Cooler as Fermentation Chamber?

[TheJadedDog]

I'm having a hard time with temp control so I was thinking of getting a cooler to use as a fermentation chamber. Anyone else doing this? What size/type of cooler? How are you venting air? What effect will drill holes have?

Ideally I would like to fit a 6.5 gal bucket and 5 gal carboy with airlocks attached and room for ice/ice packs. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

If you're looking for a project, check this out.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=13586

 

[TheJadedDog]

Is it possible to modify the chiller and not use the thermostat/fan/ice chambers and just build an insulated box with ice in it? I ask because I have space constraints but would love to build something like this.

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

Well I guess... It wouldn't be as gadgety though...

 

[pbowler]

I imagine yeah, each added feature, fan, thermo etc. adds ease of control.

You'll need some way to keep it cool though, so I'm not sure how you'd get around the ice [EDITops, you meant ice chamber, I think you'd have to be careful to get even cooling all around).

[EDIT: this sentance is irrelevant, I misread the post] that beer is making it's own heat, so just sticking it in an insulated box will actually make it warm not cool.

I guess it depends on what your brewing and what temp your trying to hit.

 

[Pumbaa]

Is it possible to modify the chiller and not use the thermostat/fan/ice chambers and just build an insulated box with ice in it? I ask because I have space constraints but would love to build something like this.

Sure it is but IMHO you wouldnt be saving much space if any. If ya follow the PDF linked in the DIY area and build it to those specs but remove the fan, thremostat and ice you'll only save youself about 10 inches, and then you'll still need a way to keep the inside of the box cool.

 

[TheJadedDog]

Sure it is but IMHO you wouldnt be saving much space if any. If ya follow the PDF linked in the DIY area and build it to those specs but remove the fan, thremostat and ice you'll only save youself about 10 inches, and then you'll still need a way to keep the inside of the box cool.

Yeah, but those 10 inches are the difference between fitting it in the space I have or having SWMBO tell me I can't build it at all.