Fermentation chamber questions.

[petry121]

I am converting a chest freezer to a ferment chamber. I have the regulator etc. my question is this;

Is it necessary to have a fan in the freezer to circulate the air and if so why do I need to do this?

 

[badbrew]

I assume you mean temp controller. I don't use a fan. I think it has to do with the size of the freezer and any mods you may do to the lid. The fan will move the air so that the probe doesn't misread the freezer temps. It may be at a warm spot or a cold spot depending on where the cold air is coming in, how well it is insulated and how well the lid seals. If you have a 10 keg keezer and open the lid to grab a beer, I guess you could let a bunch of cold air out and then it would take a few hours to circulate again. Fan just circulates faster.

 

[metal850]

In my keezer I have noticed significant hot and cold spots when not using a fan. You don't need anything fancy a $5 desk fan will work even in a huge freezer.

 

[petry121]

I have been putting the probe in a glass of water to make sure the temp stays accurate and to save the compressor..... This is in my keezer. Does anyone else do this?

 

[badbrew]

I have been putting the probe in a glass of water to make sure the temp stays accurate and to save the compressor..... This is in my keezer. Does anyone else do this?

I think if you dangle the probe in the air it will measure best. It's when it touches something that it will cause problems. I know people use water but you should realize that there are a bunch of threads here where people fail at that as well.

 

[mdgagne]

I would use a small piece of insulation and put the probe up against your fermenter. This way your controlling the temp of that and not the air inside it. It won't suffer from fluctuations if you open the freezer.

 

[metal850]

I would use a small piece of insulation and put the probe up against your fermenter. This way your controlling the temp of that and not the air inside it. It won't suffer from fluctuations if you open the freezer.

Agreed. I use a pot holder and duct tape so that the probe measures the fermentor temp