Fermentation temp control, DIY or buy?

[DonGavlar]

Hello guys,

I created another post the other day explaining how I wanted to transition over to all grain brewing. With some help and advice, I think I've made up my mind on which route of all grain brewing and what set up I will be using.

Whilst I was online getting my basket full of the bits of equipment I will need for my new set up I realised that If I'm going to do this, then I really want to get temperature control sorted as well, right? I don't what to invest in all this new gear and spend time brewing these beers if at the end of the day the beers aren't going to be great due to temp.

At the moment I am fermenting in a very small dark closet that I can maintain at around 67-69F. However, I am aware that ambient temp may well not be a true reflection of the temp inside the fermenter.

I was wondering whether or not someone could point me in the right direction for getting some temp control sorted. I've gathered that most people seem to go for the recycled fridge with a temp control unit fitted.

Here are my main questions I'm looking to be answered;

• Will my current closet fermentation tempature suffice for now at 67-69F?
• Is there some sort of fridge you can buy that can be set at around 60-65F without the need of altering it or attaching a separate temp control?
• Do I really need to make/buy a chamber if I am already fermenting in a room at around 67-69? Would a jacket/ cooler do the job?
• If I cant buy a chamber ready to plug and play. Is there any good videos on how to convert a fridge into a fermentation chamber quite easily as I am not very good when it comes to handy work? I have seen there are videos on here on building larger chambers that have the door of the fridge taken off but I do not have that much room. I would need a fridge that would just fit in a 6.5 gallon fermenter ( possible a second 6.5G ontop with a shelf between then.) I wouldn't have the room to fit a fridge that extends outwards further than the fermentor, only room for 2 on top of each other, not next to each other if you see what i mean.

Any help would be greatly appriciated! I really want to get my brewing to a good standard and I know temperature control is going to be my first step.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Converting a freezer to a ferm chamber is no work. Buy an Inkbird 308 controller. Plug that into the wall plug the fridge/freezer into the controller... $35 simple as that. No modifications needed.

Size will be an issue for you. You need to take some measurements of the space you have and find something that fits.

You could look up Swamp cooler. Its a tub of water with bottles of ice to keep the temps down. Mighty low tech and not as accurate and you need to keep switching out the bottles.

Heres the controller.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirec...0327759&id=3819026846317224&widgetName=sp_atf

 

[helibrewer]

This is a nice, affordable dual controller:Inkbird

The probe is placed in a small volume of liquid in the fridge. The fridge is plugged into the "cold" socket. Set your desired temp. Your done.

The Inkbird will turn the fridge on and off to maintain your set temp, you would set the fridge thermostat at it's coldest. Using this you should be able to ferment from the mid 40's F and higher. Finding the right fridge for your needs is the hardest part.

 

[DonGavlar]

Thanks both for the quick replies. I'm from the UK, I'll have to have a quick google search to find if inkbirds are available over here. I think I would need to attach a heating mechanism inside the fridge too as well, as at night the temperatures over here get pretty low in the winter, even indoors.

You both seem to make it sound pretty easy, when i have watched videos online the guys are wiring, drilling holes, attaching insulating foam, making shelf's with holes in etc etc, all seems like a lot of work. I do like the idea of just plugging in and setting the temp though.

 

[DonGavlar]

So i have found the inkbird 308 is available on amazon in the UK

So literally all i need to do is get a fridge that my fermenter will fit in, plug the fridge into the inkbird, put a heating unit inside the fridge and plug that into the inkbird also and then set the temp?

No need for PC fans and all the rest of it like in these videos ive been watching?

 

[PADave]

Another vote for chest freezer and Inkbird 308. Plug and play, can't get any easier. You don't really need the heat during fermentation, the yeast will produce plenty. Remember, the same insulation that keeps the freezer cold is going to keep your cold room temps out.

 

[eric19312]

I used the STC1000 diy for many years with great success. This one: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=163849

Control a fridge and a heat source. Eventually settled on ceramic bulb for heat source.

This worked just fine at 5 gallon fermentors but less so as fermentation volume increased. I'm using a dual probe unit from Auber now that measures both the temperature of the beer and the temperature inside the fridge. Prevents under and overshooting by not letting fridge temp get too cold or hot. It is similar principle to some of the higher end systems out there at a much lower price point without need to get a degree in computer programing to get it to work.

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=671

I reached out to Inkbird before pulling trigger on the Auber given Inkbird's support of HBT but they don't offer anything similar.

 

[PADave]

So i have found the inkbird 308 is available on amazon in the UK

So literally all i need to do is get a fridge that my fermenter will fit in, plug the fridge into the inkbird, put a heating unit inside the fridge and plug that into the inkbird also and then set the temp?

No need for PC fans and all the rest of it like in these videos ive been watching?

Yep, it's that easy. Although I run a small muffin fan in mine to circulate the air, again, just plug it in. And something to absorb the moisture that will form, to keep mold from growing. Also adding some bottles of water, the more the better, will act as a heat sink and keep temps more stable.

 

[helibrewer]

So i have found the inkbird 308 is available on amazon in the UK

So literally all i need to do is get a fridge that my fermenter will fit in, plug the fridge into the inkbird, put a heating unit inside the fridge and plug that into the inkbird also and then set the temp?

No need for PC fans and all the rest of it like in these videos ive been watching?

You probably won't need to use the heating option but if you choose to, use FlexWatt FlexWatt Tape and wrap it around your fermenter....assuming you use 220V in the UK

 

[Murphys_Law]

Chest freezers are very nice but an alternative is a mini-fridge. I bought a Magic Chef 4.2CF. Not sure what the market is like over in the UK but it was affordable and I like not having to lift a fermenter up and over the chest freezer (I'm stuck doing that with my kegs, though!).

I easily holds a Fermonster or a bucket and works very well.

 

[DonGavlar]

Another vote for chest freezer and Inkbird 308. Plug and play, can't get any easier. You don't really need the heat during fermentation, the yeast will produce plenty. Remember, the same insulation that keeps the freezer cold is going to keep your cold room temps out.

Ah yes, didn't think about that! The ambient tempature of the room I will be able to fit the fridge is usually about 68F-72F in the day. At night it may get quite low, too around maybe the mid/high 50s.

I could actually get the under floor heating turned on in that room which would eliminate the need for a heating unit in the fridge for sure.

 

[DonGavlar]

I used the STC1000 diy for many years with great success. This one: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=163849

Control a fridge and a heat source. Eventually settled on ceramic bulb for heat source.

This worked just fine at 5 gallon fermentors but less so as fermentation volume increased. I'm using a dual probe unit from Auber now that measures both the temperature of the beer and the temperature inside the fridge. Prevents under and overshooting by not letting fridge temp get too cold or hot. It is similar principle to some of the higher end systems out there at a much lower price point without need to get a degree in computer programing to get it to work.

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=671

I reached out to Inkbird before pulling trigger on the Auber given Inkbird's support of HBT but they don't offer anything similar.

That does look interesting, I 'll have a look if anything similar is available over here in the UK. II think for now the the inkbird seems like it will suffice for my 5 gallon batches as Im really looking for a plug and play solution.

 

[PADave]

Ah yes, didn't think about that! The ambient tempature of the room I will be able to fit the fridge is usually about 68F-72F in the day. At night it may get quite low, too around maybe the mid/high 50s.

I could actually get the under floor heating turned on in that room which would eliminate the need for a heating unit in the fridge for sure.

I use one of these for a heat source, when I want to raise the temps towards the end of fermentation in the winter. Nice simple, gentle, safe heat. Does not take much to raise a few degrees.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirec...0329996&id=6527082610727660&widgetName=sp_atf

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

I could actually get the under floor heating turned on in that room which would eliminate the need for a heating unit in the fridge for sure.

That is an overthink. Its not that involved. Plug it in and use it. If you need heat just plug a light bulb in the controller. It produces enough heat. Or a seed germination mat...or practically anything that gets warm. The beauty of a chamber is when not in use you'll always have an extra fridge/ freezer to use as it was intended..plus being there is no modifications you can always sell it and get a good chunk of your money back. Also the Inkbird controller can be used for a lot more than homebrew. I use mine for seed germination and cooking. If you use a crockpot you can use it to override the thermostat and dial in exact temps...its a useful tool to have

 

[DonGavlar]

Thank you all that have replied, your advice is all greatly appreciated

I was thinking of getting a fridge similar to this:

then id take the shelves etc out and just pop my fermentor in and hook it up to the inkbird and possibly add in a gentle heat source.

Seem ok?

I may look for something double in height so that i could add a shelf and fit 2 fermentors in at a time.

I no a larger chest freezer box would be easier in terms of fitting in multiple vessels, however, I just don't have the space at the moment.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Thank you all that have replied, your advice is all greatly appreciated

I was thinking of getting a fridge similar to this:

then id take the shelves etc out and just pop my fermentor in and hook it up to the inkbird and possibly add in a gentle heat source.

Seem ok?

I may look for something double in height so that i could add a shelf and fit 2 fermentors in at a time.

I no a larger chest freezer box would be easier in terms of fitting in multiple vessels, however, I just don't have the space at the moment.

I don't se how that would work for one let alone 2 fermenters. The hump on the floor would kill the floor space for the fermenter foot space.. I would possibly start a thread or look up " mini fridge for a fementation chamber" to see what others are using that will hold bucket/carboy or 2

 

[DonGavlar]

I don't se how that would work for one let alone 2 fermenters. The hump on the floor would kill the floor space for the fermenter foot space.. I would possibly start a thread or look up " mini fridge for a fementation chamber" to see what others are using that will hold bucket/carboy or 2

That was meant for only one fermenter, if i went to 2 i would find a fridge like that but a much taller one.

The height and depth on the site seem to suggest my 6.5 gallon fermenter would fit inside. However, the store is round the corner so ill head in and take some measurements.

 

[DonGavlar]

sorry guys one other question, If i was to add the heater inside the fridge I'd have to drill a hole in the fridge in order to run the cable through correct? What would i use to plug the whole to make it a usable fridge when then heater isn't in there?

 

[PADave]

sorry guys one other question, If i was to add the heater inside the fridge I'd have to drill a hole in the fridge in order to run the cable through correct? What would i use to plug the whole to make it a usable fridge when then heater isn't in there?

I just run all my cords (temp sensor, heater, fan,) pinched in the door seal.

 

[LittleRiver]

I don't se how that would work for one let alone 2 fermenters. The hump on the floor would kill the floor space for the fermenter foot space...

It depends on the model of mini fridge. This year I bought a used mini wine fridge for $70 (Craigslist). It fits a 6.5 gal fermenter just fine, even with the compressor hump in the back. Finding this was no accident, I knew the size of my fermenter, and looked for something that would fit it.

I like the glass door, it lets me easily check things out without opening the chamber. During fermentation I keep the glass covered up with a piece of paper, to avoid any problems with light affecting the beer.



The lids on the Big Mouth Bubblers tend to slide upward when wet with sanitizer solution, in the photo you can see the little piece of wood I use to hold down the lid (only needed until the sanitizer dries).

I have it on a little cart that is high enough to let me drain the fermenter into a bottling bucket, without removing it from the chamber. I give away a lot of beer to friends, so it works out best for me to have it all in bottles.



I wanted the light inside the fridge to be functional regardless of the state of the temp controller, so I disconnected the compressor wires in the back of the fridge, and put those on a separate cord that plugs into the "cool" outlet of the temp controller. The normal fridge cord (now just for light), plugs into an "always on" outlet I put in the temp controller. The light can be turned on/off with the light switch that's built into the front of the fridge. I also put in a flip switch in my controller which kills the incoming power, it's an easy and sure way to turn off the whole system.

Plenty of people report success with putting the temp probe on the side of the fermenter, covered with a thick piece of insulating foam. I prefer to put the temp probe in a thermowell, right in the wort. That works best for me, and seems to keep compressor cycling to a minimum.

As others have mentioned, a temp controller is a handy thing to have. I used mine this week to cook steak sous vide in an old crock pot.

 

[DonGavlar]

It depends on the model of mini fridge. This year I bought a used mini wine fridge for $70 (Craigslist). It fits a 6.5 gal fermenter just fine, even with the compressor hump in the back. Finding this was no accident, I knew the size of my fermenter, and looked for something that would fit it.

I like the glass door, it lets me easily check things out without opening the chamber. During fermentation I keep the glass covered up with a piece of paper, to avoid any problems with light affecting the beer.

View attachment 420107

The lids on the Big Mouth Bubblers tend to slide upward when wet with sanitizer solution, in the photo you can see the little piece of wood I use to hold down the lid (only needed until the sanitizer dries).

I have it on a little cart that is high enough to let me drain the fermenter into a bottling bucket, without removing it from the chamber. I give away a lot of beer to friends, so it works out best for me to have it all in bottles.

View attachment 420108

I wanted the light inside the fridge to be functional regardless of the state of the temp controller, so I disconnected the compressor wires in the back of the fridge, and put those on a separate cord that plugs into the "cool" outlet of the temp controller. The normal fridge cord (now just for light), plugs into an "always on" outlet I put in the temp controller. The light can be turned on/off with the light switch that's built into the front of the fridge. I also put in a flip switch in my controller which kills the incoming power, it's an easy and sure way to turn off the whole system.

Plenty of people report success with putting the temp probe on the side of the fermenter, covered with a thick piece of insulating foam. I prefer to put the temp probe in a thermowell, right in the wort. That works best for me, and seems to keep compressor cycling to a minimum.

As others have mentioned, a temp controller is a handy thing to have. I used mine this week to cook steak sous vide in an old crock pot.

Nice set up, thanks for sharing

 

[kinginthenorth]

The Inkbird will turn the fridge on and off to maintain your set temp, you would set the fridge thermostat at it's coldest.

Is this true for all applications using an inkbird whether ferm chamber or keezer? (Setting unit to its coldest temperature?)

 

[Remos112]

sorry guys one other question, If i was to add the heater inside the fridge I'd have to drill a hole in the fridge in order to run the cable through correct? What would i use to plug the whole to make it a usable fridge when then heater isn't in there?

I use a regular counter height fridge wich fits a 35 L fermenter perfectly. I hooked up an Inkbird controller and bought a Ceramic reptile heater. I managed to use the drainhole in the back of the fridge for the 230VAC for the heater and the Inkbird sensor. This setup for me works like a dream and I didn't have to create any holes or any other modification to the fridge. To answer your other question, fridge is set to max. cold and I let the Inkbird do all the controlling.

 

[Remos112]

 

[BeardedBrews]

So literally all i need to do is get a fridge that my fermenter will fit in, plug the fridge into the inkbird, put a heating unit inside the fridge and plug that into the inkbird also and then set the temp?

No need for PC fans and all the rest of it like in these videos ive been watching?

Correct.

Is this true for all applications using an inkbird whether ferm chamber or keezer? (Setting unit to its coldest temperature?)

Correct for any controller, not just inkbird.


The only downside to the standard mini-fridge is that they can struggle to get colder than 5c. This is probably not a big problem for most people, and there are other advantages to having the unit open from the front.

 

[Remos112]

This is a nice, affordable dual controller:Inkbird

The probe is placed in a small volume of liquid in the fridge. The fridge is plugged into the "cold" socket. Set your desired temp. Your done.

The Inkbird will turn the fridge on and off to maintain your set temp, you would set the fridge thermostat at it's coldest. Using this you should be able to ferment from the mid 40's F and higher. Finding the right fridge for your needs is the hardest part.

I use this device and it works great, however my probe is inserted in an envelope of insulation taped to the side of the fermenter instead of liquid, next step for me would be installing a thermowell which I think would work even better.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

I bought a 7 cu ft chest freezer from best buy on sale for $137. Inkbird was around $25. Works great and I can cold crash to the 30's when ferm is done. I pull the fermenter out and sit on the closed lid to siphon to my keg. I currently have a barrel aged porter carbonating in there right now. The hump makes a nice place to put the CO2 tank/regulator.

 

[DonGavlar]

How many 6.5G fermenters can you fit in there? Ive gone off buying the smaller fridge as im going to want at least 2 fermenters going at once

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

How many 6.5G fermenters can you fit in there? Ive gone off buying the smaller fridge as im going to want at least 2 fermenters going at once

The 7 cu ft fits two, the 5 cu ft fits one. I don't go through enough volume to need two at a time so far. I can ferm one, move to a keg, then have another fermenting and then kegged/carbing in the kegerator before the first is done. This keeps me with a constant pipeline. The only thing that throws a wrench in things are lagers due to the lagering time (which takes up space in the kegerator). To do those, I just bottle some of what's serving to make room for the next ale.

Stouts that I want to bulk age just get fermented and moved to a corny with a spunding valve in the basement. I can cold crash and/or carb in the freezer when necessary. I think the next stout will be keg conditioned instead of force carbed.

 

[soccerdad]

I use ice blocks for ales. Able to keep a 62 to 66 temp (measuring with a fermometer attacked to the fermenter) for the 3 to 5 days that fermentation is most active and temp most critical.

I had something like this sitting around that was underutilized. Mine was 'Work Force' brand from the Home Despot. It will hold 2 better bottles and 1 to 3 ice blocks. I removed the shelves, lined the top, bottom, back, left and right with 2 layers of 1/2 inch rigid foam insulation.

http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=194&ProductCategory=242&section=6