Canadians: local temperature controller source?

**bradsul** · 04-10-2008, 07:23 PM

I've got access to a spare fridge at my folks place so I've decided lagering is something I want to try. I've been looking all over and the only source I can find for a temperature controller (in Canadian dollars) is this one kegworks.com. After shipping and customs (which kegworks includes at checkout which is nice) it's almost $100.

Has anyone found a Canadian source for these? Or am I likely to end up paying about the same regardless?

FlyGuy · 04-10-2008, 08:10 PM

I was unable to find one. In the end, I got some smokin' deals off eBay (shipped from US). I would be interested to hear if anyone had better success in Canada, though.

tentacles · 04-11-2008, 01:57 AM

I cheaped out, myself, and used a digital house thermostat with a relay. Works like a charm, though the temp range only goes down to 41F. Definitely good enough for fermenting and cold crashing. After that the kegs can go in my keezer.

Edit: total cost was $19.99+tax for the thermostat (Rona) and I yanked a relay out of some junk equipment (12v relay). I already have 12V availible from the fan so it just switches the compressor 120V on/off. Even better, it is designed so the the compressor will never run less than 4 minutes, or restart within 4 minutes of shutting off. Very important for maintaining the compressor's health.

**bradsul** · 04-11-2008, 01:35 PM

*shameless bump*

neo82087 · 04-11-2008, 02:45 PM

http://www.coleparmer.ca/catalog/product_view.asp?sku=9352000

**bradsul** · 04-11-2008, 03:00 PM

I saw those during my searches, I'm not looking to do any wiring though, I just wanted one of those ones you plug the fridge into and set the temperature.

mike kennedy · 04-11-2008, 04:37 PM

Brad, ive held off posting on this untill i can retrace my steps. i was looking for kegging parts online, and found some controllers for fridges only....specifically for lagering......but ill be derned if i cant find the site....im thinking midwest supply, but they were half the price of the rancos, or any other freezer/fridge controller ive seen.
although still in the states, maybe save a few bucks.

Mike

**bradsul** · 04-11-2008, 04:55 PM

I emailed Midwest about something last year and they said they don't deliver to Canada at all anymore. Northern Brewer has 2 models and ships to Canada but only by UPS - which would end up costing more than the kegworks order by the time I pay their ridiculous brokerage fees (even after the savings on the price of the controller).

I think I'll bite the bullet and order the kegworks one on Monday if there is no further information by then. At least with that order, after checkout all the shipping and customs is paid already.

Edit: morebeer actually has them and will ship USPS apparently. I don't know why I always forget about them.

FlyGuy · 04-11-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradsul

Edit: morebeer actually has them and will ship USPS apparently. I don't know why I always forget about them.

They certainly do ship USPS. I have placed three orders with them in the last 4 months, and they have all come within a week WITHOUT duty or brokerage fees. I highly recommend them to Canadians.

**bradsul** · 04-11-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyGuy

They certainly do ship USPS. I have placed three orders with them in the last 4 months, and they have all come within a week WITHOUT duty or brokerage fees. I highly recommend them to Canadians.

No duty or brokerage? Sold! I wonder what else I should order.