Hole in chest freezer

[rorypayne]

I just built my fermentation chamber out of an old chest freezer I scored on Craigslist for $50. I want to put my stir plate in the chamber and the cord isn't long enough to run over the top. Does anyone have any idea where I would be able to drill a hole to run the cord through the wall without hitting the cooling system. Thank you!

 

[Setesh]

I just built my fermentation chamber out of an old chest freezer I scored on Craigslist for $50. I want to put my stir plate in the chamber and the cord isn't long enough to run over the top. Does anyone have any idea where I would be able to drill a hole to run the cord through the wall without hitting the cooling system. Thank you!

Its hard to know exactly where the coils are, but as a general rule they are on the front and sides. The back, the bottom, and the lid are usually safe locations, but I can't guarantee that. The guaranteed safe way would be to build a collar and run a whole through that. Why not just run an extension cord if length is the problem? Stir plates don't draw much current, even a cheapy small extension cord should be more than up to the task.

 

[Rockn_M]

You can try to search schematics online for your type of chest freezer. That might show where the coolant lines are. My personal opinion would be to get\build a longer cord that would fit. This way you won’t accidently hit a coolant line.

 

[kev211]

Instead of cutting your freezer up just to hold a stirplate why not get an interior use extension cord?

Like this...

clicky

It should be flat enough to still allow the seal to form around it. And even if it doesnt, the amount of cold air you would lose is minimal. I would definitely steer clear of drilling the freezer just for a starter

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Extension cord and electrical tape, done. Cord reaches over top. Connection resists condensation.

 

[rorypayne]

Found a schematic online of what a basic chest freezer looks like. I drilled a hole in the bottom with no issues.

Problem solved problem staying solved. RLTW

 

[flars]

Curious as to why you want your stir plate in the fermentation chamber. To keep the starter warm? To keep the starter cold? Starters can be made at room temperature, they don't need to be made at fermentation temperature, even for lagers. Starter would be brought to within 10° of pitching temperature by tempering with the wort.

 

[rorypayne]

Same reason I built a fermentation chamber, the wife wants the beer brewing "crap" in the garage.

 

[k1ngl1ves]

Same reason I built a fermentation chamber, the wife wants the beer brewing "crap" in the garage.

I'd have the stir plate and flask on my nightstand if my wife complained. My starter would be swirling away while I comfortably slept. Lol!!! It would only take one night, then I could keep it anywhere... just not on the nightstand!



I usually have it on the counter in my downstairs bathroom (that rarely gets used), and she never complains... yet.

 

[kev211]

I keep my starter right on the kitchen counter. SWMBO doesnt mind because we both enjoy watching it swirl around on the stir plate. Its not that exciting but something about it is pretty fun to watch.

 

[jschein]

Build a collar for the freezer. Drill the holes and put taps in there also. Now you have a multi-purpose device.

 

[flars]

Same reason I built a fermentation chamber, the wife wants the beer brewing "crap" in the garage.

That is a bummer of a predicament.

 

[rorypayne]

That is a bummer of a predicament.

Not really, not too worried about my starter fermenting at the temp as the rest of my ales... I don't lager... Still see no point.

I know I will catch flack for this but until I decide to invest the half million and go commercial lagering seems pointless... I did it for a while and a 6 week plus fermentation seems like a waste when I can go grain to glass in 18 days.

I'm ready for the angry comments.