Constant fermenting temps in garage

[Daniboy0812]

Hi Guys.

I’m fairly sure this has been asked before.

How do I keep brews at around 20 degrees C through summer and winter without having to heat garage? What’s the best technique or equipment to use
I’ve been banished to the garage by the wife who hates the ‘stink’ fermenting makes in the cupboard I use inside the house.

Thanks

 

[RGeats]

Use a water bath, there is a great thread on how to do it on this forum. Doesn't cost a lot and it's really effective

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/how-to-set-up-a-water-bath-for-your-fv.66407/

 

[MyQul]

If you dont get massive temp swings (Temp swings are bad for fermentation) in your garage. You could 'brew with the seasons' basically use a yeast that is appropriate for the current ambient temp* e.g lager yeast in winter, kviek in summer. This is what I do as I dont have temp control.

*If you like notty /wilko ale yeast its got a massive temp range. I've had it as low as 15C in the winter and as high as 27C in the summer no problems.

 

[Leard]

My set up includes a cheap £20 fridge from Gumtree that I've installed a heat tube inside (£13 from eBay) and then I use an Inkbird to maintain temperature. I can consistently remain within 1-2C from 25C all the way down to about 3C.

 

[MickDundee]

My set up includes a cheap £20 fridge from Gumtree that I've installed a heat tube inside (£13 from eBay) and then I use an Inkbird to maintain temperature. I can consistently remain within 1-2C from 25C all the way down to about 3C.

This is exactly what I do. I have 2 fermenting fridges - one powered by a greenhouse heater, and one where I use a heated brew belt around the fermenter. Eventually I’ll get a second tube heater. When I only have one brew on the go (which is most of the year) I use one of the fridges as a conditioning fridge and set it to about 12C.

 

[Deadhead]

I used to use a heat mat hooked up to a controller, but was finding inconsistencies in heat transfer across the whole fermentation bucket. I do a water bath method at the moment and it works a treat. Except I smashed my good aquarium heater and am currently using a metal based one that had, but it's not as powerful. Still, works just fine.
I've asked my husband for a fridge for my birthday coming up, but doubtful that will actually happen.

 

[Harbey]

Just building an insulated box/unit would probably be a good start. This video gives you an idea of what I mean, although this guy has then added a heater and controller.

 

[RobMorgan1981]

Hi, thought I'd hijack this thread, as opposed to starting a similar one.
I have a Tom Caxton beer fermenting in my garage. Late last night it dropped to 16-17°, so I put a heat strap around the bottom of the bucket, but it hit 26-27° (but it has been quite warm anyway today) it says to maintain 18-21°
I like the idea of the fridge, but that's a plan for later

 

[RobMorgan1981]

Just had a thought of putting a timer on the strap, so it comes on maybe 10pm-8am, when it is probably cooler.

 

[Banbeer]

I put a heat strap around the bottom of the bucket

Rob, the lower you put the belt on the Fermenting Bucket (FV) the higher the temp will be as heat rises, if you want it cooler then place the belt toward the top of the FV in future obviously where the top of the wort is.

 

[RGeats]

How long has it been fermenting for? If its at the start of fermentation the high temperature might give some off flavours. If its been a few days you'll probably be OK. Have you thought about wrapping the fermenter in something like an old duvet?

 

[RobMorgan1981]

I started it Sunday evening, checked it yesterday. So strap only been on 24 hours. I could put it in the spare room, but the other half doesn't like the smell I'll try the strap at the top then

 

[Banbeer]

I could put it in the spare room, but the other half doesn't like the smell

Hey, my other half don't like the smell after I've had a curry (if you know what I mean) but she's not sent me to the spare room YET!

 

[terrym]

Water bath in the garage is ideal. Cheap and effective. Bigger heat sink, so less temperature fluctuations.

 

[Loonytoone]

I ferment in the garage throughout the year.
I use a heater mat connected through a temperature controller and (crucially) zip up a puffa jacket/fleece around the Fermenter and temperature sender unit.

 

[Harbey]

@RobMorgan1981 you could get an InkBird or similar temp controller and just link it to the heat belt. You can then use it on the fridge when you get that.