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Old 08-19-2011, 01:05 AM   #1
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Default Chest Freezer

I've scored a rather large chest freezer from a co-worker and am wanting to see what the veterans recommend I control the temperature with. I'm excited to be able to keep my fermentations at a constant temp, and can also try my hand at lagering finally.

Thanks for any advice.


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Old 08-19-2011, 01:09 AM   #2
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Look up the eBay DIY build, super easy and cheap- plus works great !!


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Old 08-19-2011, 01:29 AM   #3
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Thanks that looks pretty cool.
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Old 08-19-2011, 05:05 PM   #4
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I use a Johnson controller and have 0 problems with it. One of the reasons I kept from starting this hobby for so long was not being able to brew during the summer because of the heat. Now I don't have to worry about that.
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Old 08-19-2011, 05:24 PM   #5
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I don't either kenpotf. It can bee 100 degrees in my garage but my beer stays at a nice chilly 65 the whole time.
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Old 08-19-2011, 05:28 PM   #6
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I've got a spare chest freezer and a spare fridge in my basement. Does it make more sense to have the chest freezer as a keezer and a fridge as a fermentation chamber? I don't have any kegs yet, so the fermentation chamber is a high priority whereas the keezer is not.
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Old 08-19-2011, 05:34 PM   #7
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I have a Ranco. Works great. Would buy another if it ever broke.
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Old 08-19-2011, 06:17 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LandoLincoln
I've got a spare chest freezer and a spare fridge in my basement. Does it make more sense to have the chest freezer as a keezer and a fridge as a fermentation chamber? I don't have any kegs yet, so the fermentation chamber is a high priority whereas the keezer is not.
I like my chest freezer as my kegerator. Im looking to buy a fridge for a chamber. It doesn't really matter though

I have a johnston controller and love it
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Old 08-19-2011, 06:20 PM   #9
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There is a thread in the DIY section to adjust your freezer's setting so that you don't need to buy a controller. However I don't think you can adjust the temp to be all the way up in the 60s. You might be able to get it to the 40s though.
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Old 08-19-2011, 06:35 PM   #10
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+1 on the chest freezer with a Johnson. My refrigeration needs are getting out of control. I have the chest freezer, which really now is just a lagering/storage chamber--can't remember the last time it was set at anything other than 33. I ferment in the basement fridge (stainless Kenmore Gold) I have expropriated from SWMBO (also has a Johnson) (the fridge not SWMBO). I now have a 40 cf older industrial stainless fridge in my garage that is for storage/cold conditioning. Scored it cheap off Kijiji (like Craigslist) and a buddy of mine who is a refrigeration pro got it running great, with an industrial temp controller, for basically nothing.

The other day I told SWMBO she could have her refrigerator downstairs back if I could find an apartment-sized chest freezer to use as my new ferm chamber. She was not amused at first but I think I will be able to talk her into it.


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