Heater

[Tel]

Hi. New to beer making and just want some advice as to which heater to buy, belt, mat or immersion?? Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

This time of year you probably will not need any heat.

When you need it as the weather cools the best method is a fermentation fridge as it can heat and cool at the same time. (video below)

A belt or pad will work but its best to have a controller as in the video (Inkbird)

Immersion heaters are rarely discussed so are probably not the best.

 

[The Baron]

Welcome to the forum.
Good advice from Chippy, immersion heaters are not as popular as the other 2

 

[IceQueen]

fridge/ heater has also the advantage you can reuse for parties to chill a .lot of drinks at the same time

 

[Agentgonzo]

This time of year you probably will not need any heat.

Depends where you live and where you stick your fermenter (and how warm you want it to remain). Just before the heatwave, I put a fermenter in the garage and it (the fermenter) still dropped to 17 degrees. And this is the south of England.

 

[jof]

Depends where you live and where you stick your fermenter (and how warm you want it to remain). Just before the heatwave, I put a fermenter in the garage and it (the fermenter) still dropped to 17 degrees. And this is the south of England.

Exactly.
Where are you going to put your fermenter?
Out in the shed - then yes you will need to heat in the winter.
Inside a centrally heated house - then don't bother.
You might even need to think about cooling if all you're making is lagers

 

[Agentgonzo]

Inside a centrally heated house - then don't bother.

This is my "temperature control". It basically stays 20-22 degrees all year round in the utility room. Perfect for making anything except lagers (which suits me fine)

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Exactly.
Where are you going to put your fermenter?
Out in the shed - then yes you will need to heat in the winter.

I did say -

This time of year you probably will not need any heat.

 

[allotment_fox]

I ferment in a larder fridge in a shed with an inkbird control double socket.
I stand the fermenter on a heat pad i got some years ago from Wilko for around £18 / £20 ish I wrap the fermenter in a, Waist belt made of neoprene I got from the then 99p shop they also fit well round a demi john. I tuck the thermostat in-between the belt and the fermenter set it at say 19c this is one of the best investment I have made in my brewing I would not go back to standing the fermenter in the kitchen. the belts are on ebay a bit more expensive now but with postage good value in my opinion.
If anyone is interested this is the belt I use

Waist Belt Support Neoprene Lower Back Pain Body Brace Lumbar Control Sports Uk 7427104945151 | eBay