Lager Temperature Swings.

[Aunt_Ester]

So, my fridge is dead. Basement only gets to 58. And primary fermentation is complete.

I had the crazy idea to put the carboy on my deck, but the highs are 65 and the lows are 35.

Anyone know if large temperature swings will have a negative effect on the processs?

 

[thadius856]

A water bath would help stabilize the swings a bit.

Have you considered the "Swamp Cooler" type jacket device in the basement with some frozen 2L bottles?

 

[PJoyce85]

If you are at the point where you are starting the lagering, I would leave it in the basement at 58° until you can get a new fridge.

While 58° is too high for lagering, you will have less negative effects (if any at all) leaving it at 58° than letting the temp swing back and forth.

 

[WoodlandBrew]

Here is a plot of what you are asking about:
http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2012/11/lagering-outside.html

Generally, a five gallon batch of beer in a water bath of 5 gallons will have half the temperature swing of the air temperature.

I put your weather into a spread sheet I use for this sort of thing. Chart is attached.

Looks like you'll have to move it back inside around the 16th.

 

[Aunt_Ester]

Here is a plot of what you are asking about:
http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2012/11/lagering-outside.html

Generally, a five gallon batch of beer in a water bath of 5 gallons will have half the temperature swing of the air temperature.

I put your weather into a spread sheet I use for this sort of thing. Chart is attached.

Looks like you'll have to move it back inside around the 16th.

This is phenomenal! Thanks for the help!