Fully integrated fermentation freezer with heat

[Bluv84original]

Hi all! Long time lurker but never signed up until now. I figured I would contribute something to start my membership here. I just got done designing and building an integrated fermentation freezer with 1700 BTUs of internal heat for a 10 gallon fermenter. I’ve seen a lot of YouTube videos using outlets but I wanted to think of a more clever way to make this freezer. I have yet to test it out with water to get it to a steady state temp but I will post my results. I’ve also made a YouTube video on the design details. Brandon

Feedback welcome!

 

[ITV]

Nice work!
I have the same freezer as you.
Some differences: when I shaved my door I put a fiberglass panel in place of the shelves for a more finished look.
I have the same heater (only 1) but put it on the floor aiming upward, I like the look of yours better.
I used a wi-fi version of the inkbird so that I can adjust temps when away from home, although I like the sleek look of your inkbird. (The photo below is my pre wi-fi version).
I used wire nuts instead of molex connectors, electrically they are the same.
I replaced the light bulb with an LED type, no difference either way.

 

[Bluv84original]

Here the heater integration. Everything is wired into the back of the freezer with the one wiring harness that goes to the inkbird. I didn’t use any outlets and everything is powered from 120AC that was connected to the thermostat. I just tapped into a convenient neutral wire behind that shroud to power the heaters.

 

[ITV]

I forgot to welcome you to HomebrewTalk, Welcome!

I saw your youtube video, nice job of integrating the heaters into the condensor cover.

Those heaters really put out the heat, especially for the low amount of current that they draw.

The freezer can also put out the cold, I cold crash before pressure transfer to my keg, Lagers also do very well.

If fermenting ales (68 Deg F) I recommend putting a desiccant dryer inside the freezer to avoid mold buildup.

 

[Bluv84original]

I forgot to welcome you to HomebrewTalk, Welcome!

I saw your youtube video, nice job of integrating the heaters into the condensor cover.

Those heaters really put out the heat, especially for the low amount of current that they draw.

The freezer can also put out the cold, I cold crash before pressure transfer to my keg, Lagers also do very well.

If fermenting ales (68 Deg F) I recommend putting a desiccant dryer inside the freezer to avoid mold buildup.

That’s a really good tip! Thanks!

 

[ITV]

A few more tips that I discovered:
After each use wipe down the interior with a antibacterial cleaner.
When not in use prop the door open to allow airflow otherwise it could end up smelling like a gym locker.
Check the drain tube and container for build up of gunk/mold occasionally.
Keep in mind that you can use your fermenter as a full size refridgerator or freezer by setting the temperature on the inkbird. Comes in handy when hosting parties (pre-covid) and needed additional freezer or refriderator space.

 

[Bluv84original]

Where did you acquire a fiberglass sheet?

 

[ITV]

One of the big box hardware stores (I believe Home Depot). They sell it in 4'x8' sheets.