Storing bottles on their side

[Mishkin]

I've had my bottles sitting upright at room temp. for about 3 weeks now to get them carbonated. I'm planning on lagering them now but they only fit in the fridge lying on their side. Is there any disadvantage in doing this?

 

[Yuri_Rage]

I don't think there's any real problem other than having a bit of sediment on the side of the bottle rather than the bottom. You can fix that by setting them upright a few days before drinking (you'd only have to do that a few bottles at a time unless you're having a party).

The biggest possible problem I see is leakage if you have a bad seal on a cap or two. Check 'em after a few hours to make sure you don't have a leaker.

 

[Mishkin]

And how cold is too cold for lagering? the only cold place i can store them is an old freezer where i turn the temperature right up and I can get it to 32 degrees fahrenheit.
In a few days I should be getting one of these bad boys but it will mainly be used for controlling the temperature of the fridge part where i store my fermenter and not the freezer.
Is it true you need a licensed electrician to install the thermostat? I don't want to pay that sort of money.

 

[disaffected]

You'll have to check your local codes to see if a licensed electrician is required to wire a thermostat. It is certainly not a requirement in Texas.

Who will know anyway if you don't tell 'em?

 

[Mishkin]

Haha my precise thoughts
Wish me luck in not getting electrocuted.

 

[disaffected]

Good luck then. If you're not sure what circuit it is on your breaker panel, pull the main and just kill all your power. Never wire anything on a live circuit.

 

[bikebryan]

And how cold is too cold for lagering? the only cold place i can store them is an old freezer where i turn the temperature right up and I can get it to 32 degrees fahrenheit.
In a few days I should be getting one of these bad boys but it will mainly be used for controlling the temperature of the fridge part where i store my fermenter and not the freezer.
Is it true you need a licensed electrician to install the thermostat? I don't want to pay that sort of money.

As long as you do your work to local building codes, I don't think you need a licensed electrician to do any of your home projects. You may have to get permits and then have a code inspector look over your work - things your electrician usually takes care of for you - but I've never seen a home project that a layperson, with a little knowledge of local codes, couldn't take on themself without running afoul of the authorities.