Fermentation Chamber

canuck · Post by **canuck** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 9:40 pm

So has anyone built a fermentation chamber? Now that I've got my four tap Kegerator built and have a SS conical fermenter ordered, my next step is to build a fermentation chamber for lagering. I've found out that I can successfully ferment lager yeast during the colder months, but it might be more of a challenge in the summer. I currently use a spare bar fridge for lagering. So anyways, I am looking to build a fermentation chamber similar to the one below using the spare bar fridge that I have. Any thoughts on this build?

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/another ... ld-253949/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

thirdeye · Post by **thirdeye** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:35 am

why not buy an old chest freezer? they're ~$50 on Kijiji and there are a few DIY on homebrewtalk about modifying their thermostats to lagering temps.

bluenose · Post by **bluenose** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 2:10 pm

I've seen builds for fermentation chambers from old chest freezers, but my concern would be lifting them up and over the edge of the side... That's why I was also looking into a custom fermentation chamber... ideally I would want a walkin cooler, but eh

I looked at the above link, and IMHO is that it could be better insulated. I wonder what the duty cycle is for his compressor

thirdeye · Post by **thirdeye** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 4:24 pm

that fridge will be burnt out in no time. the stud walls project into the refrigeration area negating almost all of his work. then he has to squat and walk ~40lb corney kegs into either wing?? not to mention every time he opens the door all the cool air spills onto his floor... for all that cost/time he could have built a hoist system and dropped way more kegs into a chest freezer...

Post by **mr x** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:26 pm

I agree, that fridge is going to be burned out very quickly trying to hold lager temps if the room is in the high 60's.

canuck · Post by **canuck** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:45 pm

Going with a chest freezer is certainly an option, and a good one at that. I have a spare bar fridge that I don't use so I guess that is the reason why I was thinking of going this route.

thirdeye · Post by **thirdeye** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:07 pm

Just going to post this here:

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/guide-s ... ol-249612/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cheapest ferm chamber evar!

canuck · Post by **canuck** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:15 pm

thirdeye wrote:Just going to post this here:

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/guide-s ... ol-249612/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

cheapest ferm chamber evar!

Nice!!! Great find, thanks for posting!

Tony L · Post by **Tony L** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:19 pm

I'll be probably making a ferm chamber later this year if I can swing it by the boss.
I need something big enough for two conicals and a freezer just won't do it on it's own.

Good luck, Shane.

canuck · Post by **canuck** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:23 pm

Tony L wrote:I'll be probably making a ferm chamber later this year if I can swing it by the boss.
I need something big enough for two conicals and a freezer just won't do it on it's own.

Good luck, Shane.

Tony, what size are your conicals? I am still waiting for mine to arrive.

Tony L · Post by **Tony L** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:30 pm

I'll measure them both when i find a tape to do it with. Might take me an hour, but, I'll post back when I do.

Tony L · Post by **Tony L** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:02 pm

Both are 37 1/2 inches from the bottom of their legs to the top of the airlocks, so I guess a little more height for the chamber would be needed.
I have the Stouts SS conical and the 6.5 gallon plastic one.

bluenose · Post by **bluenose** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:58 pm

are your conicals bought or built?

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