Has anyone used this as a fermenter?

[GoeHaarden]

So, I've been wanting to start doing some more experimental brews by doing some 1-gallon batches while starting the boil on my main brew. My problem is that I use a mini-fridge to ferment in, and it really only has room for one 5 gallon batch. A one gallon glass carboy won't fit with a 6.5 gallon carboy without it touching the coils and/or heat cable.

I know it's a tad expensive for what it is, but the tall and skinny profile would slide in next to my fermenter perfectly. Just curious if anyone has ever used one?? Or if there are any other ideas/fermenters that have this kind of profile?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SJEQI0A/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[triethylborane]

I think it would work, the main issue would be cleaning.

There are water jerricans which have a slimmer waist like you are trying to achieve, but aren't in the shape of a torus like the one in your link.

 

[GoeHaarden]

I think it would work, the main issue would be cleaning.

There are water jerricans which have a slimmer waist like you are trying to achieve, but aren't in the shape of a torus like the one in your link.

Ah, and theres the problem. Cleaning. Dont know why I didnt think of that...may be too many nooks and crannies. Thanks for reminding of this painful task...

 

[madscientist451]

A one gallon glass carboy won't fit with a 6.5 gallon carboy without it touching the coils and/or heat cable.

Maybe a solution would be to replace the 6.5 gallon carboy with two 3 gallon better bottles? You could then fit your 1 gallon jug or even a third 3 gallon better bottle?

https://www.morebeer.com/products/3-gallon-bottle-pet-carboy.html

 

[GoeHaarden]

Maybe a solution would be to replace the 6.5 gallon carboy with two 3 gallon better bottles? You could then fit your 1 gallon jug or even a third 3 gallon better bottle?

https://www.morebeer.com/products/3-gallon-bottle-pet-carboy.html

Hmm...got me thinking now. Thats a good idea. This is why I love you all. The small better bottle has only a slightly larger footprint and it might fit, will have to do some more measuring/testing.

My fridge has that step in the back that covers the compressor. Would it matter if the better bottle was against the coil plate? I thought it might cause cooling issues, but the more i think about it everything in the fridge would equilibrate after a while anyways, right?

 

[RM-MN]

Unless you are brewing the batches the same day or only a few days apart you can put in one batch and keep it temp controlled for about 4 days and then remove it so there is room for the next batch. Temperature control is only necessary during the initial fast part of the ferment where the yeast activity creates off flavors in the warmer temps. Once the ferment slows down the yeast activity won't create off flavors.

 

[GoeHaarden]

Yes, I have staggered fermentation a little bit like you are suggesting. However, I don't get to brew as much as I'd like due to a new schedule. So, I've been mainly sticking to lagers and I'd like to try to experiment with some little batches on brew day. I'm kind of scared to drink 5 gallons of a Rauchbier if I don't get the recipe right! With brew days few and far between right now I'm trying to maximize my brew day yield and experiment with new recipes...and then packing it all in my mini-fridge

 

[IslandLizard]

Get a 2nd and larger fridge. Many nice and used ones out there for low prices usually (CraigsList).

 

[GoeHaarden]

Get a 2nd and larger fridge. Many nice and used ones out there for low prices usually (CraigsList).

Been working on it. Time, budget, and garage space are limited due to grad school & SWMBO.