Temperature Control - fermentation

[eriktheviking]

Hey Fellas,

I'm slowly getting organized to get back into running my 4 inch 5 plate 5 Star still on a 100L Pro boiler. after about a 3 year gap. Over many years of distilling i was able to control many things. One thing i didn't control very well was fermentation temperatures for any fermenter over 30L. What are you guys using now? I see some expensive options on various HBS websites are you still using a dedicated fridge with a separate temp controller? I have 3 190L fermenters and I assume there isn't any cheap-ish options for my fermenters but I'm hoping someone can help - cheers

[harold01]

Eric
what is your temperature environment, are you wanting to keep the temp up or down to around 30°c

[howard]

i have multiple 30l fermenters in fridges controlled by inkbirds and heat belts, but that doesn't help you much :smile:
if you have room somewhere, i would pick a corner and build a wooden frame and line it with insulation, with a door incorporated.
build it tall enough to take a 190l fermenter on a trolley.
control the temp with an inkbird and a heatbelt.
the size would depend on how much room you have and how many 190l fermenters you want on the go at the same time.

[oddian]

I use a bucket buddy, it's cheap and cheerful and stainless steel and easy to clean. Chuck it in a cool room in summer and any room in winter and let the element keep the temp up when it's cold. Most of my fermentations are at about 20C, but some are up around 35C. I don't do any cool enough to warrant a fridge though.

[WoodyD40]

Eric

I just use a heating belt on my 30 and 60 litre fermenters - with a temp controller (both from kegland)
I wrap the fermenters in a beach towel (usually recommended to use a blanket).

I do this because i have the fermenters in the garage which has been far too cold over winter in Melbourne. I probably don't need as much heating during the summer time.
Other locations will probably need more stable heating control - but I think my issue in Melbourne is keeping it warm enough - not worrying about cooling it at all.