Fermentation Temp Control Equipment

[BDJ1311]

I am looking to step up my home brewing to the next level in quality. Right now I would say I am an advanced beginner doing 5 gallon partial mash/extract brews. I will have some extra scratch in the near future and want to add some new equipment. My first thought was to move to all grain, but after reading a bit, I think I need to focus on temperature control for fermentation first.

My home is a bi-level and I have an interior closet that hangs at roughly 67-69 pretty much all year, but it vacillates. It has worked fairly well for the IPA and Pale ales I have done so far, but gets a little hairy in the summer. I want to have more confidence that I am hitting my temps and have the ability to control them more.

I am looking for recommendations on equipment/ideas that would be a good first step into controlling temp. Thanks in advance.

 

[Drk93TT]

I just wired up and installed a STC-1000 in a project box for my serving keezer.. bought the stc1000 on amazon, and other materials at menards.

I also just today bought a inkbird plug and play temp controller on amazon today for my next project (ferm chamber) .. 39$ shipped you can't beat it... Also bought a heater jacket for 23$ for heating if needed.


http://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Itc-308-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B011296704?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Look for a used deep freezer on craigslist and add a controller and your set.

 

[timdillon36]

My vote is a used fridge or freezer and the black box temp controller

 

[flhb]

Freezer or fridge is the most popular option, typically. If those don't work for your specific circumstances you could try a Son of Fermentation Chiller. This is an insulated box that you build and cool using computer fans and bottles of ice. Attached are the directions.

I built an SOFC due to space limitations in my small apartment. I made a lot of alterations to the original plans and upgraded from a thermostat to an STC 1000 that controls the computer fans. It works well and I've been pleased with it.

View attachment Fermentation Chiller Plans.pdf

 

[bradleyhunt]

This is my thread from 3 weeks ago

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=575395

 

[Drk93TT]

Ok so I purchased this on craigslist today.... I got a heck of a deal! its about 5 ft tall Kenmore freezer chest ! Love it. Gonna hook up a inkbird temp controller tomorrow and play around w it. Brewing a cream ale sunday.. gonna start it around 65* for a week-ish and drop to 35* For 6-8 weeks to lager it !