fermenting fridge

[nick9one1]

Just picked up my first fermenting fridge (for free) from someone on freecycle.

They were getting rid of it as it 'freezes up'. Turns out it just needs a new door seal at about £15.
I spent a few hours yesterday stripping it out and scrubbing it down, inside and out with bleach and the pressure washer - now it looks like new!

Its a full size silver beko larder fridge, which means I should be able to get at least two fermenting buckets in it.

I've also bought one of these so I can keep the temp controlled very accurately.
Not quite sure what I'm going to use as a heater, but probably don't need it in this weather...

 

[Mr BR]

you can use a small eletric tubular heater they are about 30w-60w and are about 12 inches long and you can get them from screwfix or toolstation for 15.86 for 60w one hope this helps and you can wire it into your temp control if its like the stc1000

 

[anthonyUK]

Looking at the wiring for the 9200 it looks possible depending on how it functions but an STC-1000 would be more suitable as it is designed for heating and cooling.
I've recently started recording the temperature in one of my fridges to see how stable it is.

 

[joe1002]

+1 for the toolstation heater.

You will probably want to put some stronger shelves in, but best to have slats or something similar so the air can flow around your FV's.

 

[nick9one1]

Thanks for the tips, I'll pick up some wood from the local hardware shop.

It is actually the STC-1000 I've bought, I posted the wrong picture.

 

[Mr BR]

even better m8 that should see up and running no problems at all :thumb:

 

[nick9one1]

excellent :)

I cant wait to ferment my first brew in there. Although I've currently got a Youngs Lager and Coopers Aussie IPA on the go, so Might be a little while till I need another.

I've also Just bought a King Keg, which I think I'll use for the IPA as I've read they aren't too good for lagers due to their max pressures being too low.

Future plans are to get another fridge for serving/bottles. Get a couple of cornies it it and some taps on the door.

 

[EskiBrew]

If you are looking for a cheap heat source, a 100W light bulb (the old style incandescant fillament lamp) does a pretty good job and is very cheap. :thumb:

 

[nick9one1]

If you are looking for a cheap heat source, a 100W light bulb (the old style incandescant fillament lamp) does a pretty good job and is very cheap. :thumb:

I did consider a light bulb but wondered if the bright light would affect the brew in any way?
a ceramic heat lamp is another option

 

[crofty83]

What should the compressor delay setting on the STC-1000 be set to? (what does this setting actually do)

Not meaning to hijack this thread as I believe it is relevant :-)

 

[EskiBrew]

You do not want the compressor cycling on and off rapidly because that will kill it. It would probably be wise to ensure it is at least one minute if not more. Not quite sure what the available settings are on that controller are though.

 

[nick9one1]

Not too sure, but here is what the instructions say (in chinglish)

Controller starts refrigerating with cool indicator light on when the measuring temperature < temperature set value +
difference value, and the refrigerating relay is connected; The “Cool” indicator light flashes, it indicates the refrigerating
equipment is under compressor delay protect status; when the measuring temperature > temperature set value, the Cool
indicator light on, and refrigerating relay disconnects.

I think it may be the minimum time it waits after turning one relay off (e.g. cooling) and turning the other on (e.g. heating).

 

[joe1002]

I believe mine came pre-set to 3 minutes. I have left it at that.

 

[anthonyUK]

I think it may be the minimum time it waits after turning one relay off (e.g. cooling) and turning the other on (e.g. heating).

I don't know if it affects the heating but it definitely stops you burning the compressor out with excessive switching.
Mine also came set to 3mins and appear fine with that.

 

[Swift Pint]

Anthony, how are you logging your temperatures? I'm trying to do something similar with an arduino.