Fermenting fridge temperature query

[keith1664]

I'm using my fermenting fridge for the first time today (just pitched into AG24, a hefe).
I'm aware t6hat the fermentation will give off heat and my brew will therefore be warmer than the fridge, but by how much? If I'm trying to keep 20L of wort at 17 degrees what should my fridge be set at?

 

[Wendy1971]

Its only a guess but i would set fridge a couple of degrees below the fermentation temp. To be honest we have never noticed a change in temp during fermentation and we use a TC 10 to keep temp

 

[Runwell-Steve]

I set my fridge to the temp I want it to ferment at, so for Ale where I want a 19C fermentation I set the controller to 19C. seems to work.

 

[Hollow Legs]

I'm pretty sure that I read that a fermenting brew is 2degC higher than a non fermenting brew and I set my temp control attached to a brew belt 2degC less and that sort of works (a bit crude as I don't put the sensor in the wort)

 

[StubbsPKS]

If you tape the sensor to the outside of your container and wrap it in bubble wrap, you will measure the temperature of the liquid inside (or very close to it).

This is from How to Brew

 

[Hawks]

As mine can have multiple FVs in it, I set to 1 degree lower than the temp I want ( usually set to 18 ). After a few days ( probably around 5 ) , as fermentation slows down a lot, I move it up the 1 degree to 19C.

 

[StubbsPKS]

There was also something I heard on a podcast about fermenting a lager and an ale in the same cabinet. You set the temp to lager temp and connect another STC-1000 to a brew belt (or better yet, a ferm-wrap) and set that temp to the ale temp.

It's probably not very nice on the leccy bill, but it will def get the job done :)

 

[anthonyUK]

It's probably not very nice on the leccy bill, but it will def get the job done :)

I wouldn't say definately. It's probably possible depending on how you measure the temp of both liquids but in a fridge they'd constantly be 'fighting' each other for control.
I wouldn't attempt it personally.

 

[StubbsPKS]

It's two different temp controllers. They would both remain on constantly according to the podcast.

Just as a reference, the podcast was the brewstrong podcast with Jamil and Palmer.

 

[anthonyUK]

Cheers. Do you happen to know the episode as I'd like to give it a listen and have a better understanding of what you mentioned?
I agree with your sentiment that they are pretty knowledgeable and reliable.

 

[luckyeddie]

The easy answer - more fridges. I have three now, but seeing as my phone tariff has just been reduced by £10 a month, I reckon I can justify it. Next year though, if I move up to four fridges, I'm going to have to put the missus on the street.

 

[keith1664]

I have the kegerator and one fermenting fridge, with another awaiting conversion (both will hold 33L fermentors). Then I'd quite like a chest freezer for lagering, oh and I'd love a 6ft tall fridge to keep bottles in. There's also a husky beer fridge...which is useless for beer, it could well end up as a yeast home.
No one said that the fridges are almost as quick at reproducing as the cornies!