keezer/fermenter?

[njohnsoncs]

I want to buy a freezer that I can use to serve kegs from (i.e., a keezer) and also ferment in (both lagers and ales). Will this be OK? I'm mostly concerned with changing the temperature for fermenting and how that will affect beer which is already finished and being serve in kegs. For example, if I ferment a lager by going from ~50F to 68F to 34F, will this negatively affect any other beer (like ales) that I have in the freezer which is already being served from kegs? Similarly, if I ferment an ale at 68F, will this negatively affect my lagers?

 

[cnash]

I wouldn't do it.
The changes in Tempe store will negatively effect your kegged beer. I'm not positive it will spoil anything (if there is present yeast it may restart fermentation at proper temperatures) but you will get foamy brews out of the keg constantly.

 

[njohnsoncs]

hmm OK. Then how do people ferment and keep kegs at the same time? Do people always use 2 separate and dedicated freezers?

 

[cnash]

hmm OK. Then how do people ferment and keep kegs at the same time? Do people always use 2 separate and dedicated freezers?

Simple answer is... Yes.
The temperatures are different so you want to different environments.

Some don't have temperature controlled fermentation, but it is recommended .

 

[Qhrumphf]

Keep your freezer at the lowest temp (lagering/serving temp) and wrap a heat wrap around the fermenter with a thermowell going through the lid/bung/wall/wherever.

That's the best route even for a single vessel in there. Control the beer temp, not the air temp.

 

[cnash]

Keep your freezer at the lowest temp (lagering/serving temp) and wrap a heat wrap around the fermenter with a thermowell going through the lid/bung/wall/wherever.

That's the best route even for a single vessel in there. Control the beer temp, not the air temp.

Didn't even think about this, but if you were to do such a thing make sure that you keep the distance between the fermenter and the keg (minimize radiant heat) and also keep some kind of dehumidifier in the freezer.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Also pouring carbed beer at ale fermentation temps is gonna foam A LOT and not hold it's carb on pour. Plus you need to ramp the PSI way way up if you're trying to carbonate at the same time.

 

[Gravity]

I've tried it - I wasn't a fan; foamy warm beer

I keep two different units: a converted chest freezer for fermenting ales and lager, and another larger unit for kegs

When I plan on brewing a lot I take the kegs out of the fridge (sometimes bottle from kegs), and use all units for fermentation - never together

I plan on doing this next week; taking out all of kegs (after bottling some) and using both units for fermenting as they both have temperature control.

I bought more grains recently that I need to brew up a storm with