wiring a Fridge

[fire943]

I'm very new. i have one batch bottled, one in the primary, getting ready for another (Kolsch). I have gotten the Bug. Anyway, It is warming up here in Florida and I will need to keep the the beer cooler then 75 degrees that I keep the closet I ferment the beer. I am using extracts while adding grains and hops for finishing.

So the question, How do I wire a fridge to keep the beer cooler? I will make the switch to lager (when I have more experience) so having something that can do both would be awesome.

 

[Makeyermark]

Not sure about the fridge question, but in order to keep the temp below 75 degrees, you can use a water bath. I use an old hot tub, fill the water to about 3/4 up the outside of the fermenting tank. I keep the water cool by adding a couple of large ice blocks to the water each morning. You can use a couple of tuperware dishes filled with water to make your ice blocks.

 

[UYLDAR]

You will want to buy a aftermarket thermostat (t-stat) that has a range including your temp. You can get them pre-wired or you can "insert" it in the fridge's power cord if that is a skill set you have.

Just google the forum for thermostat or t-stat or locate one at your homebrew store or refrigeration supply house.

D

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

The easiest way is to buy a pre-wired temperature control unit. Just plug your fridge into that and set the controller to your desired temp. There are a few options; digital, analog (dial), dual temperature, or even unwired units you can DIY. I bought this one from my LHBS:

Austin Homebrew Supply

A normal size fridge will hold 1-2 carboys/buckets. Some people also use chest freezers for fermenting/lagering. I've build my own fermentation chamber, which accomodates 3 carboys and uses a mini-fridge as the cooling source.