Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

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MashBag
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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by MashBag » Tue Jul 13, 2021 7:02 am

Manngold wrote:
Thu May 04, 2017 11:16 am
Hi all,

I have a spare fridge that is surpass to requirements that I want to convert into a fermentation chamber, but.....

John
Two thoughts.

#1. In many cases you can JUST remove the shelves.
Build a small low stool/table and mount everything on there. Inkbird and heater. No fan required.
Just run one cable through the door seal (like jockey mentioned) - bingo.

If you ever then need it as a fridge, lift stool out and turn the fridge on.


#2 do you bottle or keg your beer? It is nice to have a fermentation space for that step too.... & very very nice not to have carry them far!
Might be worth considering that before you start.

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vacant
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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by vacant » Tue Jul 13, 2021 7:50 am

Control the fridge with an STC-1000 or similar. The thermostat for the fridge may be some distance from the bottom of your beer which could get much cooler than you want. I tape the sensor near the base of the FV.

4°C is fine for cold crashing. I bottled a batch on Saturday which is beautifully clear after four days at that temperature. Sensor is now taped to the side of a two litre bottle on the lower layer for 12°C conditioning (33 litres needs stacking).

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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by MashBag » Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:30 am

This might start something, but here goes...
IME the inkbird 308 is a much better unit than the STC.

No wiring (just plug in and get on).
More accurate.
More versatile.

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MashBag
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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by MashBag » Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:35 am

vacant wrote:
Tue Jul 13, 2021 7:50 am

The thermostat for the fridge may be some distance from the bottom of your beer which could get much cooler than you want. I tape the sensor near the base of the FV.
Fridge stats are normally at the top, cold air sinks.
I see your thinking there.. Have you found out makes a difference?

I have previously used a mid point. Is it affected by the ambient temp?

guypettigrew
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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by guypettigrew » Tue Jul 13, 2021 10:52 am

It probably depends on whether or not there is a fan in the 'fridge.

Guy

Storm Brewing
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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by Storm Brewing » Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:17 pm

Thanks for the help guys!

Inkbird / STC are great bits of kit but not sure how they can help in this situation? If this fridge is not capable of chilling the water in the fv below 8 degree C then setting the inkbird/STC to 4 degree C isn't going to help unless it is possible to by-pass the fridge's own thermostat?? Am I missing something? #-o

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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by MashBag » Wed Jul 14, 2021 6:26 am

The heater will be plugged in to inkbird. To control raising the fermentation temp.

Depending on ambient temp, you may also want to plug the fridge in too, for lowering temp.

In the UK cooling in only needed if you ferment on August 22nd 😂😂

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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by Storm Brewing » Wed Jul 14, 2021 5:58 pm

Thanks for helpful advice. After further investigation, I conclude the fridge is duff as a check of air temperature mid-fridge is 8 degree C whilst domestic fridges should chill down to at least 4 degree C. I have checked our kitchen fridge and on max it goes down to 3 degree C. This gives me an idea.... but dont thing SWMBO will be happy !! :D

Many thanks

Pete

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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by MashBag » Wed Jul 14, 2021 7:06 pm

If you live in the UK, I doubt you will need the fridge to cool very often.

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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by Storm Brewing » Fri Jul 30, 2021 3:25 pm

UPDATE: Found a useful video on You tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex0k-AQ5CtM

As a result i have now successfully removed thermostat and rewired fridge. Having left the fridge turned on all night, a bucket of 3 gallons of water got down to 0 degrees C (complete with ice fornmations). Connecting up to an Inkbird will enable me to control the temperature and avoid icebergs. :D

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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by MashBag » Fri Jul 30, 2021 5:03 pm

Tbh. Never thought you need to remove the stat.

Having watched that, a couple of phrases were complete rubbish, which for me, undermined the video.

A switchable bypass would be better. That way I useable fridge is retained for a 2 buck switch and 5 more minutes.

Ps. Just checking have you rewired the kitchen fridge?

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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by Storm Brewing » Sat Jul 31, 2021 8:00 am

Kitchen fridge intact!!

The integral thermostat was suspect, which is why the fridge wouldnt chill below 8 degrees C so take your point but happy with the outcome!

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Re: Making a fermentation chamber/fridge

Post by MashBag » Sat Jul 31, 2021 10:30 am

Brilliant result.

I feared for your safety there for a while 😂😂

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