Heated fermentation cupboard

[Andyhull]

Im going to set up a heated cupboard for fermenting and conditioning/secondary carbing my brews would this set up work using a stat and tubular heater?

These types:-


Thermostat

http://www.screwfix.com/p/horstmann-hrt ... 4226173467

Tube heater

http://www.screwfix.com/p/winterwarm-tu ... -60w/80336

 

[wezil]

Hi you might be better using a digital stat as they tend to be more accurate (and expensive)!! otherwise the temp might be higher or lower than you think also bimetallic stats don't like damp conditions (they seize)! the heater should be fine, and id insulate the cupboard well to conserve your leccy! Good luck!

 

[popps100]

hi andy try this its the one im using
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230844623307; ... 26_rdc%3D1

 

[orange]

I use a plug in thermostat with a tube heater. Seems to work ok. Also used with a second thermometer to check it's accuracy. :thumb:

 

[kev]

hi andy try this its the one im using
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230844623307; ... 26_rdc%3D1

Exactly what I use on both my ferment fridges. Works perfect and is dead accurate.

Grab a fridge for nowt off Gumtree and you've got a temp controlled zone for about £20 all in.

K

 

[Andyhull]

I'll be/am using one of the kitchen cupboards so damp isn't an issue.
I'll have a look at the ebay item when i get home, i cant get on ebay at work.

 

[jonnymorris]

...I cant get on ebay at work.

It's an STC1000. Much talked about on here and available from many different places (the ones on ebay tend to come from China). I have one too and can vouch for it's effectiveness.

 

[Andyhull]

How much is it?
You also have to have a relay and box (etc) for it don't you?

I will be moving onto an STC but was looking at doing that nearer this Autum when i have the house and garden sorted so SWMBO will leave me alone to equip the brew shed!

 

[jonnymorris]

You'll pick one up for about £15 delivered. Yes, you'll need some kind of housing for it but the wiring is pretty simple. No relay required.

 

[popps100]

hi andy i not got a fridge wanted summat bigger so used b&q poly
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u54 ... 46401b.jpg
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u54 ... 975967.jpg
http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u54 ... f0d799.jpg

so i could fit 2x 5 gal fv or a number of djs or mixture of,,,at mo conditioning 40 bottles,,and 2 djs all heated with a 60w light bulb,in this cold i should realy change it for a 100w
hope pics help

 

[Andyhull]

Am at work again so can't view the pics, i'll have a look tonight when i get home.

I might as well get the STC then if it's only around £15, hardly any difference between that and the one i linked.

I can get the enclosure and wire from work and wireing it up won't be a problem.

Also thanks for the info an the STC not needing a relay :hat:

I'll be able to use that and the tube heater again when i get a fridge for the shed!

 

[Andyhull]

Had a look at your pics popps100 and i like what you've done with the polystyrene to make the fermentation/conditioning cupboard.

We are having allot of work done at "work" and they are using allot of 50mm kingspan sheets (high density insulating foam sheets with foil coating) to insulate the walls so i may be able to borrow a few offcuts to make one of those in the shed.

I never thought of doing it that way, always had it in my head that i had to make/build a wooden enclosure to house the insulation.

This way i could set it up on the shed worktop to ferment and condition and then dismantle it again (within a few seconds) when it's not needed!

Thanks

Andy