Fermentation Chamber Dimensions

[kickrjason]

I felt this question deserves a separate string. I would like to know what internal dimensions have proven to be the most useful and allow for future size & batch growth. I am going to start with specialty/extract batches but want to make sure the fermentation chamber i build will last me for years to come. I don't want to be mad in a year that it isn't big enough.

Any suggestions for what has worked and not worked for any reason will be greatly appreciated.

 

[dutchoven]

Welcome to the forum. Here's my thoughts:

1. Normally, I wouldn't recommend building a fermentation chamber before getting the basics down, but I see you live in Arizona -- this is a good start.
2. What equipment do you have so far that can be utilized? Extra freezer/fridge available? Spare AC unit laying around? Gift certificate to Home Depot?
3. How much space do you have? Will you be moving in the future? Do you want portable/movable or built in place?
4. What's your DIY tolerance?
5. How thirsty are your friends?

That said, I built a fermentation chamber after about a year of brewing. I was tired of not hitting my target temps. I chose to go with a 17 cubic foot upright freezer. I like the upright design as I can load/unload it easily and check on the fermentation process. Also takes up less floor space and can be moved around. I can easily fit four, 6.5 gallon carboys, and possibly more if I used buckets or kegs. Here's my build: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/dutch-s-cadillac-fermentation-chamber-build-251579/

 

[kickrjason]

I live in Phoenix so that i can make sure i am successful from the start i want temperature management to be a non issue. Live in phoenix long enough and you learn to think temp first life second.

I have a mini fridge that i plan to salvage to build an insulated plywood cabinet. It will be on wheels to move for cleaning behind etc. i am looking to find a good dimension to fit 2 5 gal glass carboys 2 fermentation buckets. and a few growler sizes for small batch experimentation.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/4-6-cu-ft-fridge-10-1-cu-ft-fermentation-chamber-conversion-88554/

this is the style i am thinking of following as far as how to utilize the existing refrigerator. i am mostly looking for input on how much sq footage is required to comfortable fit what i am looking for.

 

[runs4beer]

I just made one over the weekend as Irene bore down on me. My 6,5 gallon carboys are 12" in diameter and with a carboy cap and air lock they need a hight of 29". I want to fit 2 carboy in the chamber that I was attaching to my small mini fridge and have some room for air flow so the *inside* of chamber is 18" by 28" and it's 29"in hight. I decided that I most likely won't be doing more then 10 gallon batches and I guess that the mini fridge might have trouble with a chamber any bigger than that.
I think that's what you're looking for...

 

[kickrjason]

so i am estimating that 18" by 28" will hold 3 car boys?

I want this to grow with me rather then grow out of it. what dimension door will i need to fit a corny keg through the door? i want to make sure i am not building another ferm chamber in a couple years when i move up to kegging.

I am not looking to lager in this, just maintain the ale temp range in a garage. so with a fan and good insulation i should be able to make a decent size chamber with this mini fridge.

 

[runs4beer]

I have two carboys in mine right now and the floor inside the chamber is 18x28 inches and I don't think putting an other carboy in there would be a good idea even if it fit. I want good air flow around them. If you want to ferment in cornys you could fit quite a few but cornys are not ideal for fermentation IMO. I just stepped up to 10 gallon batches myself and at the moment I really don't think I'll be brewing more then twice a month. If I do or if I started doing bigger than 10 gallon batches then I'll build another chamber and make another temp. controller. That's my plan, I don't know how fast you'll grow...

Just reread your question when you move up to Kegging you'll should build a kegarator and have a still have a separate fermentation chamber imo.

 

[ilikethetrees]

Make it big as all hell if you have the cooling power. I made mine big enough to accommodate 50 gallons or so. Make sure it's tall enough to handle corny kegs with airlocks/fittings on them. And consider making the whole thing small enough to fit through a door or up a flight of stairs in case you move. Wheels might not be a bad idea.

 

[runs4beer]

@ilkethetrees what's your guess on how big a space and average mini fridge could handle? My little cube mini fridge is working hard to cool my two carboys at high krausen; it about 74° outside and I'm holding the fermentation at 66° and the compresser is very hot to the touch. I feel I'm pushing this one it to its limit.