20 replies to this topic

[Bklmt2000]

Our forthcoming kitchen remodel will kick off in T-2 weeks, and yesterday, I made an executive decision: i want to upgrade my swamp-cooler fermentation setup (I ferment in Ale Pails) to a chest freezer setup.

 

The plan: while the electrician is here for the kitchen, I will ask him to run an outlet in the basement (where the brewery/fermentation area is) where I want the new CF to go.

 

I already use a CF as a kegerator, with a Johnson thermostat (the ~$60 dollar one) to keep the CF at serving temps.  I intend to get a ~7 cubic-ft freezer, so i can have 2 Ale Pails going at a time.

 

Anyone here use a CF as their main fermentation chamber? 

 

Is it any more complicated in setting up than my serving CF, and just keep the temp at 50°F (or a tad lower) for lagers, and ~60°F for ales?

 

 

[positiveContact]

that's pretty much it.  it's good to try to get something to keep the humidity down in there as well.  a little silicone caulking in the seams isn't a bad idea either.

[Bklmt2000]

that's pretty much it.  it's good to try to get something to keep the humidity down in there as well.  a little silicone caulking in the seams isn't a bad idea either.

 

Good points; i will use some Damp-Rid to keep the humidity down, and caulking the seams is a great idea/reminder (thankfully i did that with my serving CF when i first got it 12+ years ago).

 

Thanks Morty!

[djinkc]

Two CFs here for kegs but I don't ferment in them.  AC chamber for that.  All I have is set it up so you don't short cycle a lot.  As you know it will be fairly exothermic for the first few days.  Set the differential for several degrees or have the probe in a thermowell that is in a small container to buffer temp swings.  Mine's in a old White Labs container filled with water and a thermowell JB welded to the lid.

[ncbeerbrewer]

I have done all of my ferments in a 7 cuft chest freezer for the past 8 years. I have a Ranco controller that I place the temp probe on the outside of the fermentation carboy and then control the temperature of the freezer based on where I want the fermentation temperature to occur. It should work well for you too.  

[Poptop]

I just grabbed an Ink Bird and it is pretty simple to use.

[MyaCullen]

Best buy has them on sale for $170 right now
https://www.bestbuy....1&skuId=8390027

[Steve Urquell]

I stick my temp probe under a towel against the side of the fermenter and push it against the side of my chamber to control ferm temps. Set temp diff to .3degC(Canadian). Doesn't short cycle due to the volume taking awhile to warm up. I do the same in my kegerator with the probe against a full keg and my compressor cycles a lot less with temp diff af 1degF(Friggin Merkin)

[Jub]

I tape the probe against fermentor too, not perfect but it gets the job done

[positiveContact]

also stick probe to side of fermentor or keg.  I tape a piece of neoprene insulation over it and then put a bungie on for insurance.

[neddles]

I just grabbed an Ink Bird and it is pretty simple to use.

I have one of these arriving today. I was going to build another STC-1000 or two. Considering how little time I have had lately I just bit the bullet and figured my time was worth the extra dough to not have to build one. If I like it I'll probably get another.

[denny]

I use a 14.8 cu. ft. chest freezer for fermentation.  I use an Auber TDS-100 temp controller and a reptile heater bulb.  I also siliconed the joints and use DampRid

[MyaCullen]

I use a 14.8 cu. ft. chest freezer for fermentation. I use an Auber TDS-100 temp controller and a reptile heater bulb. I also siliconed the joints and use DampRid

Dollar tree sells a generic damp rid knock off if anyone is looking, works good, is only $1.63 a pound @ $1 per 9.85 oz sealed unit, versus $10 for 4 lbs of the name brand.

[denny]

Dollar tree sells a generic damp rid knock off if anyone is looking, works good, is only $1.63 a pound @ $1 per 9.85 oz sealed unit, versus $10 for 4 lbs of the name brand.

 

Thanks for the tip!

[neddles]

Do you guys find that dampness/moisture is an issue in a CF used as a keezer too or just when you are fermenting in one?

[positiveContact]

Do you guys find that dampness/moisture is an issue in a CF used as a keezer too or just when you are fermenting in one?

 

issue either way.

[neddles]

issue either way.

thanks good to know. Damp rid (or generic) takes care of the problem? Also, why do people silicone the joints?

Edited by neddles, 31 July 2016 - 11:24 AM.

[denny]

thanks good to know. Damp rid (or generic) takes care of the problem? Also, why do people silicone the joints?

 

Because no matter what you do, there will be at least a little moisture in there.  Siliconing the joints helps [revent rusting and premature physical failure.

[neddles]

Because no matter what you do, there will be at least a little moisture in there.  Siliconing the joints helps [revent rusting and premature physical failure.

Thanks, looks like I have a use for the extra silicone I have laying around!

[positiveContact]

Because no matter what you do, there will be at least a little moisture in there.  Siliconing the joints helps [revent rusting and premature physical failure.

 

particularly in the summer!