Fermentation Fridge Heater... I'm done with Tube Heaters!

[floydmeddler]

Hey folks,

Yet again, another one of my tube heaters has packed up. I find myself replacing these things too often so am on the prowl for other ideas. Have any of you gone down the bulb route? Seen this suggested as an idea when I was Goggling around. Any thoughts on it?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NICESEASON-Inf ... 142&sr=8-5

I could fix this to a piece of wood and have it sit upright.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yius-Socket-Ob ... 61&sr=8-44

Other ideas welcome.

Cheers,

Floyd

[bottles]

Last time this problem came up with me. I was given the suggestion of using pipe trace heating wire. Could see an easy way of sourcing one.
But recent diy of a bathroom had me looking at under floor beast pads as an option to look into.
Hopefully someone with better knowledge will be along.
Andrew

[themadhippy]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yius-Socket-Ob ... 61&sr=8-44

six quid for an ES batton holder even homebase,not the cheapest on the high street is cheaper.

Are you buying decent tubular heaters from the likes of dimplex or elcheapo noname

[Jocky]

I use 30 watt soil heating cable. It’s been going about 6.5 years so far.

[Dennis King]

I bought one from toolstation at least 10 years ago still going strong

[vacant]

I bought one from toolstation at least 10 years ago still going strong

Many years ago I got their 32265 model which is on clearance. I was thinking of using an incandescent bulb under a plastic hood (ice-cream container?) to protect against drips but decided that was too much faff.

[MarkA]

I've been using heating cable similar to THIS for about 8 years with no problems. Just make sure it's mounted in or on something metal as it will melt the inside of a fridge!

[MashBag]

For a Ferm cab, you can get ceramic heat bulbs. 50w is about right for 25l

Reptile keepers use them. Easy fit, compact, easy control. Search for "ceramic heat lamp 50w "

[themadhippy]

For a Ferm cab, you can get ceramic heat bulbs. 5

did you miss the very first link in the very first post?

[MashBag]

Nope. I read that as "bulb route" as light buld. Which is also an good option. 20w oven lamps are what I use to prove bread.

[guypettigrew]

The link in the first post takes you directly to info on a ceramic bulb. Perhaps you didn't click the link, MB?

Guy

[floydmeddler]

Thanks folks. Some interesting methods out there! The cable ideas seem to be very effective.

themadhippy, I've had so many tube heaters over the years, I can't remember what brands I went for.

I think I'm going to go for the ceramic reptile bulb. Could have it sat upright with a terracotta plant pot over it. When it goes it'll just be a matter of unscrewing the bulb and screwing a new one in. Swapping out these tube heaters has always been a bit of a ball ache!

Mashbag, nice idea for bread proving, too. Some silly priced electric proofers out there.

Happy brewing

Floyd

[MashBag]

The link in the first post takes you directly to info on a ceramic bulb. Perhaps you didn't click the link, MB?

Guy

Hands up I didn't....but look on the bright side. It gave you both something to moan about

[guypettigrew]

I think I'm going to go for the ceramic reptile bulb. Could have it sat upright with a terracotta plant pot over it. When it goes it'll just be a matter of unscrewing the bulb and screwing a new one in.

Floyd

It's unlikely a ceramic 'bulb' will go. Why would you want to put a terracotta plant pot over it?

Guy

[floydmeddler]

The link in the first post takes you directly to info on a ceramic bulb. Perhaps you didn't click the link, MB?

Guy

Hands up I didn't....but look on the bright side. It gave you both something to moan about

There was no moaning from me MB!