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Gilbey · 11-09-2010, 01:48 PM

I have a big garage, and I would like to brew in the winter in the garage where its a little warmer and out of the elements. I do have a couple windows I could crack, and I could crack one of the roller doors. But I am concerned about a big propane burner in an enclosed space, not so much for the fire hazard (well a litle bit concerned about that), but more for the issue of CO build up and lack of oxygen in the garage.

Any thoughts?

**smakudwn** · 11-09-2010, 01:50 PM

I usually open a window, crack the garage door and also put a fan blowing out of the cracked garage door.

HalfPint · 11-09-2010, 01:52 PM

A lot of guys do it. Personally, here in Houston, I can't wait to brew in winter, but I've heard of plenty of people brewing with the doors open and fans going.

sigmund · 11-09-2010, 01:57 PM

Get a CO monitor for your garage if you're concerned then you won't have to guess.

Gilbey · 11-09-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sigmund

Get a CO monitor for your garage if you're concerned then you won't have to guess.

Great idea! AND it beats the heck out of the alternative

.

For the record I am in New Jersey where it does get quite cold in the winter. It make brewing outdoors a challange....but the complementary lager temps in the basement rock

.

Alan

**Homercidal** · 11-09-2010, 03:27 PM

If you have a large garage, crack the window and the door. You will be fine. It really doesn't take that much. The propane burner will not use up that much O2 when you think about it.

The detector is worth the peace of mind though. I just opened my garage door about a foot and cracked the side window a few inches and monitored myself to make sure I wasn't feeling different. That tiny flame in my big garage (24x36 I think, plus full attic) really seems small.

Now if you have a smaller garage, of course it pays to be more careful. Having the flame closer to the door helps a lot. And understanding the risk and watching yourself goes a long way toward being safe.

**Soperbrew** · 11-09-2010, 03:35 PM

Cowboy Up! Open the garage door fully & put on a parka.

Jaysus · 11-09-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilbey

Great idea! AND it beats the heck out of the alternative

.

For the record I am in New Jersey where it does get quite cold in the winter. It make brewing outdoors a challange....but the complementary lager temps in the basement rock

.

Alan

I am in PA... I just layer up and leave the garage door open during winter brew days. Huddle around your burner if you get too cold

Hartski · 11-09-2010, 03:43 PM

So if I were to do the boil outside this winter (And Iowa gets really really cold) would setting the kettle in the snow after the boil be okay for cooling the wort, or would that cool it too fast?

tasq · 11-09-2010, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hartski

So if I were to do the boil outside this winter (And Iowa gets really really cold) would setting the kettle in the snow after the boil be okay for cooling the wort, or would that cool it too fast?

Snow is actually a good insulator. Once it melts around the vessel it will cool VERY slowly. Stick to your usual methods.