Best fermenter with temperature control

[tkline]

Hi all - I'm in the market for a second fermentor and I'm trying to evaluate my options. I do all of my fermentations in my garage, which unfortunately sees huge temperature spikes depending on the season and time of day.

I already have a ss brewtech fermenter with heating and cooling, and I found the heater was unable to keep my fermentation in the right range when my garage temperature is too low. For example I fermented a black ipa and had my temp controller set at 64, but my ambient garage temp was 52 and the heater barely helped. Cooling I generally don't have any issues with.

In everyone's experience, what would be the best fermenter to hold roughly 7 gallons, that can be used in extremely hot or cold garages with ease? I'm really interested in the ss 7 gallon unitank but if the heating element is anything like the bme chronical heating element I don't think it will work well for me.

 

[universalfrost]

subbing ... im interested too...

my downstairs is great for lagers, but i cant get it to ale temps even in the summer and was looking at the unitank and the ss brewtech brewmaster tank.

 

[kh54s10]

Good question and it depends on the situation. I have always fermented inside in a heated area so I have never had to warm a fermentation. I have had to cool year round. I am also not on a SS budget. So for me it is Better Bottles, originally a swamp cooler then a home made fermentation chamber using a mini fridge. From there to a chest freeze and temperature controller. I have had as many as 5 beers and 3 or 4 wines fermenting at one time. If that was SS...... $$$$$

 

[triletter]

Interesting. I have 3 14 gal SSbrewtec BME's and brew in a pole barn here in Michigan. I can typically maintain about a 20* colder ambient temp and have the heaters keep the target temperature steady. I sometimes will have a space heater to keep the temp up, but typically in the winter, I brew lagers so I don't have as much to worry about since I keep the barn temp about 32* for water freezing issues. The only problem I have in the summer is that condensation on the insulation jackets promotes mold mildew.

 

[universalfrost]

Would you buy the SS bme 14's again or something else?

I'm at the point where I can afford one decent 14+ gallon setup and don't want buyers remorse.

 

[BarleyPopBrewer]

I'd vote Spike. I have a CF10 and love it. Can handle both my 5gal and 10gal batches with their temp coil design. Also I remember seeing them testing their heater in a cooler before but I can't seem to find the picture. It's an awesome unit and they have a ton of add on accessories that I can't stop buying.

 

[triletter]

Would you buy the SS bme 14's again or something else?

I'm at the point where I can afford one decent 14+ gallon setup and don't want buyers remorse.

I am extremely happy with them! They come pretty much standard with everything that I needed/want. Buy the CIP ball and there is virtually no physical scrubbing to be done (the cooling coils never have to be touched either); even with the heaviest krausen ring. I got the blow off cane so (for less than $20 in additional parts) you can hook up CO2 for cold crashing and transfer, limiting O2 exposure. The only thing I wish was different is the sampling port. However, between the CIP cleaning and using the CIP for sanitization, it is very safe with no contamination issues. I really like the permanent cooling coils. Dry hopping is super simple and minimizes possible contamination; just pop the top, add the hops, hit with a spray of sanitizer and locker her down. Seems like with the coils in the cap you are just looking at more time, mess and possible contamination. That is just from what I have seen. Depending on your situation, the leg extensions and base make for easy movement as required.

Obviously I am biased to the BME because I have not used a Spike.

 

[marjen]

I have a 14 gallon SS Brewtech Unitank with the FTSs2 heating and cooling temp control. I have been using it in my basement this winter where the temp has for long periods of time been in the mid 50s. I have had no issues getting the temp up to low 70s. If you are thinking conical I would go with either the SSBT or Spike unitanks. I love having the ability to close the blow off port and start building up pressure after dry hopping. Also the ability to carb with the carbonation stone I find has lead to better, quicker and more consistent carbonation levels in the final beer. Also transfers are a little easier. Mixed with the glycol chiller and its really brought a lot of consistency to my beers.

 

[passedpawn]

Chest Freezer. Maybe a 7 cuft. Put a plastic carboy in there add an InkBird ITC308 and a small ceramic heater from Amazon and you're in business (for less than $200).

I ferment in the garage too. Winters rarely get below freezing here, but the garage might still get into the 50's. Summers, though, see daily temps in the 90's. I can put six 6.5g carboys in mine.