Bartp
Well-Known Member
Just want to share the project I'm working on.
I decided to move my fermentation outside. I live in a small condo so room is at a premium. Plus my wifes desired ambient temperature is slightly too warm for proper fermentation . However i do have a shed outside which I want to utilize as a Brew Shed. The shed was not very well insulated, and it does get a little cold out there every once in a while. I live in northern California, so it does not get that bad luckily, about 40 at worst inside the shed.
So heres my shed before. (or after major cleanup)
And here is after.
I insulated the wall facing outside with wall insulation (Free), and then covered the walls with ThermaWrap, which I also scored for free.
As for the chamber Im using a Uline 75wc Wine Chiller. Which is not only very stylish, but perfect size to fit a bucket with an airlock. I scored this one on craigslist for whopping $25. Chiller is designed to run at 45-55 degrees. So with a proper temp controller it should good enough for Ales, and some lagers.
For temperature controller Im using Lux win100 thermostat. Its a thermostat controlled outlet - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E7NYY8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 it has a short probe, but Im going to extend it with some soldering job and bring it inside the fridge. It is Much cheaper than one stage Ranco, and basically does the same thing.
For heating I originally purchased a heating pad from CVS. Its one without a two hour auto shut off, so it would be perfect. But after some additional thought I dont think I can 100% trust a device that was not intended to be used unsupervised, so Im thinking Ill be returning it for a peace of mind. Right now Im thinking of getting a FermWrap and sticking it on the fridge wall. The FermWrap is only 40 watts. But with this small of a chamber, bringing up the temperature by 30 degrees (in worst case scenario) should only require 28 watts according to my calculations, so I should be more then fine.
So far this has cost me little less than $100 with all parts included. And Im happy with the outcome. Ill report back when I fire it up and properly test the temperatures. Hopefully Ill be using it to brew some Amarillo PA in next few days.
What do you guys think so far? Do you see any concerns you might want to voice with this set up, I much appreciate any constructive criticism or tips!
I decided to move my fermentation outside. I live in a small condo so room is at a premium. Plus my wifes desired ambient temperature is slightly too warm for proper fermentation . However i do have a shed outside which I want to utilize as a Brew Shed. The shed was not very well insulated, and it does get a little cold out there every once in a while. I live in northern California, so it does not get that bad luckily, about 40 at worst inside the shed.
So heres my shed before. (or after major cleanup)
And here is after.
I insulated the wall facing outside with wall insulation (Free), and then covered the walls with ThermaWrap, which I also scored for free.
As for the chamber Im using a Uline 75wc Wine Chiller. Which is not only very stylish, but perfect size to fit a bucket with an airlock. I scored this one on craigslist for whopping $25. Chiller is designed to run at 45-55 degrees. So with a proper temp controller it should good enough for Ales, and some lagers.
For temperature controller Im using Lux win100 thermostat. Its a thermostat controlled outlet - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E7NYY8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 it has a short probe, but Im going to extend it with some soldering job and bring it inside the fridge. It is Much cheaper than one stage Ranco, and basically does the same thing.
For heating I originally purchased a heating pad from CVS. Its one without a two hour auto shut off, so it would be perfect. But after some additional thought I dont think I can 100% trust a device that was not intended to be used unsupervised, so Im thinking Ill be returning it for a peace of mind. Right now Im thinking of getting a FermWrap and sticking it on the fridge wall. The FermWrap is only 40 watts. But with this small of a chamber, bringing up the temperature by 30 degrees (in worst case scenario) should only require 28 watts according to my calculations, so I should be more then fine.
So far this has cost me little less than $100 with all parts included. And Im happy with the outcome. Ill report back when I fire it up and properly test the temperatures. Hopefully Ill be using it to brew some Amarillo PA in next few days.
What do you guys think so far? Do you see any concerns you might want to voice with this set up, I much appreciate any constructive criticism or tips!
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