Easy fermentation chamber

[SmokeyRydr]

I was looking for a mini-fridge to chill my fermenting carboys in, but nothing small really fit. Then I saw one of those Redbull "can-shaped coolers" and thought it might work...

Lo and behold, it's a perfect fit! They fit both my 6gal "wide" carboys, as well as the 6.5gal "tall" carboys.

I'm really excited about this and can't wait for my next brew: Da Yopper's House Pale that needs to ferment @62°f.

Here are a few things they have going for them:
* they fit my primary carboys without much extra dead space.
* they are insulated.
* they are commercial grade, so can be left outside without the compressors freezing up.
* they have a built in circulation fan.
* they have caster wheels.

There are just a few minor mods needed:
* instead of the stock wire rack, I'll use a few 4×4 scraps to hold the carboy off the raised fan housing.
* I'll cut a hole in the lit to accommodate a blowoff tube. And maybe a couple of notches for the inkbird probe and the heat-belt cord.

What did this cost me? $78 total
* cooler: $25 (yes this was a steal of a deal and in mint condition)
* heater: $25 carboy heater-wrap
* Controller: $28 inkbird ITC-308

If you're seen this before, let me know. I'm curious why these are not more commonly used.

Cheers!

 

[RPh_Guy]

It definitely seems cool and a great deal! Cheers!

However, I like my fridge with top freezer.
Everything has advantages and disadvantages.

They've been used before.. Here's one
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/red-bull-lager.117078/

Regards

 

[Soulshine2]

nice job, fellow tinkerer and brewer !!

 

[deadwolfbones]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/red-bull-kegerator.232130/

 

[SmokeyRydr]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/red-bull-kegerator.232130/

Nice, I like the idea of using it for a portable Kegerator. Even if you simply take a separate C02 tank and a picnic tap!

 

[SmokeyRydr]

And here it is in action... Fermenting Yoopers House Pale Ale at 62°

Inkbird controler and styrofoam lid.

 

[SmokeyRydr]

And here it is in action... Fermenting Yoopers House Pale Ale at 62°

Inkbird controler and styrofoam lid.

 

[SanPancho]

How cold does that bad boy get?

 

[NeverDie]

Where did you get the red bull cooler?

 

[Jayjay1976]

I have a very similar chiller that was formerly a rockstar fridge. Fits one fermonster perfectly but I used an inverted baking pan to support the fermenter which blocked the fan from circulating, which lead to a buildup of moisture and mold growing in the fermenter spigot. I managed to spray it out with bleach and then with starsan to safely transfer the beer to my bottling bucket, but I'm a bit leery about using it again until i source a suitable false bottom to support the fermenter while allowing the fan to function as intended. I'm going to order a stainless false bottom from brewhardware.com which i believe will solve all my problems.

 

[SmokeyRydr]

I have a very similar chiller that was formerly a rockstar fridge. Fits one fermonster perfectly but I used an inverted baking pan to support the fermenter which blocked the fan from circulating, which lead to a buildup of moisture and mold growing in the fermenter spigot. I managed to spray it out with bleach and then with starsan to safely transfer the beer to my bottling bucket, but I'm a bit leery about using it again until i source a suitable false bottom to support the fermenter while allowing the fan to function as intended. I'm going to order a stainless false bottom from brewhardware.com which i believe will solve all my problems.

I just places 3 scrap 4×4 blocks in the bottom. They support my 6.5 gal carboy just above the fan box

 

[SmokeyRydr]

Where did you get the red bull cooler?

Craigslist / OfferUp.

 

[SmokeyRydr]

How cold does that bad boy get?

I haven't tried to see how low but it's plenty for running 62° in a 68° home. It takes about 3 hours between the compressor kicking in.

In a week, I'll be cold-crashing so we'll see if it gets to 35°