Modifying A Chest Freezer

I have given up on building a fermentation chamber as I wanted a new fridge, and the cost became fairly high when compared to buying a chest freezer instead.

As I'd like to keep the warranty valid I don't want to make permanent modifications if possible.

Has anyone used the factory temperature probe with the STC-1000 controller? How about the other wires needed?

I'm not sure that the controller itself can be mounted temporarily though so it may be that permanent modifications are necessary anyway. But if I can do it I'd like to.

As this will be kept indoors is there any reason to hook up the heat? And if so what would you use in a chest freezer?

 

I have seen posts on here where the stc was wired to bypass the internal thermostat of the freezer. You could also wire it so the stc has a power strip and plug the freezer into it, that way you do not have to void the warranty. I have a ranco temp controller and keep mine indoors so I do not worry about heat.

 

I think people have run the temp control wire under the seal of the freezer. That way you don't have to drill holes.

 

You can do it without doing any damage. Put the controller in a separate box, and make it turn the power on/off (turn the thermostat right down on the freezer so it doesn't interfere).

Run the temp sensor in through the seal.

If you need heat, you can run that wiring under the seal too.

 

+1 on not having to modify the freezer to temperature control it.

I added a heater because I like the idea of bringing temps up at the end of fermentation, to squeeze out every degree of FG. My freezer is in a basement, so it sometimes isn't warm enough to do this at ambient.

 

+1 to above. Look for the STC1000 build threads (there are several on this forum) that illustrate building the controller into a project box. You can then just plug the freezer into the outlet on the controller's box. There is no need to remove the lid or anything else unless you decide to add a collar to raise the interior height. Even then, if you plan carefully, you don't need to drill any holes or do anything else that would void the freezer warranty.

Cheers!

 

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/kenmore-8-8-build-481321/

 

I bought a GE chest freezer that got 5 stars with nearly 1200 reviews. I didn't purchase an extended warranty, and so I'm wondering if I'd not be better served by just doing a nice installation and hooking it up as the various vids and such show. Seems much easier and professional looking. I doubt I'll need the warranty, though I'll certainly kick myself if I have problems...

 

The cost of a repair bill anymore is about the same as the cost of a replacement. And most units are made to last at about 24 hours past the time the extended warranty expires. So an extended warranty is just a crap-shoot.

I bought a cheap-o 7 cu ft freezer from Costco for my keezer and, so far at least, it's working well. Below is a pic of my Craigslist special 25 cu ft freezer that I'm using for a fermenter. As you can see in the pic the temperature sensor wire runs under the door gasket along with the feed-wire for the heater. Right now I have it hooked up to a Ronco unit but will sub that out for an STC-1000 I just built. The latter unit will control both heat and cold so as the colder weather sets in this fall it will cool it during the daytime and keep it warm at night without having to mess with it.

 

Run the probe through the drain hole.

 

That would work if your fermenter is inside the house. If it's outside like mine any hole left open will be an entry point for cockroaches and other vermin. I'll keep mine sealed up except if I need to drain it for some reason.

 

you could always build it out like a keezer with a collar