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There are several different models for use on keezers. There are analog and digital units. Is there one that is clearly the best?
Temp control for keezer/fermentation
- Thread starter jldc
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Don't know.
I went with the Ranco, because the unit can be mounted outside with just the temp probe inside. I so have an analog that has to be mounted inside, but I decided I would just add that one to a frig and use as a lager fridge.
Digital leaves you with more control and more features, but costs more.
Analog is less accurate, but costs less. How accurate do you need temp, it's beer. Anything within a few degrees, you won't notice.
I went with the Ranco, because the unit can be mounted outside with just the temp probe inside. I so have an analog that has to be mounted inside, but I decided I would just add that one to a frig and use as a lager fridge.
Digital leaves you with more control and more features, but costs more.
Analog is less accurate, but costs less. How accurate do you need temp, it's beer. Anything within a few degrees, you won't notice.
I converted a chest freezer with a collar... I used the Love because I wanted a finished, "built-in" look, and it was relatively easy to install with the way I fashioned the collar.
That's what I went with also. Got a great deal on eBay, should have purchased more! Was easy to wire myself.
alpo
Well-Known Member
I have 2 Rancos. $65 on morebeer.com with free shipping, if you wire it yourself, which is easy. I'd wire in a 3 prong power strip with a nice long cord. I bought a couple of those at Walmart for $6 each. They have some that are a lot cheaper, but I liked the 8 foot cord. I left about a foot and a half attached to the strip receptacle and the other 6.5' on the plug side.
It's really personal preference or what you can find the best deal on. There really is no "best". I like the better control with the digital ones and am currently using a Ranco ETC-211000 2 stage controller to both heat and cool in the fridge I use to ferment. I may try out a love controller sometime in the future when I have more room for another fridge or freezer.
OP
OP
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What's the difference between a one-stage and a two-stage controller?
The two stage allows the option to chose between heating and cooling modes.
BTW, best place to find RANCO's is on E-bay, usually just over $50 including shipping. I'll find the link for the place I ordered mine later today if you are interested.
Edit: I think the post below is correct and my response is a bit off. I can chose either heating or cooling, but not both at the same time.
BTW, best place to find RANCO's is on E-bay, usually just over $50 including shipping. I'll find the link for the place I ordered mine later today if you are interested.
Edit: I think the post below is correct and my response is a bit off. I can chose either heating or cooling, but not both at the same time.
chefmike
Well-Known Member
The Ranco ETC-211000 is identical to the Ranco ETC-111000 except that this unit is 2 stage, and has 2 relays to control both heating and cooling at the same time or two heating or cooling stages. (The output relay NC and NO ratings are also different than the single stage control).
from The Ranco ETC Store
LooyvilleLarry
Well-Known Member
Hmm, A Love TSS2 and a small project box seems to get there for about $30 less
Dwyer Instruments - Series TSS2
Dwyer Instruments - Series TSS2
OP
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But it doesn't include a temp probe.
Back to the one- vs two- stage. Why would you need a two-stage controller for a keezer?
If it's indoors and used just to keep beer cold then you wouldn't. A single stage is perfect.
I have a 2 stage on my fermentation fridge that is out in the garage, so I need to be able to keep it warm in the winter. During the spring around here the temp changes wildly from one day to the next so it's nice to have one controller that can switch from heat to cool with out me having to do anything other than set it.
I have a 2 stage on my fermentation fridge that is out in the garage, so I need to be able to keep it warm in the winter. During the spring around here the temp changes wildly from one day to the next so it's nice to have one controller that can switch from heat to cool with out me having to do anything other than set it.
alpo
Well-Known Member
Yeah, 2 stage is more for fermentation temps.
It is of note that you can do both heating and cooling with a single stage controller, but you can only do one at a time. Inside the single stage controller, there is a switch when you can toggle it one or the other. The two stage controllers can do both at the same time.
It's like those old thermostats for your house versus the newer programmable ones.
It is of note that you can do both heating and cooling with a single stage controller, but you can only do one at a time. Inside the single stage controller, there is a switch when you can toggle it one or the other. The two stage controllers can do both at the same time.
It's like those old thermostats for your house versus the newer programmable ones.
