Using a fridge/freezer with A419 Question

[daphatgrant]

Hello HBT, I'm piecing together my brewing setup from scratch and have a quick question. I have a standard house fridge with a freezer over the fridge and would like to use it for fermenting, I'd also if possible like to use the freezer portion for storing malts and hops.

If I add a thermostat (A419) for fridge control I'd imagine that it would affect the freezer as well?

Thanks!

 

[kh54s10]

It will control the freezer unless you have one that I have never heard of. It would have to have it's own power cord.

You plug the A419 into the wall outlet and the refrigerator into the A419. It then controls the temperature by turning on or off the power.

 

[daphatgrant]

It will control the freezer unless you have one that I have never heard of. It would have to have it's own power cord.

You plug the A419 into the wall outlet and the refrigerator into the A419. It then controls the temperature by turning on or off the power.

I guess I'm curious that since the fridge portion and freezer portion have their own temp controls (but still share a power cord) and I put the temp probe in the fridge and set it to 63F what temp would I be able to keep in the freezer?

 

[kh54s10]

I guess I'm curious that since the fridge portion and freezer portion have their own temp controls (but still share a power cord) and I put the temp probe in the fridge and set it to 63F what temp would I be able to keep in the freezer?

I have no idea, but if you have the fridge part set at a temperature where the controller will have the whole thing powered off for a while, things in the freezer might start to thaw. Depending on what you have in there constant freeze thaw cycles could ruin it.

 

[daphatgrant]

I have no idea, but if you have the fridge part set at a temperature where the controller will have the whole thing powered off for a while, things in the freezer might start to thaw. Depending on what you have in there constant freeze thaw cycles could ruin it.

I was considering storing hops and crystal malts in the freezer portion. Hmm...

 

[kh54s10]

I was considering storing hops and crystal malts in the freezer portion. Hmm...

Since there is very little moisture in hops or malts, I don't think they would suffer from freeze/thaw too much. Just keep them sealed well.

You might put a thermometer in the freezer and see how much swing there is before risking a lot of ingredients to the freeze/thaw.

 

[daphatgrant]

Well... My Home Depot is selling GE 7cft chest freezers for $198. I was planning on grabbing one to use as a keezer. Being that they are this cheep I'm thinking about grabbing 2 of them, one to use as a keezer and the other to use during fermenting/hops and malt storage.

Thoughts on doing this vs using the fridge? I should be able to sell the old fridge for at least half of what the new freezer would cost.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Well... My Home Depot is selling GE 7cft chest freezers for $198. I was planning on grabbing one to use as a keezer. Being that they are this cheep I'm thinking about grabbing 2 of them, one to use as a keezer and the other to use during fermenting/hops and malt storage.

Thoughts on doing this vs using the fridge? I should be able to sell the old fridge for at least half of what the new freezer would cost.

I prefer a fridge over freezer. Freezers tend to get a lot of condensation at fridge or fermentation temperatures, especially in areas of high humidity. Yes you can put a desiccant or rechargeable dehumidifier in a keezer, but still not bone dry and clean like a fridge.

 

[daphatgrant]

I prefer a fridge over freezer. Freezers tend to get a lot of condensation at fridge or fermentation temperatures, especially in areas of high humidity. Yes you can put a desiccant or rechargeable dehumidifier in a keezer, but still not bone dry and clean like a fridge.

I'm planning on keeping whatever I use, fridge or freezer in my attached garage which is not heated. I'm not overly discouraged with using rechargeable dehumidifiers to keep everything clean and dry. I found some great info in these two builds and am quite impressed!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=231979
http://www.brewersfriend.com/2013/1...tion-temperature-with-a-fermentation-chamber/

 

[Scriv]

I prefer a fridge over freezer. Freezers tend to get a lot of condensation at fridge or fermentation temperatures, especially in areas of high humidity. Yes you can put a desiccant or rechargeable dehumidifier in a keezer, but still not bone dry and clean like a fridge.

This. A refrigerator is designed to handle the condensation. Plus with a fridge you don't have to lift carboys or kegs over and into the space.