Fermenting in kegerator...wondering about CO2 buildup

[scrambledegg81]

So with a new IIPA recipe in the works and my kegerator finally installed, I'm hoping to use the kegerator as a fermentation chamber until this new brew is done & ready to chill.

The thing that makes me worry is the CO2 buildup during fermentation. I'm gone from the house for most of the day, and since the only way for CO2 to escape is through a miniscule hole where the CO2 line goes through (mostly blocked by the line itself), I'm wondering if the buildup would be something to be concerned about. Would simply opening the thing for a minute or two a few times per day be enough?

 

[Golddiggie]

Remove the gas post (outer part) and install an airlock via a short section of tubing. If you're fermenting in a corny keg that is.

 

[scrambledegg81]

Actually meant I'd still be using the standard glass carboy. Only have 1 corny at the mo & I need it for dispensing.

 

[bigbeergeek]

Don't worry about it. You're not going to blow out your probe or hurt anything. A lot of us have the same set up as you do. The pressure generated by the exhausted CO2 escapes through the lid seal without incident.

 

[Golddiggie]

Install an airlock in the bung and don't worry about it. Just keep the liquid in the airlock to the correct level post fermentation and you'll be fine...

I would NOT open up the carboy at all. Leave it just as you would while fermenting.

 

[stp]

I was fermenting a lager for the first time and since my keezer was empty at the time I decided to just stick my fermenter in there. On the second or third day I opened the lid and stuck my head in there to check on it/smell it and choked a little breathing in all that CO2 that got stuck in the freezer. If you open the fridge/freezer during the active fermentation it seemed to clear out pretty quick, within like 10 seconds. I didn't know if it was necessary but since it was my first lager I wanted to check in on it anyways when I got home from work.
I haven't tasted it yet but it fermented fine and has been lagering back in there for about 3 weeks now. Don't think it causes any ill effects.

 

[scrambledegg81]

Cool. Just wondered.

I would NOT open up the carboy at all. Leave it just as you would while fermenting.

Meant the kegerator itself, not the primary.

 

[shelly_belly]

You need to leave the lid closed until high krausen and then stick your head in there and take a big wiff.

 

[scrambledegg81]

I never said I would lift the lid on the primary!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Skarekrough]

I never said I would lift the lid on the primary!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lifting the lid on the toilet....good!

Lifting the lid on the fermenter.....bad!

 

[day_trippr]

Ahahahahaha! I can't believe that not one person actually comprehended what you were asking - whether CO2 buildup inside your kegerator is a problem!

Hilarious!

And the answer is "No, it's not a problem"...

Cheers!

 

[stp]

Ahahahahaha! I can't believe that not one person actually comprehended what you were asking - whether CO2 buildup inside your kegerator is a problem!

Hilarious!

And the answer is "No, it's not a problem"...

Cheers!

Guess you didn't see mine then.
But you're right, a lot of misunderstanding in this thread.

 

[bigbeergeek]

Ahahahahaha! I can't believe that not one person actually comprehended what you were asking - whether CO2 buildup inside your kegerator is a problem!

Hilarious!

And the answer is "No, it's not a problem"...

Cheers!

You must have missed mine too. As I said above, not a problem.

 

[SankePankey]

I like this effect anyways, cause as I open the chest freezer I get a nice waft of CO2 fermentation smell. And when that doesn't come out, my beer is close to being done. It's a quick check.

 

[neut2004]

Don't stick your head in to 'smell' the co2, you may knock yourself out from the lack of oxygen.

 

[shortyjacobs]

Reading comprehension is at a max here, lol. Like the folks who read your post correctly said, you're fine, no worries about CO2 buildup in the kegerator....it's plenty leaky enough to vent the CO2 without issues. They are NOT airtight, and certainly won't hold pressure. Your fridge/freezer will be fine.

Oh, and don't open the carboy