Full boil setup vs Fermentation chamber

[ryno84]

I have enough funds to get only one. I currently do extract brewing in my kitchen. I usually boil 3 gallons and add water to 5 gallons and ferment in a glass carboy in my garage or closet. Temp control will be problematic in the summer. From what I have read on here, I really can't tell if I should go with a full boil setup first or a fermenting chamber solution (like a freezer from CL, etc.)

Which next step is more important?

Full Boil (propane burner + large kettle)

OR

Fermenting Chamber (freezer w/ temperature control)

Note: I would like to lager, but it isn't the most important thing just yet.

Thanks.

edit: I did try searching for this topic on the forum

 

[helibrewer]

Temp control first...you can make very good beer doing partial boils but you cannot make very good beer with poor temperature control.

 

[tochsner]

Second that. The thing that made the most improvement for me was my fermentation chamber. Control the temperature!

 

[jaytizzle]

Agreed with the above. That's definitely my next project now that I got into brewing... been at it for 3+ weeks and now have 15 gallons fermenting, a dual tap kegerator built and waiting, and ideas on how to expand even further... this hobby is cray!

 

[ryno84]

Thanks for the replies. I think this is the way to go too. If I can get a decent deal on a freezer, then I can also get or make a stir plate too.

 

[TomSD]

No doubt. Temp control totally changed my results when I did it.

 

[Disintegr8or]

Another one for temp control.

FYI, I built my first ferm chamber out of a $20.00 CL dorm fridge and 1.5 sheets of 3/4" foam board for less than $35.00. You don't have to get crazy until you want to.

 

[Homercidal]

Check out the $25 ebay temp controllers. Add the cost of a cheap CL freezer and you got a great ferm chamber for less than $100.

 

[stratslinger]

Absolutely agreed with all the above. Love my ferment chamber, and wouldn't trade any other piece of my equipment for it.

 

[ryno84]

Check out the $25 ebay temp controllers. Add the cost of a cheap CL freezer and you got a great ferm chamber for less than $100.

Problem now is finding a cheap CL freezer that is relatively close. Is it me or are there a lot more insane people on CL with their pricing than there used to be?

 

[william_shakes_beer]

My ferm chamber consists of a 5CF chest freezer plus a dual stage control logic temp controller. If I was going to do it again I'd get a chest big enough to hold 2 fermenters. Ah well, live and learn!!!

 

[Homercidal]

I'd definitely shoot for a 7 cu or bigger (depending on your particular desires). Limiting to a single beer at a time wont' cut it for long....