Don't know if it's the right place to ask but I was wondering how people achieve a temperature range of 66-68 F with a fridge ? All they do is hook up a temperature controller and the fridge will stay at the selected temperature ?
fermentation chamber
- Thread starter matc
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If your ambient room temperature is below your target range, you'll need a heater in the fridge too. There are a lot of examples of this over in the DIY forum. People will use a two stage temperature controller that controls the fridge compressor and a heat source.
I have two fermentation chambers, one uses a brew belt for the heat source an the other uses a small plug in radiant heater.
I have two fermentation chambers, one uses a brew belt for the heat source an the other uses a small plug in radiant heater.
Power -> Temperature Controller -> Freezer/fridge OR Heater
Power comes into the temperature controller, which gives power to the fridge/freezer or heater if:
- Temperatures are cooler than the setting on the controller (heaters job)
- Temperatures are warmer than the setting on the controller (fridge/freezers job)
Otherwise no temperature adjustments are required and the system rests until they are needed.
The controller cuts or provides power to the appropriate outlet (fridge/freezer or heater) depending on the settings.
This warm/cool control is called "dual stage"
There are lots of single stage (ie either heat OR cool) controllers out there, but as fall-line mentioned dual stage is the way to go.
I ferment in a 5 cu ft chest freezer and use a light bulb covered in foil to heat it. Works great, holds whatever temperature I set it at.
Power comes into the temperature controller, which gives power to the fridge/freezer or heater if:
- Temperatures are cooler than the setting on the controller (heaters job)
- Temperatures are warmer than the setting on the controller (fridge/freezers job)
Otherwise no temperature adjustments are required and the system rests until they are needed.
The controller cuts or provides power to the appropriate outlet (fridge/freezer or heater) depending on the settings.
This warm/cool control is called "dual stage"
There are lots of single stage (ie either heat OR cool) controllers out there, but as fall-line mentioned dual stage is the way to go.
I ferment in a 5 cu ft chest freezer and use a light bulb covered in foil to heat it. Works great, holds whatever temperature I set it at.
william_shakes_beer
Well-Known Member
Yup. 2 stage temp controller, chest freezer and brew belt. The advantage is there are no adjustments required to the freezer. I mounted the controller and a duplex receptacle on a peice of plywood, screwed a hook on the back and hang it from the lip of my freezer. Plug the freezer and the brew belt into the controller operated receptacle, and plug the controller into the wall. Easy Peasy, assuming you know how to operate a wire nut. I can provide pictures if it'll inspire you.
