Newest Threads

**Gabe** · 05-22-2006, 02:35 PM

Just get the controller easy and done with , takes 1 min to set up! Your LHBS should carry them or be able to order you one. Had mine for 2 months and keeps the temp exactley where I put it.

Somerville · 05-22-2006, 06:31 PM

That is all true--if your already own a fridge. Building a fermentation chiller is cheaper than buying a fridge (used or new) and a temp. controller. Plus, it doesnt take up the large space that a fridge does and it also doesn't consume as much energy. One of the things I love about homebrewing is that it involves so many different aspects of other hobbys to make one mega-hobby whether it be construction, chemistry, electrics, or reading. Thus, I do not have a problem spending a saturday making one of these awesome gadgets. The main questions here are whether you could use those gel-ice-paks instead of ice or a mini-dorm fridge attached to half of the chiller. A mini-dorm fridge wouldn't hold a fermenter but could contribute "icey air" if the door was taken off. Any thoughts?

**runhard** · 05-22-2006, 11:03 PM

I just built a fermentation chiller and I'm experimenting with the ice packs now; well yesterday. I'll post again in a couple of days as it has only been up and running for 1 day. I hope the ice packs work. I even thought about placing about one pound of try ice on one side and maybe not have to change the ice packs for 3-4 days. that'll be experiment #2.

Somerville · 05-23-2006, 12:44 AM

Yeah totally, lets keep this thread going. Any real experience or observations is the best. I plan on making one pretty soon so I will take notes and report back. Any things to look out for in the construction process?

Jester4176 · 05-23-2006, 04:08 AM

It seems to me that the ice packs would melt faster because they're smaller than the ice blocks that others are using. I could be wrong, but I do think they'd melt faster.

Somerville · 05-23-2006, 06:17 AM

Yeah I thought about that too. When you say ice blocks...what do you mean? Like frozen water bottles?

nick1023 · 05-23-2006, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runhard

I just built a fermentation chiller and I'm experimenting with the ice packs now; well yesterday. I'll post again in a couple of days as it has only been up and running for 1 day. I hope the ice packs work. I even thought about placing about one pound of try ice on one side and maybe not have to change the ice packs for 3-4 days. that'll be experiment #2.

did you use polysterene(however it's spelled) insulation or styrafoam board? where did you get the parts?

Beer Snob · 05-23-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick1023

did you use polysterene(however it's spelled) insulation or styrafoam board? where did you get the parts?

Home depot or Lowes has that stuff.

AdIn · 05-23-2006, 02:52 PM

BTW, here is another alternative to ice bottles: http://www.techniiceamerica.com/

homebrewer_99 · 05-23-2006, 03:28 PM

I'd like to get around to building one of these this summer.

I've also thought about making a double compartment one afterwards. It may of may not work, but either way I will be mounting them on a dolly so I can move them around easily.