Temperature Fluctations

[jayrobyo]

When using a temperature controlled fermentation environment, how much of a negative impact will a steady state +/- 2 degree F temperature swing cause? Which style of beer will be affected most/least?

 

[flars]

Do you mean the ambient air temperature in the chamber or the temperature of the fermenting beer? Ambient temperature swings may not affect the fermentation at all. The mass of the fermenting beer will take some time for the temperature to change in relation to changes in the ambient temperature.

Temperature swings of the fermenting beer will not affect styles but may affect the yeast being used. Highly flocculant English strains may drop out prematurely with temperature swings of the fermenting beer.

Do you have the temperature probe insulated to the side of the fermentor or in a thermowell?

 

[jayrobyo]

I meant the temperature of the fermenting beer. The temperature control system I'm considering going with has that +/- 2 degree F swing.