Fridge Fermenting

[Ian57]

Hi
Have been looking round this forum with regards to adapting a fridge for fermentation. Found lots of good information.
However I have a question. Living in central Florida do I need to incorporate a heater in the build?
Cheers
Ian

 

[Mackster]

If Florida is like I think, then no. I imagine it never really gets much below 50 where you are, although I have heard of freak frosts in towns called FrostProof. The fermentation will produce some of its own heat, so even if your ambient temps drop below the low end of ideal fermentation temps (ale ~55, lager ~40), the insulation of your fridge will keep it warm enough to make it through the night. You could also try to brew with the seasons to play it safe. I typically make IPAs here in CA, but in winter I will make a couple batches of munich or vienna lager so cooler temps will not negatively affect my ferment.

 

[Ian57]

Low 50's is the about right. I have lived here for six years and have seen only one frost.

 

[mongoose33]

If ambient temps never get below 55-60 (for ales) probably not. Fermentation is exothermic, i.e., produces heat of 5-10 degrees. So your fermenting wort will to some extent be self-heating...but only to a point.

 

[Ian57]

So If I use a paint can heater that should do the job?

 

[day_trippr]

I use a 40w incandescent bulb in a 17cf fridge that sits in an unheated space that can get down into the 50s this time of year and have no problems maintaining post-fermentation temperature (ie: upper 60s°F) when the beer isn't contributing any more BTUs...

Cheers!