Yeast temperature

[ftrombley]

I have one more question for the experts. I'm brewing an Octoberfest beer and it calls for a lager yeast. My spare frig can only go as high as 47 F. I know the optimum temperature for lager yeast is around 55 F. Is 47 F okay or should I use an ale yeast, fermentation temp around 72 F. That temperature I can handle in my room. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Fred

 

[coryforsenate]

You have the dial turned all the way up and the highest it will go is 47 degrees?

 

[ftrombley]

Yes, I can go colder than 47 F but it is the warmest it will go before the compressor turns on again or the frig shuts off completely.

 

[coryforsenate]

I don't have room for an extra fridge in my apartment, so what I do is buy a a giant 10+ gallon round bucket (check the laundry section at walmart. they're $9), fill it with water and the carboy, and add appropriate amounts of ice twice a day to ensure the temp stays where I want it to.

The high specific heat of water and the large volume prevent temperature fluctuations. I never had it change more than 2-3 degrees.

 

[Hang Glider]

Another option would be to get a temp controller - Ranco, Johnson, Love, others... and plug the fridge into it. You can dial in the temp you want, and the controller will cycle the fridge as needed.

 

[petep1980]

Wyeast 2206 can do as low as 46. Just make sure you d-rest it and you should be fine. Also make a sizeable starter.

Or get a thermomstat.