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I need a Chest Freezer for Temp Control

Discussion in 'Fermentation & Yeast' started by JMSetzler, Sep 30, 2014.

 

  1. #1
    JMSetzler

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    I got a green light from SWMBO to get a chest freezer that I can use with a Johnson controller so I can more reasonably manage my fermentation temperatures.

    I need to know what my best bet on a chest freezer would be for this project. I don't need to house more than one fermenter at a time.

    Ideas?
     
  2. #2
    kaconga

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    If you only need it to hold one fermenter then avoid chest freezers and just get a basic upright fridge. Way easier to put the carboy/bucket in an upright than a chest freezer IMO.
     
  3. #3
    cannman

    Beer Theorist

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    Go mini frig. I got mine for free because it only had 3 legs! Ask around the people you know, some people may not realize they want to sell something until asked.
     
  4. #4
    JMSetzler

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    I would love to use a mini fridge. In fact, I have two of those already and neither of them will hold a fermenter. Both of them have half shelves on the bottom.. probably where the compressor is housed. I can't set a fermenter in either of them and close the door.
     
  5. #5
    j1n

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    Id recommend a 7 cu ft chest freezer. I can ferment 2 carboys in there at a time. Normally i only ferment one at a time but i will do 2 at a time if im using the same yeast for both or different yeasts that like the same temps.
     
  6. #6
    wardens355

    Supporting Member  

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    For fermenting/cold crashing, I use two 7.2 CF Danby freezers that I purchased from Costco for 180 each. Each can hold two carboys side-by-side with plenty of room for a fan, blowoff bucket and dehumidifying setup (Damprid or Eva Dry). I also have a 14.8 CF Danby (I am a frequent Costco shopper...) that I store and serve my kegs with. I have to keep them in my living space, which means having to put up with the hum/low buzzing of the compressors when they turn on. If you are putting them in a living area, I suggest listening to the freezers before purchasing to see how loud they are. You can usually find cheap freezers on Craigslist, too, and I would recommend looking into that.
     
  7. #7
    carvetop

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    I have a Haier 5cu ft chest freezer that I scored for $50 on Craigslist. A 6.5G glass carboy with airlock fits perfectly. With a collar, they can be used to hold different configurations of Cornys and carboys if you want to go that direction. With the Johnson Controls setup, it maintains the temp within 1F. Love it.
     
  8. #8
    kh54s10

    Supporting Member  

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    I built a fermentation chamber out of scrap plywood I had and 2x4 culls from HD with a minifridge in the end.
    [​IMG]
     
    Fionnbharr likes this.
  9. #9
    cannman

    Beer Theorist

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    I had the same issue. What I did was install a wire shelf above the compressor remove the shelving moulding from the door, unscrew the freezer portion and press it back against the back wall...and it will hold a 6 gal glass carboy with blowoff tube underneath the carboy. See photo. Just be creative! But alas, different minis are different dimension... I hope it inspires.

    Otherwise, check out this link to a sticky about freezers and the carboys they can hold:

    http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/chest-freezer-specs-layouts-377518/

    2014-09-15 00.40.08.jpg

    2014-09-15 13.09.26.jpg
     
    RoKozak likes this.
  10. #10
    SDCraftBeer

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
  11. #11
    AnOldUR

    fer-men-TAY-shuhn  

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    [​IMG]
     
  12. #12
    TheCADJockey

    ALL YOUR BASE

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    I have the same issue. I really need temp control and don't have a ton of room in current living situation yet am the owner of two mini-fridge's. Both unfortunately have the half shelf on the bottom which served as a drawer for whatever, so carboys etc have no chance to fit. It would've been too good to be true. I'm a big fan of the chest built around the fridge in a previous post, even if I could make one half that size it would be sweet.
     
  13. #13
    wilserbrewer

    BIAB Expert Tailor  

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    http://hickory.craigslist.org/mat/4686343379.html
    http://hickory.craigslist.org/app/4678595157.html
    http://hickory.craigslist.org/app/4659664552.html
    http://hickory.craigslist.org/app/4686043507.html

    http://hickory.craigslist.org/app/4686043507.html
    http://hickory.craigslist.org/app/4688560965.html
    http://hickory.craigslist.org/app/4685410217.html
    http://hickory.craigslist.org/app/4662850827.html

    my favorite....an apartment size fridge w/ icemaker bonus!
    http://charlotte.craigslist.org/app/4652722330.html

    My preferred choice would be a smallish around 10-12 cf self defrost fridge / freezer. Chest freezers can get damp and nasty in humid weather, self defrosting fridges stay dry and clean! Bonus freezer section for hop storage, and ice storage for supplemental wort cooling. Fridge is easier to load than a freezer, but will use more power.
     
  14. #14
    zacster

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 30, 2014
    I get around the problem of the half shelf by using half bottles. I bought 2 3 gallon Better Bottles. These are square and make more efficient use of the space. They fit easily side by side in my fridge on the bottom, even with the hump. I didn't have to take the door shelf off either, although I took off all the rods that holds things in the compartment. I can still use the fridge for cans of soda in the door dispenser. I didn't make any permanent mods.
     
    TheCADJockey likes this.
  15. #15
    JMSetzler

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
    I went to Lowes this afternoon and found a 5cf chest freezer for $169. I'll go back this weekend and pick it up. It should do the trick.
     
  16. #16
    Malticulous

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
  17. #17
    Natdavis777

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
    Scope out some local ma and pop shops around. I ended up getting a damn near brand new upright freezer for less than 200$. I can fit two carboys with blow off tubes easily, and I made a shelf in case I wanted to ferment more than 10 gal. Just saying, you might get more bang for your buck instead of buying brand new @ a major store.
     
  18. #18
    wdburns1

    Member

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
    I recently found a 5 cu. ft. Haier on Craigslist, bought a johnson ETC, and currently have it taking care of a weizenbock. My only problem with it is that because of the ledge inside the freezer, I can only fit one 5 gal carboy in it. You might make sure whatever one you choose will suit your fermenting needs as far as size goes. Not to hijack the thread, but has anyone modified/raised the lid on their deep freezer?
     
  19. #19
    Malticulous

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
    Not me, but yes.
    https://www.google.com/search?q=kee...a=X&ei=2F8rVIXxN8X4yQTw04KoCQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg
     
  20. #20
    wilserbrewer

    BIAB Expert Tailor  

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
  21. #21
    JMSetzler

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
  22. #22
    Gavin C

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
    I recently bought a Haier 7.1cf from Sams Club for about $200. All the freezers on CL looked pretty ratty and the SWMBO more easily tolerates a new clean freezer. Two 6 gallon carboys fit comfortably. Also save money and forgo the Johnson controller. Rig up your own controller with an STC1000 and a project box. Works great on mine. Happier yeast in the future and cold crashing is now feasible. Loving it
     
  23. #23
    JMSetzler

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
    I'll probably be in the same boat. SWMBO won't like the ratty looking used one. I did inquire about the $50 one though to see if I get a response. The brand I looked at today at Lowes was "Idylis". They had a 5cf model for $169 and a 7cf model for $189. I think the 5cf will work fine for me. I'm rarely fermenting two beers at once. I also don't have a good place for the larger size.
     
  24. #24
    JMSetzler

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
    As luck would have it, I won't have to buy a temp controller.. I have this:

    DorkFood DSV

    I was provided with that a while back to do a demo/review and a couple cooking videos using it.

    The DSV compared with other temp controllers homebrewers are using is a bit expensive at $99, but I think it should do the trick for this project.
     
  25. #25
    wilserbrewer

    BIAB Expert Tailor  

    Posted Oct 1, 2014
    !

    Yes, this can be true! Several types of sellers on Craigslist...some have retail on the brain, others the primary mission is to get it gone, with price secondary.
    C'list is like fishing, some trophies, mostly throwbacks. Even though my brewery is in the basement, I'm too old, and have worked way too hard to be hauling ratty $hit across town. I hear ya on the swmbo, my ex wanted approval when I changed my socks, my girlfriend practically changes them for me...cheers and best of luck with the project. You'll be pleased with temp control and cold crashing!
     
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