Fermenting in garage winter

[ThePrisoner]

I want to use the garage space to ferment my beers and ciders over winter but it gets way below freezing in there.
What's the cheapest DIY way to get a fermentation temperature in there.
Old fridge?
Some other box I could make with a lizard heater or something?

 

[govner1]

If you can find an old fridge or build an insulated box attached to a mini fridge and add a temp control to turn on cooling in warmer weather and a ceramic reptile bulb for heat you should be set. Use good fireproof insulation( 1"+) on all sides and seal all the edges w/ insulating tape.
Addition of a small fan to circulate the air inside is a plus. You can get one at Wally World for under $10.
Lastly, put casters on the bottom for easy movement. You're certain to drop something behind it sooner or later!

 

[MaxStout]

Build a ferm chamber from a fridge or chest freezer with a dual (cooling/heating) temp control such as an STC-1000. Use a terrarium heater, seedling mat or even a simple 40w incandescent bulb in a paint can to provide heat.

 

[mongoose33]

A fridge would be a good choice as you'd be able to use it in the summer for the same reason. If it gets way below freezing your biggest issue will be heat. I don't know if a reptile mat or light bulb would be enough, depends on a number of issues I suppose.

I fermented in a refrigerator in my garage this past winter but it never drops below freezing. As it was, a reptile mat for heat was sufficient--as long as I put a towel over it to insulate it from the ambient air and direct more heat into the fermenter.

I also have a Fermwrap, it's a better solution (IMO) than the reptile mat as it provides more heat. I got a deal on the reptile mat which is why I have one.

Here are some sources at reasonable prices for the fermwrap: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J1WZNM2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[ThePrisoner]

With the STC 1000,: do you hardwire the heat source and fridge to it?
I presume if the fridge gasket is fine, it should hold heat well even at -30 Celsius outside.

 

[Jtk78]

The STC 1000 will have two receptacles, one for a heating device and one for a cooling device. It will control which device needs to be turned on based on temp and settings. They work great.

 

[Sailingeric]

I have a STC1000 knock off I got on Amazon for about $10 and a heat wrap I got from NB and that works great for keeping it at the right temp. My garage does get down to the low 50's in the winter so I just have heat a just a little for ales and it is just right for lagers.

 

[Kharnynb]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=568659

I make my fermenter a small aquarium with an stc-1000 and a heater

 

[ThePrisoner]

The STC 1000 will have two receptacles, one for a heating device and one for a cooling device. It will control which device needs to be turned on based on temp and settings. They work great.

Are the receptacles built into the side? Can't seem to see any
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00862G3TQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503885551&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=stc-1000&dpPl=1&dpID=418CByc8TnL&ref=plSrch

 

[Kharnynb]

there is about 6 screw type connectors on the back for wires.

 

[Jtk78]

Are the receptacles built into the side? Can't seem to see any
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00862G3TQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503885551&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=stc-1000&dpPl=1&dpID=418CByc8TnL&ref=plSrch

I'm sorry, I was confusing the STC with the Inkbird, which is what I have with the outlets built in.

 

[mongoose33]

Are the receptacles built into the side? Can't seem to see any
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00862G3TQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503885551&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=stc-1000&dpPl=1&dpID=418CByc8TnL&ref=plSrch

You need a project box or similar and to that you add receptacles.

My son made me one, and used a standard wall outlet for the two receptacles, each wired separately to either the heat circuit or the cool circuit.

Those STC controllers are nice if you have a place to recess it into a facade so it appears custom.

Here's an example of the kind of thing people do with them:

 

[deks77]

I eventually used an old hair dryer with the mentioned controller above, it runs for a few seconds and that is it.. I was going to use a light but the light and skunked beer (paranoid) I thought no so I tried a car interior warmer, but I guess sitting for 10 years it stopped working. Who needs a car interior warmer in Fl.. lol

 

[twade64112]

I found a rubberized, heated Matt designed for melting ice and snow off off boot in northern climes. It’s moisture resistant and works well for a heat source. It kept my 7 cubic foot deep freeze at 65 in January in NW Missouri. I liked it so well I bought a second one for a refrigerator I have in my detached garage as well.

 

[twade64112]

I found a rubberized, heated Matt designed for melting ice and snow off off boot in northern climes. It’s moisture resistant and works well for a heat source. It kept my 7 cubic foot deep freeze at 65 in January in NW Missouri. I liked it so well I bought a second one for a refrigerator I have in my detached garage as well.

 

[medixlux]

 

[medixlux]

View attachment 566770

Or you can do this