Hello!
Just started home brewing a couple months ago after moving into a bigger house that has a basement with plenty of space to store fermenters and bottles.
I've brewed a handful of ales so far without any problems (other than a can of expired LME, rookie mistake). Since I'm fermenting in the basement, I have the advantage of semi-steady temperature. I've thought about making a DIY lagering tun so that I can brew lager once it starts getting cooler and also to help control the temperature once it starts getting unbearably hot this summer.
So here's my plan: get a 10 gallon trash can (like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KDAMFK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20). Wrap the whole thing with fiberglass insulation. Then, place a 5 gallon bucket inside, and put ice/ice packs and water in the space between the bucket and the trash can. Check the temp every couple days and re-ice as needed.
Does this seem like it would work? I've thought about getting a mini-fridge, but from what i've seen, none would fit a 5 gallon bucket. Also thought about getting a 10 gallon water cooler so that I could also convert it for all grain brewing as needed. Any other ideas of cheap ways to maintain cooler temps for fermenting?
Just started home brewing a couple months ago after moving into a bigger house that has a basement with plenty of space to store fermenters and bottles.
I've brewed a handful of ales so far without any problems (other than a can of expired LME, rookie mistake). Since I'm fermenting in the basement, I have the advantage of semi-steady temperature. I've thought about making a DIY lagering tun so that I can brew lager once it starts getting cooler and also to help control the temperature once it starts getting unbearably hot this summer.
So here's my plan: get a 10 gallon trash can (like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KDAMFK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20). Wrap the whole thing with fiberglass insulation. Then, place a 5 gallon bucket inside, and put ice/ice packs and water in the space between the bucket and the trash can. Check the temp every couple days and re-ice as needed.
Does this seem like it would work? I've thought about getting a mini-fridge, but from what i've seen, none would fit a 5 gallon bucket. Also thought about getting a 10 gallon water cooler so that I could also convert it for all grain brewing as needed. Any other ideas of cheap ways to maintain cooler temps for fermenting?
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