DIY small batch thermoelectric cooler fermentation chamber

[aartese]

Just wanted to share my solution for 1 gallon batch temperature controlled fermentation chamber. I quickly grew out of this (full size kegerator that will be used as fermentation chamber on the way) but I think this has worked extremely well!

Components:
Little big mouth bubbler
Igloo 28 quart thermoelectric cooler
Igloo AC power converter
Inkbird temperature controller

Extras:
I already have an acurite weather station with smart hub. By buying a couple of their room temperature monitors + soil probes I was able to view the temp of the chamber and fermentor via an app. This has proven to come in handy when fermentation was ramping up. I was able to see the upwards trend on a chart and adjust the inkbird accordingly.

acurite app

See the spike in temp as fermentation ramped up:

 

[doomy86]

That looks great, i made a similar system controlled by a brewpi:

http://lukasholenweg.com/2017/02/20/budget-mini-fermentation-chamber/


What kind of fermentation container are you using for your 1 gallon brews?

 

[aartese]

That looks great, i made a similar system controlled by a brewpi:

http://lukasholenweg.com/2017/02/20/budget-mini-fermentation-chamber/


What kind of fermentation container are you using for your 1 gallon brews?

Nice build!

The container is a little big mouth bubbler. I really like it. Has enough headspace for 1 gallon batches that produce a lot of krauesen.

 

[doomy86]

Thank you, is it made out of plastic or glass?

 

[aartese]

Thank you, is it made out of plastic or glass?

Glass

 

[doomy86]

Glass

Nice, i always wanted to do a BIAB brew directly in the glass. I even made small bags. But with my fermentation containers the mouth is too small, i could not remove the bag and made a big mess.

Maybe with yours this could work.

 

[aartese]

Nice, i always wanted to do a BIAB brew directly in the glass. I even made small bags. But with my fermentation containers the mouth is too small, i could not remove the bag and made a big mess.

Maybe with yours this could work.

BIAB in the fermenter? Can't really picture what your setup would be. Not sure what kind of heat it can handle as well.

 

[doomy86]

Most thermoelectric coolboxes are also able to heat. I made a test with some hot water and the box was able to keep it @64C.

The idea was to add the bag, hot water and grain to the glass. Put everything into the coolbox and keep it there at perfect mash temperature for 90min. Finally just remove the bag, add WP hops and let it cool down.

This would be no boil batches of course. Maybe use a heat stick for boiling? The glass should be able to take the high temperature..