Fridge/freezer fermentation chamber HELP!!!

[Drummerbrew1985]

Ok guys I want to use a fridge freezer as a fermentation chamber.
Here's what I know so far.
If I use an external thermostatic controller for the fridge section, this would render the freezer section redundant.
Joint fridge freezers run off one compressor and use fanning or another means to regulate the fridge section from the cold of the freezer section.
So here's my question.
If I placed the sensor of my external thermostatic controller into the freezer section, this would obviously create a suitable fermentation chamber but what would happen to the fridge? Would it run at a similar temp to the freezer or would it get too warm? I'm gonna get an old one to try soon but was wondering if anybody had thought of doing this??


Primary - The wife's birthday EPA
Conditioning - APA
Kegged - Centennial/cascade pale ale

 

[blazin]

It depends on the type of fridge/freezer that you have. Is the fan that pulls air form the freezer controlled by a thermostat or is there just a damper on a fan?

If there is a thermostat you might be ok, but if there is a damper you probably wont be able to get enough airflow to keep the fridge cool.

 

[alaskana]

Hi,

I know this may not be an exact solution to your current problem, but I was able to find a chest freezer on Craigslist that can fit two carboys for about 25 dollars, and then I just bought a temp controller for it and it works fantastic. So total spent was 100 bucks (25 for kegerator and 75 for controller).

My point being rather than worry about the fridge with different temp zones between the freezer and refrigerator portion, why not just get a chest freezer and use it just for fermentation?

On a side note, I also bought a fridge on Craigslist for 50 bucks and converted it into a kegerator. So total cost with parts and all was about 200 bucks.

 

[smccarter]

Ok guys I want to use a fridge freezer as a fermentation chamber.
Here's what I know so far.
If I use an external thermostatic controller for the fridge section, this would render the freezer section redundant.
Joint fridge freezers run off one compressor and use fanning or another means to regulate the fridge section from the cold of the freezer section.
So here's my question.
If I placed the sensor of my external thermostatic controller into the freezer section, this would obviously create a suitable fermentation chamber but what would happen to the fridge? Would it run at a similar temp to the freezer or would it get too warm? I'm gonna get an old one to try soon but was wondering if anybody had thought of doing this??

If you don't have the fridge yet, consider a deep freezer instead. Much simpler.

If you do have the fridge already, place the sensor in either the fridge or the freezer, then place a thermostat in the fridge and set the controller. Figure out how to make it work for you. You don't have to ferment beer right away.

 

[Minbari]

If this is going to be a dedicated ferm chamber, then maybe disassemble the freezer bit and make it one big chamber. Then you only have to figure out one control point.

 

[Drummerbrew1985]

I went and bought an upright large freezer that will fit 2 fermenters or kegs or combo of both. Seemed simpler than messin with unknown temps. Will post pics soon, I also got a large upright fridge that ill use as a bright beer cooler and storage cooler. Lots of space in that one


Primary - The wife's birthday EPA
Conditioning - APA
Kegged - Centennial/cascade pale ale