Fermentation Fridge build

[Longhead23]

Hi all,
I have purchased a second hand fridge an Inkband ITC 308 wifi and a heating bar. I have had a search on YouTube for a video on how to build a Fermentation Fridge, but wondered if this community had any tips, manuals or favourite vids on how to build one successfully.
Thanks.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Most members use the set up below along with an inkbird controller, you can put the temperature probe through the drain hole at the back of the fridge or trap it in the door (second pic) some members also add a PC fan to circulate the air others don't and don't say its an issue.

My tip having read a few threads about these fridges is don't mount the tube heater vertically unless the instructions say its OK to do so as they are designed to work horizontally and can overheat.

 

[Ghillie]

As @Chippy_Tea has said, do exactly that. No need for the fan though, heat rises so it works out perfect.

Superglue the feet instead of screwing them. It's easier and there's 100% change you won't drill through any coils that way (although they shouldn't be in the bottom).

Link out the thermostat if you can, this will allow you to chill below freezing providing your fridge is decent enough. Very handy for cold crashing and lagering.

Good luck!

 

[Longhead23]

I got home this evening determined to put this together. The first thing I'd did was to check the heater fitted...it doesn't.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Couldn't you do the rest and then fit the new heater when you get it.

 

[Longhead23]

This is the style that i am taking back. It literally can wedge in the fridge, but not sure that's the best thing.

So instead I am collecting this one today

Which looks to be the same as the ones in Chippy Tea's post.

Thanks
Mark

 

[Longhead23]

So the fridge is built. Now to understand the Inkbird. Does the screenshot look correct?

 

[RichardM]

As @Chippy_Tea has said, do exactly that. No need for the fan though, heat rises so it works out perfect.

Superglue the feet instead of screwing them. It's easier and there's 100% change you won't drill through any coils that way (although they shouldn't be in the bottom).

Link out the thermostat if you can, this will allow you to chill below freezing providing your fridge is decent enough. Very handy for cold crashing and lagering.

Good luck!

Do you mean the feet for the tube heater? If so then just sit in the bottom of the fridge, no need for glue or screws

 

[Longhead23]

Yep. The heater is just sitting on the bottom.

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

So the fridge is built. Now to understand the Inkbird. Does the screenshot look correct?View attachment 21473 View attachment 21474

Set a delay of 10 minutes on the refrigeration. This will reduce the risk of the fridge keep stopping and starting too soon which can quickly burn out the compressor.

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

.

 

[Longhead23]

Thanks Markk. That makes sense. Also found a video on forum. I have set the heating and cooling diffs to 0.5 each, and the high and low to 39° and 3° respectively.
I'll need to monitor it to see how it effects the temps.

 

[Ghillie]

Do you mean the feet for the tube heater? If so then just sit in the bottom of the fridge, no need for glue or screws

Aye you could have it sitting there on the feet with no glue. Would be easier for cleaning as well.

 

[Deathstar]

Can the heat get around the shelf OK? You need the air to circulate.

 

[Hengoedbrewer]

This is my next project too. Aiming to get a fridge next weekend; already spotted a likely heater and a little slatted shoe rack which should be suitable to sit the FV on as I can't be bothered with DIY to do it myself. Can't wait, my only slight concern is a curious 2 yr old getting into the fridge as it has to be inside the house (no electric in garage). Glad the heater doesn't have to be glued in and can sit free, as I'd rather the fridge could be a handy second "normal" fridge as well as brewing in.

 

[Longhead23]

Can the heat get around the shelf OK? You need the air to circulate.

Yes. The wood is not wedged tight. You'll see the temp probe is above the wood, and the Inkbird is currently showing 19.6°.

 

[Ghillie]

Can the heat get around the shelf OK? You need the air to circulate.

Yes it’s no problem. Heat rises so warms the underside of the FV nicely.

I’ve maintained steady fermentation temperatures is -10C ambient temps without a fan, so I see no need or benefit in fitting one.