Lagering and Fridge Max Temps

[blugrazz]

Been testing out the fridge with a thermometer for lagering and for some reason the highest temperature I can achieve without turning it off seems to be 45 degrees. Could I still lager in it as I have been seeing many recipes for the first fermentation period to be in the fifties. I have no probem getting it down to 35 degrees.

I suppose its still a good insulator that I coud try the water cooler method many people write about for low end fermentation temps.

 

[Hammy71]

You need to buy a temperature controller. You plug your fridge into it and place the temperature probe inside the fridge. Set your fridge for it's coldest settings and the temperature controller will do the rest.

This one is just an example, but there are many different types....even one made from an aquarium thermostat.

http://www.etcsupply.com/ranco-etc111000000-digital-temperature-controller-p-86.html

 

[Bulls Beers]

This is the one I have. Works great. It's a Johnson Control A419.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00368D6JA/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[SilentAutumn]

Is it just a fridge or is it a fridge/freezer with the freezer on top? Raise the freezer temp too and you might make to the 50's.

 

[Runyanka]

Is it just a fridge or is it a fridge/freezer with the freezer on top? Raise the freezer temp too and you might make to the 50's.

Even with this setup I still had to get a temp control. It's seriously the best money I have ever spent. Me and SWMBO can seriously tell a difference in my beers since I have been able to dial in my fermenting temps!

 

[SilentAutumn]

Even with this setup I still had to get a temp control. It's seriously the best money I have ever spent. Me and SWMBO can seriously tell a difference in my beers since I have been able to dial in my fermenting temps!

Really? What are some differences that you note? What temps do you ferment at and then lager at?

I have an older fridge and I'm able to consistently keep it at 50 for ferment and then lager at 35. Can't get it any warmer than 50. But it's interesting to see how regulating the freezer temp affects the fridge temp on this old beast. I'm doing my first lager now (it's already had its challenges). Wanted to see how this works out before I drop some loot on an external thermostat.

 

[blugrazz]

I take it that these devices regulate the power to the fridge in order to access a higher range of warmer temperatures. I guess I should have noted that it is a refridgator/freezer so turning off the power is not desired given a full freezer of meat. I will try to turn down the freezer and see if that makes a difference or turn the fridge off all together with the freezer running.