Heater failure

[Mal7]

Left a brew fermenting whilst away for a few days with an immersion heater to keep the temperature up as have to brew in a room that gets cold. Came back to find it at 13 degrees and no apparent activity due to the heater failing. Another heater on order but will the brew be salvageable? Will the yeast restart once back up around 20 degrees or so or will it need a new yeast starter. Will the flavour be affected.

 

[Clint]

It'll be OK I think but I'd think about ditching the immersion heater and go with a belt or pad as you risk infection dipping stuff in your beer.
Make sure you clean and sanitise the new one before using it. In the meantime leave the beer well alone!

 

[An Ankoù]

What yeast were you using, as a matter of interest? Some yeast chug along slowly at 13C and even a bit cooler.

 

[Mal7]

Thanks Clint. I always clean and sterilise the heater after and before each brew. Have done several now without problems. Can’t remember the yeast strain; was in a Dark Rock London Porter. Think the temp range was 15-20

 

[RichardM]

How are you controlling the temperature? You could get localised hot spots, causing of flavours. If you want to use an immersion heater then it may be better to stand the fermenter in a water bath and use the immersion heater in the water bath.

 

[Clint]

How are you controlling the temperature? You could get localised hot spots, causing of flavours. If you want to use an immersion heater then it may be better to stand the fermenter in a water bath and use the immersion heater in the water bath.

Well pointed out!

 

[Mal7]

It’s thermostatically controlled, adjustable to suit both beer and wine yeasts.