Ale fermenting in freezers or fridges?

[PistolaPete]

Do people use freezers or fridges to ferment ales at temps between 65-75F? I know when doing lagers with a freezer you need some sort of thermostat but I wasn't sure if a freezer or fridge can hold temps around 65-75F? I would guess that it wouldn't be good to turn a fridge or freezer off and on like that, but I could be wrong. I ask because I live in FL and our house is usually kept at 78-80F during summer.

 

[TyTanium]

A lot of people use an external thermostat control to "override" the fridge thermostat. That way you can set it to whatever temp you want.

And a smaller temp differential (65 fridge in 75 house vs 34 fridge in 75 house) means less cycling of the compressor.

Here's an excellent, cheap example:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-fish-tank-controller-build-using-wal-mart-parts-261506/

 

[PistolaPete]

Thanks for info Ty. I see what you mean about the cycling, that's a good point. They actually sell external thermostats where I work so I can get them pretty cheap. I would assume a freezer is good for lagers but will it have a problem staying in the 70's for ales?

 

[Bmorebrew]

I have a chest freezer that I've converted to a fermentation chamber. I've done a bunch of ales but yet to do a lager. It works great for ales.

 

[PistolaPete]

Thanks, Bmore. That's good to know.

 

[RichH]

I just picked up a chest freezer and a A419 temp controller. Looking forward to fermenting my next batch in it.
My guest room is staying right around 74F but I would like to ferment around 68-70F.

Florida resident here too!

 

[PistolaPete]

Sounds exciting Rich! For some reason I thought it would n't be good to keep a chest freezer @ 65-70F but from what everyone on here says, it will work fine.

 

[TyTanium]

Yup, it works great. Pick up some damp-rid at Home Depot for the condensation.

 

[Brew-ta-sauraus]

I have a chest freezer that I've converted to a fermentation chamber. I've done a bunch of ales but yet to do a lager. It works great for ales.

I do the exact same thing. I use the freezer for lagers as well and I heat it for ales since my basement stays aroung 60 in the winter. In Fl you will probably be using the freezer to cool your ale due to ambiant temps.