Should STC temperature probe be in beer or in fermentation fridge?

[sampsonh]

I use an STC thermostat to control the temperature of and old fridge which I use to ferment my beer. I have always wrapped the temperature probe around a shelf in the fridge but recently realised that the temperature of my beer might not be the same especially when fermentation is at its most vigorous.

Does any one place the temp probe IN the beer to get a more accurate read or should I tape the probe to the outside of my fermentation bucket to get a more accurate reading.

I have not been hitting my final gravity as often as I would like (although I have been guilty of under pitching a little) and wondered whether the beer might be getting a little hot?

Thanks.

 

[tektonjp]

Probe on shelf- good.
Probe taped on side of fermentor - better
Probe inside beer via thermowell-best.

 

[flars]

Placing the temperature probe in a jug of water will also work if the thermowell is not practical for your set up. The volume of water in the jug will keep the refrigerator from cycling on and off unnecessarily helping prolong the life of the compressor.

 

[GrizzlyBrews]

Probe on shelf- good.
Probe taped on side of fermentor - better
Probe inside beer via thermowell-best.

Using a thermowell will get you the most accurate temperature representation during the most important part of fermentation.

There can be a significant difference between the ambient air temperature within the fridge and the temperature of the fermenting wort.

At it's most active, it could be over 2°C greater than your ambient temperature. That may not seem like a lot but if you're shooting for minimal fruity esters then you might be getting more than you bargained for.

I hope this helps!

 

[sampsonh]

Thank you all for the advice. Will look into the thermowell.