RMD: Mini Fridge

[Chunk1234]

I've got tired of beer being ruined by too high fermentation temps. I don't have the space for a full blown fridge to use as a fermentation chamber but I could squeeze a mini fridge in to my flat. I only brew 12L to 15L batches. So I need a fridge that would fit a fermenter in that allows me to ferment 12 to 15L at a time. The fridge needs to stand on top of a normal sized fridge. If it'll take a 9L cornie or king keg (when not being used for fermentation), that would be ideal. Any suggestions? Anyone done anything similar? I can't be the only one with a flat and lack of space ... surely.

Ahh, also, I don't want to fit a thermostat controller, so something where you can dial the temp in and leave it to do it's thing would be perfect (like some wine fridges have). Appreciate that this won't allow me to set temp based on the temp of the acutall fermenting beer (only the air aound it), but im willing to take that hit.

Thanks guys.

[danbrew]

I have had a similar thought so was looking at some of the mini-fridges in argos. I think that even though they give the capacity in litres it would still be useful if they gave the internal dimensions.

I did think that I would need to fit some form of temperature controller though and wasn't aware fridges were available with 'dial in temp'. Doesn't that bump the cost up? It's the cost of running another large standard fridge that concerns me too...

[danbrew]

Or ferment in one of these but with a temperature contoller?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Campingaz-Smart ... 727&sr=1-2

Smaller fridges seem to be an odd shape inside because of all the cooling/ mechanical bits. Afterall, we mash in coolboxes so why not ferment in them!

A slightly smaller one would be better for your brew length though...

[Chunk1234]

Wow, that's a great idea. I could even use it as a mash tun with a grain bag ... meaning no need for an extra (space consuming) mash tun.

Assuming it's air tight, I would need to either leave the lid slightly open or fit an air lock in some way. Not sure how easy that would be.

[danbrew]

I doubt it would be so airtight as to not let the CO2 out during fermentation... but having said that if it is then yes some form of vent would be needed... Might not need to be an airlock though, anything to let the gas out.

I have no idea what these things look like on the inside/ internally but i am assuming all the mechanics are at the bottom meaning a copper manifold/ tap may be possible through the side to convert to an MT (I find grain bags a bit messy). Having said that, I am experimenting with a copper manifold that drains an MT via a syphon effect up and over the sides of the coolbox.

Then take the manifold out and use the tap to drain when using it as an FV. I imagine that other than the electrics at the bottom, it will be a basic plastic cool box?

There is a good link round here somewhere for a temperature controller that a lot of people seem to be using for fridges.

[danbrew]

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165650

Sorry if it appears like I am talking to myself on your thread Chunk but this seems like a perfect solution.

I don't mind if you wish to applaud...

[Chunk1234]

Halfords one looks like a bargain, thanks. I might go slightly larger to give the option to brew longer and for head space though. Looks like I would need to do some mods to it. At the least, Id need to cut a hole and fit a temp prob for a therm controller ... so that it could be automatically turned on and off as needed. Might also need to cut a whole for an airlock to allow CO2 to escape.

Wonder how easy those two jobs would be and if I'd be able to work out where the electrics are ... so that they could be avoided.

[danbrew]

Looks like the electrics could be in the lid. I'll let you know, I've got one reserved for collection tomorrow...!

[Chunk1234]

Looks like the electrics could be in the lid. I'll let you know, I've got one reserved for collection tomorrow...!

Great, thanks. I might head out for one at the weekend if it looks like a goer.

[danbrew]

I'll let you know, I've got one reserved for collection tomorrow...!

Except they've just rung me and told me even though I reserved it online they don't actually have it in stock...

Best to ring up front if your making the trip especially then...

[Chunk1234]

You make any progress with this in the end?

[Andy S]

I've got one of these for camping. They blow fresh air into the cooler through the lid over a metal cooling plate. I doubt this would be a good idea for an FV due to the contamination risk.

Andy

[JontyR]

I've just had a rummage through my garage and found mine







As Andy s said, all the workings are in the lid, the box itself is a standard insulated cool box. The fan means that there is a vent between the inside and outside of the box so it's not air tight which would cause a problem as both a mash tun and a fv i think.

[danbrew]

I suppose it gets too complicated/ expensive if you get a bigger coolbox which will fit a slightly smaller FV inside it? so you're cooling the outer of the FV. Can't look because on the train at the moment and my connection is SLLLLLLLOWWWWWWW...

Then again, you could just go with a wet towel!

Are all these electric coolboxes the fan in lid type?

[sicottp]

I completed a project recently where I converted a second-hand mini-fridge that I bought at an internet auction into a fermenting chamber. Followed a tutorial I found online and although it took me a while to complete, it's now fully operational and is perfect for aiding in the fermentation process. In short, I fitted an in.brewpi case to the top of the fridge, fitted internal temperature sensors, recalibrated the thermostat and had to rewire it so the cabling ran through the whole at the back of the fridge where the excess water escapes through above the compressor. It's obviously a lot more complicated than that but its pretty much the gist of it. If anyone is thinking of having a go themselves and needs any pointers then let me know. I can't remember the link for the tutorial I followed but I did write down all the steps as I did them so can put something together if that helps. Bought my mini-fridge from here: http://www.used.forsale/mini-fridge if your after a cheap second-hand fridge to kick start the project.