Fermentation Fridge in colder ambient temps

[MatchstickBrewingCo.]

I'm thinking about turning a small fridge of mine from college into a fermentation chamber and getting a adjustable temp controller for it.

The thing is though, I'll be keeping it in the basement where the temp gets pretty low. If the temp in the basement is down to say 55 degrees and I want to ferment around 65-68ish will the fermentation fridge work?

I assume since it probably can only cool something that it might not work but wanted to see if anyone here had any experience with this or any recommendations.

Thanks in advance guys, HBT is a life saver!

 

[winvarin]

Read through this thread https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/stc-1000-ebay-temperature-controller-build-330427/

I built one of these last summer and will never go back. I use an old fridge in my garage as a ferm chamber. I built the controller for less than $50.

Then I picked up one of these from Williams Brewing http://www.williamsbrewing.com/BREWERS-EDGE-SPACE-HEATER-P518C100.aspx

The 2 stage controller allows me to run the fridge when ambient is too high and run the heat pad when ambient is too cold. As a result, during the Polar Vortex this winter, I kept my ferm chamber and 10 gal of robust porter at 66F while the ambient garage temp was in the low 20s.

 

[Nuggethead]

As mentioned above, 2-stage controllers are the shiznit. I can maintain my temps summer or winter. Mine is a smaller chest freezer. I can keep it at Ale temps inside my garage when it,s in the teens outside and the garage is not insulated and inside temps are close to outside temps at times.

 

[MatchstickBrewingCo.]

Thanks Winvarin and Nuggethead, thats perfect. I'll definitely be getting those.

question though, what do you guys do with the temp probe with the controller? The product info says to put it in the water bottle but I would think that 5 gallons of liquid would take much longer to change temp than 16 oz.

 

[poptarts]

Read through this thread https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/stc-1000-ebay-temperature-controller-build-330427/

I built one of these last summer and will never go back. I use an old fridge in my garage as a ferm chamber. I built the controller for less than $50.

Then I picked up one of these from Williams Brewing http://www.williamsbrewing.com/BREWERS-EDGE-SPACE-HEATER-P518C100.aspx

The 2 stage controller allows me to run the fridge when ambient is too high and run the heat pad when ambient is too cold. As a result, during the Polar Vortex this winter, I kept my ferm chamber and 10 gal of robust porter at 66F while the ambient garage temp was in the low 20s.

I got really excited about that heater, till it said 20 degrees differance. I need to make a saison when its -10 outside

 

[sarcastro]

I ordered the below. It is a cheaper, and I feel more durable option to the ferm wrap. I ordered 2 feet of the tape for my 6.5 gal carboys, and had them put it together. It was free before, but now costs $1. I would say it is still worth it. Read the description on the tape, it will tell you what to do. I use it is a mini fridge with the johnson digital thermostat and it works great.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thg-amp-wireset
http://www.reptilebasics.com/12-heat-tape

 

[MatchstickBrewingCo.]

That looks pretty interesting Sarcastro. Have you found that it works pretty well?

 

[sarcastro]

That looks pretty interesting Sarcastro. Have you found that it works pretty well?

Yes, I have not had any issues. Combined with the Johnson Digital controller and my mini fridge, I can keep it within 1 degree of my desired fermentation temp. It isnt the most efficient setup as far as energy use, but it gets the job done.

 

[winvarin]

Thanks Winvarin and Nuggethead, thats perfect. I'll definitely be getting those.



question though, what do you guys do with the temp probe with the controller? The product info says to put it in the water bottle but I would think that 5 gallons of liquid would take much longer to change temp than 16 oz.

I use bubble wrap and painters tape. The probe goes against the side of the fermenter. A patch of bubble wrap covers the small probe. Then I secure it to the fermenter with the tape.

I use a 10 gal Spiedel so yes, the high volume of liquid changes temp slowly.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[winvarin]

I got really excited about that heater, till it said 20 degrees differance. I need to make a saison when its -10 outside

20f is what it's rated for. But I ferment in a small fridge. The heater is mounted on the back wall. When my ambient garage temp was 20f, I put a couple of blankets inside the fridge at the front and had no problems keeping the beer in the mid 60s. That said, I'm not sure I could have hit saison temps.

Some people use the lightbulb in a coffee can heating method. I just worry that would focus too much heat in 1 area. And as hot as light bulbs get quickly, I also worry a little bit about fire.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew