My Fermentation Chamber

[QcSylvanio]

Hi Everybody,

Since I'm new in the forum and in the Home Brewing world, I will start by staying thank you to this forum moderator. This place is very cool and have a ton of information. I'm from Quebec/Canada and my first brewing batch is on the way. I started with Kit brewing (IPA).

I'm now planning on making a fermentation chamber to be able to control the fermentation temperature.I use 5 gal plastic bucket for first fermentation and 5 gal glass carboy for second fermentation. I want to be able to make 2 batch at the same time.

Here is my actual plan :
Buy a freezer (36cubic feet, 67"x27"x36") and use it with a johnson temperature control that I already have. For the heating, i'm not sure yet which device I will use.

My questions are :
- Do you guys use fermentation chamber for both first and second fermentation?
- If so, is it best using plastic bucket and carboy for first/second fermentation?
- Since I may be switching to full grain method in the future and/or keg, what size should I go for the fermentation chamber?
- Any comments on this project or any advice that could save me $ or rework if I expand my Home Brewing equipment in the future?

I appreciate your help guys!!

Thanks

 

[KatoBaggins]

36 cubic feet is overkill for only two plastic buckets. I can get three six gallon glass carboys or 6 ball lock kegs in my 8 cubic feet freezer with an 8 inch collar. But if you are going to add taps and change it into a Keezer later, then 36 cf will give you PLENTY of room.
And yes, both fermentations happen in just one freezer. Just use a temperature controller so you can make any needed changes. Also, plastic is fine as long as it's food grade. I use glass, but it's only personal preference. All grain brewing will not effect anything about your fermentation chamber. The fermentation process is all the same for extract or all grain.

My advice, if you want to same some money, is go with a smaller freezer and add a collar instead of buying such a huge freezer. There are tons of pictures and "how to's" on this forum. Also, there is a sticky somewhere in the DIY section that is a list of many popular freezers and their specifications. It also has pictures of how many of each kind of keg and fermenter and/or a combination of both will fit. It's very helpful. I can't find it on my phone or I'd post a link to it here. I'm pretty sure it's in the kegerator/Keezer section.

 

[QcSylvanio]

Hi!

Thank you for you reply, I appreciate!

I will then go with a smaller freezer.

I believe that if I want to do a keezer later on, the best is to do it separately from the fermentation chamber since different temp are needed, I'm correct?

 

[KatoBaggins]

Yes, for the most part that is correct. However, you can use your Keezer to cold condition lagers and ales when they get to that point in the fermentation process. So if you have extra room in the Keezer, then you can do that. So, don't get one that is too small either. ��