Temp Control

Seeves1982 · 07-31-2009, 01:29 AM

Do you have to get an external thermometer for lagering or are there people who successfully turn the regular refer thermostat down to acheive the temperature they desire?

Mike

Scut_Monkey · 07-31-2009, 05:25 AM

I'm sure some people have been able to do it but I don't think it's ideal in any case or realistic in most cases. It would depend on what temp you are trying to hit, the thermostat for your fridge and I'm sure a thousand other variables. If you are really interested in doing it I would suggest checking out the link below. I bought a Ranco digital thermostat from them for CHEAP. This unit was recommended to me by many people around here.

RANCO ETC-111000 Microprocessor Temperature Control: RANC1 Climate Doctors

rmchair · 08-05-2009, 01:27 AM

i just bought an even cheaper $35 analog control from the chi company. It works great so far.

schristian619 · 08-05-2009, 09:42 PM

You will need a temp controller for the fermentation portion. After ferementation is complete, I but the beer in my crash cooling fridge. I know it will keep it in the mid 30s. But I would not trust a refrigerator to keep a steady fermentation temp on it's own.

WorryWort · 08-05-2009, 10:32 PM

I use a Johnson Controls a419. Love it.

**humann_brewing** · 08-05-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnm129

I'm sure some people have been able to do it but I don't think it's ideal in any case or realistic in most cases. It would depend on what temp you are trying to hit, the thermostat for your fridge and I'm sure a thousand other variables. If you are really interested in doing it I would suggest checking out the link below. I bought a Ranco digital thermostat from them for CHEAP. This unit was recommended to me by many people around here.

RANCO ETC-111000 Microprocessor Temperature Control: RANC1 Climate Doctors

That's a pretty good price, just toss in some electrical wires for a few bucks unless you already have some 3 prong laying around and your set.

hitbyatrain · 08-05-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmchair

i just bought an even cheaper $35 analog control from the chi company. It works great so far.

I just purchased the same one, and it's fantastic.

Freezer Conversion Thermostat - Remote Bulb Freezer Conversion Thermostat [Thermostat - Port-Ext-8] - $35.00 : CHI Company ball lock kegs for sale, Home brewing and vending, beer kegs, Pepsi vending machines, flavor strips and vending labels

That is a fantastic price for the Ranco, though.

Scut_Monkey · 08-05-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humann_brewing

That's a pretty good price, just toss in some electrical wires for a few bucks unless you already have some 3 prong laying around and your set.

It is a very good price. All you have to do is hook it up to an extension cord which many of us have an extra laying around somewhere. Why get an analog version with a wider temperature differential when you can get a digital that's less likely to break and more precise with a digital readout to confirm your temp. They are almost the exact same price if you look outside of homebrew shops and go to other websites. No brainer to me.

blackwaterbrewer · 08-05-2009, 11:44 PM

ranco 111-000 is the ****. doesn't come with directions, but if you want , i will write dirctions for you.

**humann_brewing** · 08-05-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnm129

It is a very good price. All you have to do is hook it up to an extension cord which many of us have an extra laying around somewhere. Why get an analog version with a wider temperature differential when you can get a digital that's less likely to break and more precise with a digital readout to confirm your temp. They are almost the exact same price if you look outside of homebrew shops and go to other websites. No brainer to me.

You don't have to convince me, I already have one.