zman

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I am looking into getting a Fermentation Chamber set up for Lagering and brewing in the Summer Months. I am looking at something that will hold a 6.5 gal. Carboy. I have seen that many people modify the Dorm Style refrigerators. I looked into these but noticed that most have a partially raised floor. I want something with a flat floor that does not need too much in the way of modification if at all possible.. I searched the intergoogle and saw this beverage cooler; HBCN05EBB - 96-Can (12 Oz.) Or 46-Wine Bottle Capacity.

Has anyone ever used one of these before? It looks like a good Idea because I could use it to store homebrews...etc...

TIA

Zman

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Boerderij_Kabouter

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I don't have that one, but almost all wine coolers have a compressor hump just like regular fridges. Normally the only difference is a slightly upgraded thermostat and different shelving. I would go with a mid-sized dorm fridge that will fit a single carboy or bucket if you want to keep it small.

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cactusgarrett

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Also, if it matters to you, anything with a glass door/window is terribly inefficient regarding the energy needed to keep a constant temp.

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zman

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Thanks for the quick reply
Do you use a Dorm Fridge or have you ever used one to ferment in? IF so what size would you recommend. I need to measure the carboy but I want it to be big enough for the carboy, the airlock, blow off tube and a small plastic jug of star san solution.

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LooyvilleLarry

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Does anyone know of a model that will accommodate a single Better Bottle without the hump causing a problem?

zman

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I have a Johnson Temp controller that I am going to use to maintain the temp inside. I thought about the glass door and letting light in so I would just cover it with a towel or something to that effect.

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Boerderij_Kabouter

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I do not use a dorm fridge, sorry. You will have to measure to make sure it fits.

My theory about the glass door is that you will actually use less energy with a glass door because you will not be opening the fridge to check on your brew. Opening the opaque door once during fermentation would likely make up for a full week of heat loss difference between the glass and a regular door. Those doors are designed as fridge doors and I am sure they are pretty good. Also, most of them are UV coated to block UV light so you should be able to leave it is clear view.

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radtek

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I went to Walmart the other day to try and pick up the fridge but even though it was supposedly in stock it wasn't. I took that as a sign and on the way out I saw this large 38 gallon PP (29"Lx17"Wx18"H) bin/tote & lid for $10. Just perfect for two of my 7.9g fermenters.

I have some 1.75" hard foam paneling and silver bubble-wrap stuff. I wrapped it up with two layers and put a piece of the the styrofoam underneath. Until I can resolve a dedicated Cold Chamber ( I want my guest bathroom back!) this oughta work for ales for the time being.

Every 12 hours or so I just swap an ice-pack out.

Those buckets are pretty big- maybe it would accommodate carboys. Hope this helps.

zman

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That is very cool and ingenious but I have only one bath tub. Good job!!

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tac0meat

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lamarguy uses something similar: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/diy-thermoelectric-temperature-control-27524/index7.html#post873267