29 replies to this topic

[Steve Urquell]

I was surprised to see the guys who are new lager brewers using swamp chillers. I figured most brewers were like me and had an obscene number of fridges for brewing. I use a wine fridge with an STC 1000 for most of my ferm needs, a harvest gold fridge with an STC when the wine fridge is full and an avocado green fridge with an analog Johnson controller for my kegerator.So, what do youse guys use to keep Aunt Ester away? Multiple votes are allowed in the poll.

Edited by chils, 16 March 2014 - 02:05 PM.

[djinkc]

Window AC, STC 1000 running this

 

 

 

[Steve Urquell]

I included that in the Home Built/SOFC choice, DJ. How cold will she hold beer?

[Mya]

I use, a smell dorm fridge for lagers, and a swamp bucket for ales

[djinkc]

I included that in the Home Built/SOFC choice, DJ. How cold will she hold beer?

 

That's an old picture, the Johnson Controllers are gone and a couple layers of reflectix have been added.  Honestly I wish I had built a free standing one instead.  But it seemed like a good idea to convert some DIY built in shelving a previous owner put it.  I fermented a Pilsner lately in the low 50's.  Since I wired the AC fan to run continuously freeze ups at lower temps don't happen anymore.  I don't think 50df would be a problem.

[neddles]

Swamp cooler with an aquarium heater for ales. This time of year my swamp cooler wants to be about 56-58 if not heated. Placed by the walkout door on the concrete basement floor it is maintaining 46F right now. Getting ready for me to put my Helles in there. I may be able to maintain 48-50F in there simply by moving it closer to, or further from, the door. I am around the house most of the day so its not hard for me to check on it. I am one of those first lager people and if this method works OK then I will make another lager or 2 with the cake while its still that cold down there.

[Steve Urquell]

Swamp cooler with an aquarium heater for ales. This time of year my swamp cooler wants to be about 56-58 if not heated. Placed by the walkout door on the concrete basement floor it is maintaining 46F right now. Getting ready for me to put my Helles in there. I may be able to maintain 48-50F in there simply by moving it closer to, or further from, the door. I am around the house most of the day so its not hard for me to check on it. I am one of those first lager people and if this method works OK then I will make another lager or 2 with the cake while its still that cold down there.

You could hook an STC 1000 to the heater and put that close to the door and not have to worry about it getting too hot.

[neddles]

You mean too cold right? Not familiar with the STC1000. Enlighten me please.

[Steve Urquell]

You mean too cold right? Not familiar with the STC1000. Enlighten me please.

Nah, I meant put it in the coldest spot even if it's 40 degrees and an STC would keep it in range. Ferm temps could go too high if in an area that may warm to 56F.STCs are $18 controllers available on amazon or E-bay able to cool or heat to keep in a specified range. I have my fridge plugged into one outlet on it and a nightlight bulb in the other outlet for heat, probe under foam on the side of my fermenter. You have to build them yourself--easy though. I end up with ~$35 in one when done. Here's the link I used to build mine:https://www.homebrew...-1000-a-398834/

Edited by chils, 16 March 2014 - 03:23 PM.

[Big Nake]

Isn't there a comptroller of polls? The title is vague because of the distinction between ales & lagers. KCITN.Ales in a bucket with 10 gallons of cool water... 60° to 65°. Sometimes frozen bottles are required, sometimes not. For lagers, a small, 4.3cf Black & Decker fridge with no temp controller. I placed a cup of water in there when I first got it, adjusted the internal controller until the temp read 47° and just left it right there.

Edited by KenLenard, 16 March 2014 - 03:31 PM.

[Steve Urquell]

KCITN.

Thanks, first action I've gotten in awhile.

[neddles]

Nah, I meant put it in the coldest spot even if it's 40 degrees and an STC would keep it in range. Ferm temps could go too high if in an area that may warm to 56F.STCs are $18 controllers available on amazon or E-bay able to cool or heat to keep in a specified range. I have my fridge plugged into one outlet on it and a nightlight bulb in the other outlet for heat, probe under foam on the side of my fermenter. You have to build them yourself--easy though. I end up with ~$35 in one when done. Here's the link I used to build mine:https://www.homebrew...-1000-a-398834/

Thanks Ill be looking into this. One question before I do. Do they come with a thermometer or is that a separate purchase?

[Steve Urquell]

Thanks Ill be looking into this. One question before I do. Do they come with a thermometer or is that a separate purchase?

Yes, it has a Digital readout in degrees Canadian--thats what °C means right? I tape a Canadian to Murican temp conversion chart to the top of mine.

Edited by chils, 16 March 2014 - 04:10 PM.

[djinkc]

Thanks Ill be looking into this. One question before I do. Do they come with a thermometer or is that a separate purchase?

 

They read out current temperature of wherever the probe is.  It's not a big deal but be aware it's Celsius.  If you buy one be certain it's for 110V, there are some 220V out there but I think there is a mod to convert it.  They are a little clunky to program but who can complain at this price?

[Steve Urquell]

Heres the one I order. I've built 3 of them. https://www.amazon.c...t/dp/B008KVCPH2

[matt6150]

Has anybody ever used this one before? It is in Fahrenheit. 

[Humperdink]

Not quite complete

 

 

 

 

[djinkc]

 

 

I remember watching that build.  Nice!

[HVB]

 

Not quite complete

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice looking chamber.

[Big Nake]

Thanks, first action I've gotten in awhile.

Lulz.FTR, I voted "no pants" because you did not specify ales or lagers. I used to do lagers in a tub of water and ales on the basement floor. Now ales in the bucket and lagers in the fridge.