I recently did brew on propane but in my garage..The review on the Grainfather looks to be a nice option but it's a beast for my consumption levels. Nice review by the way!... My challenge, I enjoy the home brewing process and currently doing 5Gal batches, I end up gifting or dumping (blasphemy) more than I typically drink. I look for variety and can't wait for the next brewing session, did I mention that I enjoy the brewing process..yep.. looks like BBQby Larry is adding electric brewing as an option. One of your previous live streams I watch the 3 system brew off assistant brewer Kelly helped you with. You have me leaning toward the Anvil foundry10.5 Gal with the 120/240v option seems to a good choice and priced very well..

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

It is a great system, since they moved the controller up to the top it's even better! 👍🍻

[@bradalden8347]

Your reviews are top notch. But I’m a hands on brewer and like simple things.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Don't blame you one bit! 👍🍻 Thanks for the feedback!

[@StassBrewing]

Ooph, that price is 50% more than they cost in AUD ($1995 AUD). You beat me to taking the base off!😆 Great video Brian. Will be a week or so before I get to brew on mine. The overflow on the malt pipe looks the same as the G30 so the micro pipe from the G30 should fit. They obviously designed it like that as malt pipes are same height. My unit doesnt seem to have the same dimples in the bottom. Interesting to watch this space. Cheers

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Haha I had to check out the internals!! 👍🍻 look forward to your video! Cheers!

[@cjdigger87]

Currently I’m using Robobrew v3 and I’m looking at a bigger setup. At the moment I’m leaning towards the Brewtools b80 pro. But the $$$ is holding me back.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

These systems are not cheap!

[@cjdigger87]

What’s your thought between the Gf and bt? I watched your live brew and could sense a little frustration.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

@@cjdigger87 it is a complicated system. I was frustrated with myself for not following all the steps mainly with sparging.. That was really my only "mistake" Per se. It is a good system and I will be doing another video after the live video I learned a lot more!

[@austindubois1941]

Yea def waiting for spike single system !

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Coming VERY soon!!

[@austindubois1941]

Can’t wait going to be replacing the grainfather g30 with the spike system

[@HomeBrewingTV]

Another great review Brian. With a minimum 10 gallon batch size though, I’m guessing MOST home brewers will not be buying. Possibly a home brew club purchase. 🍻

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I'm gonna try a double IPA that is 6 gallons and a little less than the minimum grain bill.. Lol break all the rules from the jump! 👍🍻

[@GrainfatherAllGrainBrewing]

​@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Hi Brian, it would be great if you could take the G70 through it's paces using the minimum and maximum recommended batch sizes. This will ensure the best results. This G70 system is designed for brewing larger batches. The 70L maximum preboil volume and 17kg maximum grain bill is the upper recommended limit for the system. With the standard pipework, a minimum batch size volume of 40L and a 8kg grain bill is required to ensure the overflow pipework is engaged during mashing which allows for the most accurate and stable mash temperature management. Our G30 Brewing System is perfect for batches smaller than the above recommended batch sizes. Thanks

[@scottbenson4818]

Very nice review. Want to hear how the brew day goes before final judgement. First thoughts are that is may not be up to par operationally for price of a premium system. Could be a good unit for a brew club to go in on. Personally, I might consider having Blichman build one if I was in I was looking at a 15 gallon all in one. Props to grainfather for sending that out for feedback. That shows a desire to improve if needed on their part. Keep up the good work.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks.. Brewed on it yesterday.. Stay tuned.

[@pschannel6685]

I use the original GF with several upgrades... When I purchased it there wasn't a viable alternative. I've had issues with it, but GF was able to resolve them. Now I have stable brew system with lots of extra parts :-) I have no desire for a larger system. I prefer variety vs quantity.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I hear ya.

[@jd7ncoke77]

I'll keep my clawhammer Supply 20 gallon 240 volt system. It's Bulletproof. And cheaper. Looks like they tried to cut cost too much on this system. Just my opinion. And mine is 5500 watts.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

That is a nice system for sure! Just got the 10 gallon version in for review. With the 240 option! 🍻👍

[@jd7ncoke77]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers hope to see that video soon!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

@@jd7ncoke77 you will 😉👍🍻

[@matthewkaiser310]

Looking at this unit and the Protools 80 that you just reviewed, and the PT80 clearly looks like a better unit for that price point. I just don't see this unit selling very well.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

You might be right about that... Time will tell! 👍🍻

[@johnseamons7455]

Price in Australia $1995 (Brewtools B80 $4500 with counter flow chiller) I brewed a Pale Ale with Batch size of 25 litres (Pre Boil 33 litres using the micro malt pipe). Initially on a trial boil of 30 litres it only reached 99 deg C and flicked between 99 an 100 deg C and as I was using the app it would not enable me to press the set button to continue with the app because if I did it went into manual mode. I eventually bit the bullet and did the pale ale and it did reach 100 deg. (took a bit of time to go from 99 to 100) Got a bit of grain on the top plate and that could have been because the micro pipe was a little bit long for what I did. (out comes the grinder) I was a one litre short preboil, but I possibly did not let the grain basket drain enough. Go a very good rolling boil (its on the GF facebook site) Hit all my targets. Only had about 65 grams of hops and I was not really impressed with the hop filter or the post boil cleaning filter. What I did was put more water in the GF and opened the bottom tap and let gravity do the job of draining the hops and water. (I found by leaving the top tap also open it seem to flow out a lot stronger. Like the whirlpool when draining the bathtub). When it was reasonably clean I put more water in and used the pump to do the final clean. I used my volumes from BS and found the app does not account for the 4% wort shrinkage even though it is listed in the profile of the app. My BS profile was just about spot on. (apart from what I mention about the 1 litre) Also the app even when you say on the controller brewing finished still show brewing in progress and you cannot do another brew without deleting it. They need to still do work on the app. Not sure about their requirement for 6 L/M cooling water. (is that for flow into the chiller or out the other end) By having only a flow of 6 L/M into the chiller my temperature into the fermenter was 38 deg C. I am going to have to put a guage on the chiller exactly like I did with the G30 chiller. All in all not a bad brew day on the G70

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks for sharing your experience. David and I talked about your post as well. 👍🍻

[@RyanReschan]

Wort will boil at a higher temperature and only get higher the higher gravity is. Something I learned recently.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Sugar content I suppose?

[@PortlyGentleman]

Good looking video Brian 👌 I really enjoyed the super crispy shots! I myself cannot see why anyone would buy it. There's currently the brusilla 65l for less than half the price I think. They seem very similar in capacity, capability and quality. The Brewtools B80pro can probably be imported for $250 more than G70. Obviously it would be a very basic B80pro. I have to believe you get so much more for your money with other companies products. And who knows what's going to come out this year 🤪

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

True! There is the Spike biab cling soon. Who knows what else?! Thanks Bradley! 🍻👍

[@JFlywheel]

I want it, but I want to be able to brew smaller batches too, don't forget your paying for all that software in addition to the hardware. I wish they would bring 240v and stronger pump, conical bottom to the smaller version, it would be a better fit for me.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

That would be real nice! 👍🍻

[@simplegreen6596]

100% agree with bobby. at 2k i want it all. Grainfather has always traditionally been 25-50% higher in price point for arguably the same things competitors have. They were first mainstream to the market on their small 5 gallon batch systems, so the price delta was acceptable. Now they're late to the large batch market and trying to keep that 25-50% mark up. If im going 240 i want full power, if anything to get my batch from mash to boil faster and decrease my brew day. I dont believe in the vigor of the boil to do anything. 170+ you get isomerization and pasteurization. I need the balance of convenience, time to chill out, drink and brew in the package i buy at a responsible price point. I'd go anvil as well (except i hate that out of body pump design). all things equal i'll stick to my v2 robobrew and my 2.25 hour brew days.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

All good points!! Thanks for the comments! 👍🍻

[@jymferrier]

Spend half that and get a high gravity system that is so nice

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

They do make nice systems from what I can tell. 👍🍻

[@jeremyomnet]

What has been your fav all in one system so far to use? Might be switching over to an all in one for space, also waiting to see what Spike is offering as I have a 20 gal kettle already.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

It really depends on what your needs are. 10 gallon batches, 5 gallon batches?

[@jeremyomnet]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I would say 10 with ability to do 5 if I wanted. But if I had to pick one probably 5.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

@@jeremyomnet the anvil is great for 5 gallon batches. For 10 my pick is the brewzilla 65L it is just easy to brew 10 gallons on.

[@brewing8094]

I hope Grainfather bring out a bigger sparge HLT heater tank then the 18L/4.8gallon? Would be good to see a 35L/9.2gallons.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Just use the smaller grainfather!! Lol 👍🍻

[@brewing8094]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers Must be a 35L sparge tank to buy as a accessory for the G70 because the Brewzilla 65L has the 35L Digiboil sparge tank as a accessory. Will check on the Grainfather website 👍

[@sethbland7766]

$2k!!!! Wowzas!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Yeah some stiff competition at that price for sure!!

[@MrRhino12667]

Maybe for a BrewClub but not for an individual.

[@markspencer7114]

At this price why not go with a 3 kettle brew g system

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

That certainly is something to consider. 🍻👍

[@BobbyFromNJ]

I wouldn't call a 3 vessel system apples to apples. Not everyone wants 3 vessels and its not inherently better.

[@Cityzen1-p1n]

love your videos! do you have any television experience? you come across as a great presenter. Keep the videos coming!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I don't have any tv experience.. Have been on the news for craft beer week.. Lol It was fun and I think I did pretty good.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZTZn3d7lLNnms0

[@nlorantfy2696]

BrewZilla has a 65L version of the Robobrew. Way more affordable and it has the same features (minus the Bluetooth connectivity) for half the price.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Yep!! Have one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoWTgIFjiNWAmM0

[@TheGbab]

So how long did it take to bring the 12 gals. of cold water to boiling????

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I never did a test like that. In what brewing scenario would you do that? You bring your mash out wort to boil. 160-170f to boil temp.

[@TheGbab]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers I would like to know how long it takes to bring the water to boil in order to compare how long a natural gas burner would take to reach boiling. I have brewed all grain up to 200 liter batches, and knowing how long the unit takes to raise water to boiling is a pretty useful data point. I assumed your first look video was to do just that, measure how long the thing takes to heat up water. Guess I missed the point. In any case when you showed the insides of thing I would not pay 2 grand for that.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I agree it is overpriced.

[@jasonlahti7211]

Sounds like GF took the feedback from the smaller system to heart and made some attempts to correct (better hop filter, bigger pump, better handle, etc) But for $1900 plus... I'm not sure. Seems a bit high to me. Also, I feel that system minimum volume is a little too high. Great review as always!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Thanks.. The price seems to be the biggest sticking point.. That and the desire to do big batches . Cheers!! 👍🍻

[@chiefsmash7516]

I think for 2K I'd rather put the money toward a HERMS with parts that I can change and modify as needed/wanted. I BIAB right now and I'm switching to electric this summer but I don't see this being an option, for me. I does seem to fit a niche, just not my niche.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Understand completely.. Thanks for the comments! 👍🍻

[@EternalWarrior1988]

In my opinion it has a cheap rushed look about it. From the logo, the logo being blocked by a cable, to the welds.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Not sure why they chose to cover the logo. Didn't make a lot of sense to me either. Thanks for the comments! 👍🍻

[@Texaviator]

Ooo nice!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

First comment!!

[@Texaviator]

Annnnd the first like!

[@sgtshultz13]

For that price I'll by a Braumeister. Quality German unit.

[@africantwin173]

Braumeister is out of the game. No new updates on Speidel models and they are at a premium price. Brewtools wins. But if Grainfather had a updated 16A 230vdc modular G30 for under €800 than that could be a game changer. But they didn't. Brewtools is overpriced and very complicated to use, but modular. that's a plus point for Brewtools. The 600 euro Robobrew brewezilla models are still the most popular kettles for most of us. The old GF too.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

I've never brewed on one. I they're both expensive, but the G70 has a little more integrated connectivity.

[@africantwin173]

Braumeister has a new tft controller added. It's gonna cost you more than a B40. The 10 liter cost €1500 $1777, the 20 liter €1900 $2251, the 50 liter €2550 $3020. shop.speidels-braumeister.de/en/20-litre-braumeister The first TFT users allready had problems with it. Wifi etc etc. It was written on a UK forum. Speidel does everything to keep things silent.

[@brewsandbass5572]

They should send you guys the prototypes before they start selling the actual product. I see some good things and some bad things. That's one expensive percolator.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

If they would do that I don't think it would hurt any at all. Would probably help them out. 🍻👍

[@jafarym77]

$2000 for that? Brewzilla 65L take my money please!

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Definitely a growing amount of competition in the 10+ gallon batch market if all in ones! 👍🍻

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Too rich for my blood. Feels a little too proprietary and non-modular. I agree with the other comments something at this price range go for a 3 vessel system.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Yep its a little hard to swallow...

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers yeah and the fact that the bill quality feels a little underwhelming makes me think that they have not gotton their material costing down

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

@@Bassguitarist1985 we haven't even talked about the app... Lol disaster!! 😳

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers oh boy looking forward to that video!

[@enrique145]

Are they kidding me? $2,000???

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Unfortunately not.. That is the price.. 😳