5 cu ft freezer for fermentation chiller?

[dfborn]

I know bigger is better, but if I can get one cheap would it work?

How many carboys do you think I could fit with / without a collar?

Thanks!

 

[Nateo]

One carboy without a collar, maybe two with a collar, but it'd be tight.

I got a Holiday 7ft^3 from Lowes for $189. It fits two pales pretty tightly, or two carboys easily, without a collar, and it's only a few bucks more than a 5ft^3 freezer.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_73849-33112...pliances_4294937007__s?Ntt=holiday&facetInfo=

 

[MoronBrothersBrewery]

Obviously, you would need the inside dimensions to be exact, but I just got the inside measurements from a 7.0 CuFt freezer, and I can get 2 better bottle carboys in there (diagonally)with about 3 inches to spare.

http://www.brandsmartusa.com/Product/139059-Frigidaire-Fffc07m2kw-Ww-7-2-Cuft-Chest-Freezer

 

[user 21663]

I have a 5 cu ft chest freezer and can fit one better bottle ( 6 gallon ) in there with no collar. I use a blowoff tube and put the bucket on the hump. I also use a milk crate so I don't suck back when picking up the better bottle.

I now wish I went bigger...maybe someday and this will become my lagering fridge.

 

[mattldm]

Both the 7 and 9 cuft freezers will hold 2 carboys without a collar. the 9 will easily fit three, and a blowoff with a collar.

 

[broadbill]

I have a 5 cu ft chest freezer and can fit one better bottle ( 6 gallon ) in there with no collar. I use a blowoff tube and put the bucket on the hump. I also use a milk crate so I don't suck back when picking up the better bottle.

I now wish I went bigger...maybe someday and this will become my lagering fridge.

This is my experience as well.