Temp control in a shed...in winter

[IrishH]

Hi all, i hope you're all well and safe!

I am looking at upgrading my AG kit to the grainfather (i have saved for this one!) and it looks as though in the shed will be best. Temperatures of course are nearing single figures at night and I'm wondering how good is the temp controller fermenters, along with a jacket (and also thinking of adding a boiler lagging jacket) at keeping my right temperatures for ale. I know lagers would suit more but they just aren't my thing! Any advice on whether this is even possible at all?

Thanks in advance.
Harry

 

[Clint]

A brew fridge is the solution. Better if you can scrounge one or get a used one. I have one but I also use a heat plate thing with a foam garden chair seat pad bungeed round it...seems to work.

 

[IrishH]

A brew fridge is the solution. Better if you can scrounge one or get a used one. I have one but I also use a heat plate thing with a foam garden chair seat pad bungeed round it...seems to work.

Thanks Clint! I have been looking for old fridges to adapt but so far no good. I've moved back to the west coast of Ireland so my chances of finding a used one are quite slim I'm afraid. Are the heat pads good? I was thinking of one or two of them, some lagging jackets and a coat for it if I have to go without the fridge.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

If it's for haat only use the search icon above and enter - water bath temperature control

 

[Chippy_Tea]

It's here How to Set up a Water Bath for your FV

 

[Deathstar]

As @Clint says a brew fridge is the easiest, I use the inkbird with heat mat with no issues.

 

[terrym]

Any old fridge will do if you are only heating your FV, it doesn't have to be working. You could then use that with a temperature controlled heat belt or heat pad. An old fridge will have enough inbuilt insulation to maintain the internal temperature, just like it does in reverse when it keeps stuff chilled.

 

[Tanglefoot]

Before I had a fridge I used an old cardboard box lined all round with 28mm celotex insulation and a heat belt -
worked fine for me.

 

[Cwrw666]

How about building a fermentation cabinet using insulated boarding? You could size it to accomodate your FV plus a brews-worth of bottles conditioning so as to keep your production flowing.

 

[LED_ZEP]

I made this, for my 25l fermenter.

Temp control

 

[Cwrw666]

That is very nice.

 

[obscure]

Thanks Clint! I have been looking for old fridges to adapt but so far no good. I've moved back to the west coast of Ireland so my chances of finding a used one are quite slim I'm afraid. Are the heat pads good? I was thinking of one or two of them, some lagging jackets and a coat for it if I have to go without the fridge.

With regards to the heat pads I find they can typically raise the temperature about 3-4 degrees above the room temp, so good for my utility room which is about 14-15 degrees, not so much for the garage.

Should of course say my heat pad is only 25 watt it does what I need it to, and I suspect if your fermentor was heavily insulated it might work a bit better.

 

[Garmostripel]

Hi, I have two PB’s I keep in a plastic storage box outside the idea was to keep cool in summer.
not got round to insulating for winter, so what is the min temp my Woodfordes Wherry +Admirals reserve will be happy at? Do I need to bring them inside for the winter?

 

[stan.distortion]

Thanks Clint! I have been looking for old fridges to adapt but so far no good. I've moved back to the west coast of Ireland so my chances of finding a used one are quite slim I'm afraid. Are the heat pads good? I was thinking of one or two of them, some lagging jackets and a coat for it if I have to go without the fridge.

Check the recycling centres, most I've been to (in Ireland) usually have several and even if they're knackered they're still an insulated box, add ust a few watts of heat (even just a cfl light bulb) and they'll hold temprature ok.

 

[terrym]

Hi, I have two PB’s I keep in a plastic storage box outside the idea was to keep cool in summer.
not got round to insulating for winter, so what is the min temp my Woodfordes Wherry +Admirals reserve will be happy at? Do I need to bring them inside for the winter?

The minimum temperature is about -2*C. Below that beer starts to freeze.
This is not a bad reference point for beer serving temperature, and that indicates both your beers are probably best served at about 12-13*C, although its really up to you to decide the best temperature to suit how you like your beers served.
https://cask-marque.co.uk/beer-temperature/

 

[Garmostripel]

The minimum temperature is about -2*C. Below that beer starts to freeze.
This is not a bad reference point for beer serving temperature, and that indicates both your beers are probably best served at about 12-13*C, although its really up to you to decide the best temperature to suit how you like your beers served.
https://cask-marque.co.uk/beer-temperature/

I know 12-13*c is ideal and is good for me and I don’t mind it a bit cooler, but I was concerned that getting near freezing might affect the yeast.