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

[floydmeddler]

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

Was thinking it might be good to have some sort of cover over it.

[MashBag]

I never thought you were buddy.

[bitter_dave]

Now my tube heater has packed in too! It was a 60 watt one from tool station, about 16 quid. Now they seem to be unavailable from this supplier. I quite liked the fact it is 60 watt, 40 seems too low and 80 too high, but this is based on no real knowledge. Happy to buy a more expensive one, perhaps 80 watt, if it will last.

I wonder if cold crashing in the fridge to fridge temps has shortened its life, a practice I’ve moved away from anyway

[MashBag]

You are right, I have tested a few and agree
50-60w is about right.

[guypettigrew]

You are right, I have tested a few and agree
50-60w is about right.

But if it's controlled by a thermostat (as it must be) the wattage isn't so important.

Plus the size of the compartment it's heating will also need to be taken into account.

Guy

[MashBag]

Agreed but I have found, that in the majority of cabinets, cupboards or Ferm bags with some sort of controller 50/60w is where you what to be.

When I tested stuff with a data logger, larger heat sources didn't perform so well. You need low and slow to get a smooth steady heat and gentle fluctuations.

[themadhippy]

60w a foot used to be the standard rating for tubular heaters,but in the intrest of fudging the figures thats no longer the case, if you dont mind spending a few quid more https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/product ... lar-heater

[bitter_dave]

60w a foot used to be the standard rating for tubular heaters,but in the intrest of fudging the figures thats no longer the case, if you dont mind spending a few quid more https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/product ... lar-heater

Thanks for the tip. I see it has a two year guarantee and we have one of their shops within travel distance so I think I might give that one a try.

[ozroger]

I use an el-cheapo hairdryer, controlled by an STC-1000. Bit noisy, but no one lives in the brew shed!

The other benefit is that warm air is circulated, so the entire volume of the cabinet is uniformly heated.