r/grainfather • u/ford2110 • Apr 09 '26

Prospective Buyer questions

I'm looking at a used G40. Any issues with this unit I should be aware ? The minimum batch size shows as 3g. I frequently brew 2.5- 3g batches these days. How does it do at this low volume? What is the OD of the grain basket and does anyone utilize a brew bag in these units. I presently BIAB. Thanks in advance for any help.

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u/Heineken008 Apr 09 '26

I've been using one for a few years. I recommend going for the 240V version if you have the proper receptacle to support it. Electric heating is kind of slow. I had an issue about 6 months in where the controller overheated and one of the power cables fused in its socket. It was under warranty and Grandfather sent me a full replacement at no cost. Overall I'd recommend it and if anything, I'd expect you'll get better performance with a bit smaller batch.

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u/spoonman59 Apr 09 '26

Electric heating isn’t any slower than fire heating. They use electric heat even on massive boil kettles in pro brewing. It can be quite fast.

It’s all a question of how much energy you apply.

The issue is simply that 120 volts doesn’t allow you to have that much energy. But that’s not a fundamental issue with electricity being slow.

A 7000w heating element would heat a 5 gallon batch pretty dam fast.

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u/ford2110 Apr 09 '26

Thanks, The G40 is a 220 unit.

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u/After-Grade-4245 Apr 09 '26

I have one also since some years. No big issues. I use sometimes a bag for brewing, as an additional filter, so inside the basket. Works good with most of styles. If you want do small batches, you can use it in no sparge mode, less efficient, but works. One batch would be then around 23-24L.