Freezer size for ferm chamber?

[butterpants]

Hey guys, I'm about to embark on modding a chest freezer with a temp controller to make a fermentation/lagering chamber that can handle either a 'true brew' style bucket (i think they are 6+ gallons), a 5 gal carboy, spiedel 7gal fermentor or 2 corny kegs.

There are lots of options on Craigslist... everyday they pop up but are always various sizes. I'd rather not drive all over gods green earth checking them out.... need a general way to screen if the size is big enough. Any input from you guys how small I can go with dimensions or cubic feet in a rectangular top lid design?

 

[Pie_Man]

Everything right here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/chest-freezer-specs-layouts-377518/

 

[butterpants]

Everything right here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/chest-freezer-specs-layouts-377518/

Oh that's perfect. Man I searched for something like it too. I really need to start reading the forums more on my computer vs smartphone

 

[E_Marquez]

That is a GREAT resource,, BUT.. keep in mind there are more then one size (outer dimensions) of 6.5 gal buckets.

I had to go buy 2 new "tall style " 6.5 gal buckets to get both of them in my first chamber build.

The point is.. Know what type (size / style) bucket was used to make the suggest fitment / layout.. vs what you have or will use.

 

[butterpants]

That is a GREAT resource,, BUT.. keep in mind there are more then one size (outer dimensions) of 6.5 gal buckets.

I had to go buy 2 new "tall style " 6.5 gal buckets to get both of them in my first chamber build.

The point is.. Know what type (size / style) bucket was used to make the suggest fitment / layout.. vs what you have or will use.

So true. My first post talked about the true brew ones and those are the slimmer tall style.

FYI i snagged a freezer today. 60$ 8 cu ft General Electric. Will fit 2 pails or 4 cornies pretty easily so i'm happy as a clam. Now to research a temperature controller build!

 

[E_Marquez]

You poor man..... fell into the "This will do" trap...

No worries many of us do.... myself included, which is why I have a STC-1000 equipped 8cuFt keezer that fits two buckets or 4 Ball lock kegs.. and a 13Cu ft keezer W /STC-1000 that will fit three buckets I just built......and I search every day for that elusive 18 cuft freezer that I'll be able to fit 4 buckets in.

 

[butterpants]

18 is huge! I'd have to sign divorce papers while looking for a place to stash it in the house....

 

[E_Marquez]

18 is huge! I'd have to sign divorce papers while looking for a place to stash it in the house....

Hey we all have a cross to bare in the pursuit of Brew success.

 

[Pie_Man]

FYI i snagged a freezer today. 60$ 8 cu ft General Electric. Will fit 2 pails or 4 cornies pretty easily so i'm happy as a clam. Now to research a temperature controller build!

That's a good price. I have that model for my keezer, it works well and it's quiet. I spray painted the inside with appliance paint and caulked all the seams to prevent rust.

 

[butterpants]

That's a good idea Pie