Fermenting in a chest freezer - questions...

[eh2010]

This weekend I’ll be brewing an AHS Hefeweizen with WLP300. I’ve heard this yeast is very temperamental and will produce distinct clove/banana notes depending on the fermentation temp (62DF will give you clove, 70DF will give you banana). I usually just ferment in an empty closet in my home, but I want to keep this batch at a much cooler temp than I normally keep my closet. I’m trying to figure out the best way I can regulate temperature.

My plan is to use my chest freezer, with my analogue thermostat to keep the 5gal at 66-68 degrees.

My question is, how can I ensure the beer is at the right temp?

This sounds like it should be obvious, but I’m just a little unsure of one or two things. Is there a danger in starting with my freezer colder and bringing it up to the desired temp, even if it means starting around 55? I have a stick-on thermometer on the carboy. Would this be accurate in this situation? Has anyone done this before?

 

[Mad_Milo]

As long as your ambient temp outside the freezer is warmer that your ferm temp, a freezer will do ok (remember the freezer won't heat the inside without help.)

For the ferm temp, simply tape a pouch made with a double or triple layer of bubble wrap to your carboy/bucket, and insert the temp probe into that.

 

[eh2010]

I'm 5 days into fermentation and everything's going nicely.

I have my probe wrapped in a bubble wrap sheet and my thermostat set for 60.
The carboy stick-on thermometer reads 62/63.

The first day took a bit to get it down from 70ish, but after that it's been quite consistent.

 

[AmusedBystander]

I have a question about chest freezers. Where is the best place to place the probe that measures the temp in the freezer? I've heard some people put it in a bowl of water?? or some people lay it on the carboy? Is any method better than the other?

 

[Fat_Bastard]

I have a question about chest freezers. Where is the best place to place the probe that measures the temp in the freezer? I've heard some people put it in a bowl of water?? or some people lay it on the carboy? Is any method better than the other?

I use a thermowell in the carboy.
you can tape it to the side also,just insulate it a bit from the ambient air.
you can also just measure the ambient temp and monitor the fermometer on the carboy.this will take a little trial and error to find out what different ambient temps will get your fermenter down to.

,,,in other words, what ever you can make work

 

[Haputanlas]

I tape it to the carboy first. Then, I fold a paper towel 3 or 4 times and then tape that on top of the probe.

Works like a charm.