Vissani Fermentation Chamber

[Horseflesh]

Is there a good way to route wires into the back of the unit? I have the heating element and temp probe going under the door seal. I use a towel to block airflow from that spot, but I would rather have a sealed route in the back. Any good spots to drill, or other tricks?

But yeah, the thing works like a champ. Not having to worry about temperature is fantastic. I will probably build a second one.

 

[gx1400]

Is there a good way to route wires into the back of the unit? I have the heating element and temp probe going under the door seal. I use a towel to block airflow from that spot, but I would rather have a sealed route in the back. Any good spots to drill, or other tricks?

But yeah, the thing works like a champ. Not having to worry about temperature is fantastic. I will probably build a second one.

I've only fermented at ale temps thus far and don't need to worry about condensation; when I decide to try a lager, I'll cross that bridge when it comes.

I don't get it,if a wine chiller allows temps to get up to 65 degrees,,,,,,,why is there a need to get a temp controller. I can see if there is a freezer in your system like a fridgerator.

More control over temperature? I don't trust the variability in a mechanical thermostat; plus the temp controller is a cheap and fun DIY build. Plus the STC-1000 provided a visual indicator of temp

 

[Horseflesh]

PackerFan -- If you want to use the fridge with its own thermostat, I would first run it for a while with a min/max thermometer in it. If there is too much temperature swing then that makes the yeast unhappy, right? And that would be a reason to use an external temperature control.

Another reason to use the external controller is that it has a sensor on a wire. With a thermowell you can know the temperature inside the fermenter, not just the temperature on the outside of the bucket. They do differ.

But even without any add-ons, the fridge is probably a big improvement over the irregular temperatures in a house... assuming that the dial gets it to the temperature you want.

 

[barrooze]

I don't get it,if a wine chiller allows temps to get up to 65 degrees,,,,,,,why is there a need to get a temp controller. I can see if there is a freezer in your system like a fridgerator.

Just because you have a room temp of 65F does t mean your yeasties are fermenting at 65F. The point of fermentation temp control the temp of the fermenting wort. Being able to maintain 65F when your yeast want to get into the 80s makes a huge difference in the finished beer.

Also, some of us live in ridiculously warm climates and 68F is tough to maintain without a fridge like this!

 

[fireslayer]

Just ordered one from home depot to try this build. They have them for $149 with free shipping today only.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...10053&langId=-1&keyword=vissani&storeId=10051

 

[TBaGZ]

I use the same style fridge, but it is a Magic Chef. I also use a STC-1000, and they work great together.

 

[fireslayer]

While running this with the stc 1000 should the dial inside the fridge be turned all the way up to max cold setting?

 

[TBaGZ]

Max cold

 

[fireslayer]

Just got my chamber done. Thanks for the info. Now just have to fill it.

 

[aarong]

I was wondering if any of you have had problems keeping this fridge around 40F after using the external temp control. I wanted to use this as a fermentor and then put my corny keg in it(eventually turning it into a kegerator). Has any one kept this fridge below 40 for a month or so? Will it burn out the motor?

Thanks!

 

[TonyR]

I've had mine at that temp for a few weeks without any problem.

 

[tyfernandez]

So I recently finished a build that would mirror the OP's and I'm kinda curious about the flexwatt heat tape. It's been running an hour or so but I've seen barely a 1 degree bump in temp. It's running in 65 ambient and I'm trying to get up to 73. Is this even possible with this stuff? It's definitely on as it's warm to the touch.

Ty

 

[ingchr1]

So I recently finished a build that would mirror the OP's and I'm kinda curious about the flexwatt heat tape. It's been running an hour or so but I've seen barely a 1 degree bump in temp. It's running in 65 ambient and I'm trying to get up to 73. Is this even possible with this stuff? It's definitely on as it's warm to the touch.

Ty

It will take some time to change the temperature due to the volume of the liquid. The same will be true when trying to cool.

In the winter the ambient around my chambers is 45 - 50F and I have been able to raise a beer from 68 to 72F. I also have no problem maintaining temperature.

 

[E-Mursed]

Can these refrigerators hold a standard ball lock keg in them?
Would require enough height with a gas fitting on it.

I do closed system pressurized fermentation in Cornelius kegs and would like to open myself to lagering indoors all year round. I am currently using the STC-1000 in two applications already, so I am very familiar with their use.

Some simple specs on interior height would probably suffice.

 

[ingchr1]

Can these refrigerators hold a standard ball lock keg in them?
Would require enough height with a gas fitting on it.

I do closed system pressurized fermentation in Cornelius kegs and would like to open myself to lagering indoors all year round. I am currently using the STC-1000 in two applications already, so I am very familiar with their use.

Some simple specs on interior height would probably suffice.

I just place a ball lock in there and it does fit, the height to the thermostat on the top of the unit is 26.5". The overall interior height is 28"

 

[aarong]

Just completed my build. I will post the full build and instructions soon. Here's a few pics.

 

[jborgy]

Just went to the home depot website to buy one of these and they are sold out. Then checked all my local stores and they dont carry them in store here. These arent discontinued are they?

 

[aarong]

When I got mine 2 weeks ago it was in the front of the store with the discount appliances.

 

[Lotterywinner73]

HD has them on clearance in store for $118. Most stores in the area had 1. My local store had 1 but the seal was not good on the door so I went to another store at lunch the other day and got one. Haven't got the materials for the temperature controller yet, but does okay holding to within 2 degrees on it's own after 24 hours of running.

I plan on doing a Czech Pilsner with a lager yeast this weekend.

 

[Thunder1]

Just picked one up at lunch for $118.00. Clearance plus 20% off.

The catch is, everything online says sold out around here. I called 4 stores and found one with 3 in stock even though online it said that store did not sell this item!

Call around, you might be surprised. HD sku is 373746.

 

[aarong]

Mine was labeled wrong $70.00. I felt like I hit the lotto.

 

[Thunder1]

What temp are you all getting when the temperature is set to the coldest setting with the original thermostat? I am only getting down to 52. Does that seem right? I would have thought it would have been colder than that?

 

[Carlscan26]

What temp are you all getting when the temperature is set to the coldest setting with the original thermostat? I am only getting down to 52. Does that seem right? I would have thought it would have been colder than that?

That seems about right. I only ran it down once to make sure it worked and mine is a different model. I have no problem getting down to 32 with mine.

 

[ingchr1]

What temp are you all getting when the temperature is set to the coldest setting with the original thermostat? I am only getting down to 52. Does that seem right? I would have thought it would have been colder than that?

That's about right, mine only got between 45 and 50.

 

[Thunder1]

Perfect. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't defective. Now I need to build my thermostat! Thanks!

 

[Carlscan26]

Perfect. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't defective. Now I need to build my thermostat! Thanks!

Have fun!

 

[jborgy]

Just picked one up at lunch for $118.00. Clearance plus 20% off.

The catch is, everything online says sold out around here. I called 4 stores and found one with 3 in stock even though online it said that store did not sell this item!

Call around, you might be surprised. HD sku is 373746.

Thanks for the tip. Called my local store. They had 3 left so I picked up 2 of them. total was $258 including tax!

 

[Lumpyyyyy]

Picked one up for $118. Gonna do the build in the coming weekends.

 

[aarong]

Yea once you override the thermometer on the fridge it gets down to the 30s.

 

[Thunder1]

Gotcha, I wondered if that would make a difference. Ordered my aquarium temp controller last night!