barrel band or immersion heater?

[fatbloke]

Hi
Just a quick question about maintaining fermentation temps, as my brewing career is really still at the embryo stage and now that winter is on its way, would members recommend a barrel band or an aquarium heater for keeping the temps correct?
Until i can afford an AG set up, i will be using extract kits and am concerned about the temps...

Cheers

Fatbloke

 

[colt56]

aquarium heater for me more control.

 

[jonnymorris]

Fatbloke, you are right to be concerned about fermentation temp. You'll brew much better beer if you can control it. A brew belt will warm your beer but not offer any control. An aquarium heater is a much better bet as it'll have a thermostat built in... just don't trust the temperature dial on the top, take it for a dry run (i.e. water not beer) and set the temp against a thermometer.

 

[fatbloke]

Thanks guys

Fatbloke