My New Fermentation Cabinets

[John Beere]

Pumping into them has not been a problem. I've been pushing the beer out into kegs using CO2 - which works, but was not my initial plan. The initial plan, which I'm still going to do is to build a large box, about 18"~20" tall, to sit both the freezers on. This would elevate them to a point where the fermentors could easily siphon into a keg and create a large cabinet for storage underneath.

 

[EdWort]

How do you clean and sanitize the conicals?

 

[korndog]

Pumping into them has not been a problem. I've been pushing the beer out into kegs using CO2 - which works, but was not my initial plan. The initial plan, which I'm still going to do is to build a large box, about 18"~20" tall, to sit both the freezers on. This would elevate them to a point where the fermentors could easily siphon into a keg and create a large cabinet for storage underneath.

I was thinking of building a supported shelf in the freezer for the same purpose. The racking port is 18" from the top of a corny, so maybe about 20" ifyou want to rotate the racking arm down into the cone further.

 

[Kauai_Kahuna]

I just wish I had the space to set up some of this, but I do have to ask, can you post a drawing of the hookups for the fridge and love controller. The more I see, the more I think I might be able to use one.

 

[Grimsawyer]

Sweeeeett!!!!

 

[EdWort]

I just wish I had the space to set up some of this, but I do have to ask, can you post a drawing of the hookups for the fridge and love controller. The more I see, the more I think I might be able to use one.

+1 Yeah baby. Drawings please.

 

[John Beere]

+1 Yeah baby. Drawings please.

I missed Kauai_Kahuna's request... let me see what I can come up with.

 

[WortMonger]

Serious stuff there John. I really like the uprights much better. I too push my beer into a large fermenter and then use CO2 to transfer to kegs and I love it. I also have used both Ranco and Love and prefer the Love hands down. I am using a chest freezer now so it kinda steered my way of having to use the pump and stuff. When I got over the fact that I am a small brewery using "lazy" but necessary equipment just like the large guys have to, I was blown away that I hadn't done it before now. I love hooking up a hose and hitting a switch. These freezers are some bad dogs though. Absolutely love the fabrication Q, but where are the rocket launchers and oil slick???? Huh???

 

[John Beere]

Thanks! You can see them and everything in action on this thread starting at post #41 - https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=39422&page=2

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Because these freezers are frost free, you don't get any condensation leaking out and onto the floor, correct? My freezer is an old POS that I received free from a friend, but it leaks on my floor and is a pain. I am interested in these frost free freezers, what model did you use?

Thanks, awesome projects!

 

[John Beere]

Thanks. When I wired it up, I made certain to not bypass anything except the existing thermostat - specifically to ensure it would continue to be frost-free. So far there has been no noticible leaking out of either of them, although I haven't checked the drip pan to see how full they are, etc. I'll try to remember to check that out tonight.

The model I used is the 13.7 cu.ft. upright Frigidaire that Lowes sells.

 

[billtzk]

That Hanna HI 190M stirrer is rated at 1 liter maximum. You don't have any problem stirring 2 liter starters with it?

 

[korndog]

That Hanna HI 190M stirrer is rated at 1 liter maximum. You don't have any problem stirring 2 liter starters with it?

I use mine for two liter starters. The vortex isn't super deep, but it gets the job done.

 

[John Beere]

That Hanna HI 190M stirrer is rated at 1 liter maximum. You don't have any problem stirring 2 liter starters with it?

I bought it on the cheap from eBay and didn't realize that until after I got it, but I've had no troubles stirring 2000 ml starters...

 

[Chriso]

Can I ask a really dumb question?
...Why are you running starters inside of the fridge?

 

[nathan]

the freezer is controlled at ale or lager temps, so he would use the appropriate temperature (that he'd ferment at) to make the starter as well. You can let starters ferment warmer, but when you've got a nice controlled space, might as well make use of it.

 

[Chriso]

Aha, I guess that makes sense. I never thought about the starter's temperature before. Huh.

 

[nathan]

theoretically you are going to decant the starter beer before use, so it can be done hotter than normal, but there's some debate on yeast mutation, etc. I would do this setup he has, but my ale freezer died on me. Mainly I'd do it to have them safely located and out of the way.

 

[EdWort]

Thanks. When I wired it up, I made certain to not bypass anything except the existing thermostat - specifically to ensure it would continue to be frost-free. So far there has been no noticible leaking out of either of them, although I haven't checked the drip pan to see how full they are, etc. I'll try to remember to check that out tonight.

The model I used is the 13.7 cu.ft. upright Frigidaire that Lowes sells.

Have you noticed any temperature fluctuations when it goes into defrost mode?

 

[eschatz]

Wow, I'm REALLY impressed with this thread. (as I am with all of John's creations). I just wish my tiny apartment could handle the fury of that much brew porn!

 

[John Beere]

Have you noticed any temperature fluctuations when it goes into defrost mode?

None actually - I am currently just taping the temp probe against the side of the fermenator which I'm sure helps with any minute temp swings...

So far, I am really pleased with their performance. I can't tell you how much being able to precisely control fermenation temp has improved my beer...

 

[John Beere]

Wow, I'm REALLY impressed with this thread. (as I am with all of John's creations). I just wish my tiny apartment could handle the fury of that much brew porn!

Just wait until I release my latest creation... I'll be ready to publically show it off and talk about it in another week or so.

 

[korndog]

What do you have your differential set to on the Love? Where do you have your probe?
Wiring? Bypass thermostat, Splice hot to 8, ground to 7, jump 8 to 10, 11 and 7 to compressor?

Thanks
KD

 

[fat x nub]

Thats pretty cool...where did you get the feezers?

 

[John Beere]

I run each of them with a 1 degree differential. The probe runs right next to the wiring for the controller. Right now, I am just taping it to the side of the fermenator. I haven't looked into it yet but I'd really like to put a thermowell in the fermenator...

These are apparently the new Love controllers as they required different wiring than my previous models. I'll go take a photo of the controller wiring here in a minute and post.

 

[John Beere]

What do you have your differential set to on the Love? Where do you have your probe?
Wiring? Bypass thermostat, Splice hot to 8, ground to 7, jump 8 to 10, 11 and 7 to compressor?

Thanks
KD

Well, I just realized you didn't ask for the controller's wiring... duh. I unfortunately wasn't thinking when I converted them or I would have taken better photos of what I did to replace the thermostat. Basically all I had to do was find a common as the hot leg was already being switched by the existing thermostat.

On this freezer, the wires to the existing thermostat were blue and black. I tapped into a common, white wire to power the Love.

It was really quite simple...

 

[korndog]

Well, I just realized you didn't ask for the controller's wiring... duh. I unfortunately wasn't thinking when I converted them or I would have taken better photos of what I did to replace the thermostat. Basically all I had to do was find a common as the hot leg was already being switched by the existing thermostat.

On this freezer, the wires to the existing thermostat were blue and black. I tapped into a common, white wire to power the Love.

It was really quite simple...

Awesome. Thanks!

 

[Mirage]

That looks great man! I have two questions for you. The first being what is the advantage of the love controller over an analog Johnson (besides looking nicer)? And secondly, I too have use the plastic sheeting in the inside of my mini fridge. My gasket seals nicely to the fridge, but I am now able to pull the side of the gasket away from door. I am not sure if yours does this as well, and if it even affects anything. I cut it with a razor knife and need to bring my dremel up to clean up the cuts but any input would be great! Hope this makes sense. Thanks!

 

[John Beere]

I've never used the Johnson controller but I don't imagine it is precise as the Love. Also, the Johnson is made to just toggle the power running to the fridge / freezer and that is not the route I wanted to go with these as I didn't want to short circuit the auto-defrost, interior light, etc.

You can easily tell if the door is making a good seal if a slight vacuum is created inside the fridge / freezer and its a little hard to pull open the door. I haven't noticed any seperation and am definitely getting a good seal on the doors...

 

[Mirage]

I see, thanks for the info on the controllers. As far as the door, it seals to the fridge fine (magnetic). It is the part that covers the screws that is a little loose. I have not noticed any air coming out between the door and the gasket, but the door is rather cool. Oh well.