Fermentation chamber question.

[Jimmy M]

I'm wondering if when using a fermentation chamber is everyone trying to control the temperature from day one? or put it in after a day or two.
I know when the yeast first start to be active it can get fairly warm, Is it at this point that we should be having it controlled to the proper temperature to improve beer quality?

Also, anyone using a thermowell? Or Just got your probe attached to the fermenter under bubble wrap?

Thanks.

[Jimmy]

You want to control it from start to finish, but the first 3-4 days are the most important.

A thermowell is your best option, but the probe attached to the side of the fermenter with some insulation (foam, bubble wrap, etc) will work. A carboy thermowell is only $20 from everwoodave

https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... hermowell/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Hub Brewer]

I have a thermowell from Dave @ Everwood. I use it with the temperature controller with outlets (the probe fits perfectly into the thermowell), and carboy heater wrap in my cool basement. Very happy with how it works. Just wish the probe cord was a bit longer. Also, I can't fit a blowoff tube into the predrilled hole in the thermowell stopper, so I only insert it after the risk of blowoff is over. But I still control the temp in other ways from day one.

[Jimmy]

If you go with one of these as your fermenter, your chances of blowoff should be pretty slim. I don't know if I've ever had a krausen make it to the lid on these

[Jimmy M]

If you go with one of these as your fermenter, your chances of blowoff should be pretty slim. I don't know if I've ever had a krausen make it to the lid on these

I have 3 or 4 of these buckets now, Looks like I should get the thermowell, Good to know to control it right from day 1, I did'nt want to be doing it to early.
I'm just using a mini fridge, maybe at some point i'll upgrade.

[Jimmy]

Give it a go without the thermowell, and see how you like it. It's one less thing to clean/sanitize. That's how I controlled mine with the mini fridge.

If that doesn't give you the results you are looking for, then try the thermowell.

[LeafMan66_67]

FWIW - my thermowell reads the pretty close to the same as a probe taped and insulated to the side of my carboy.

[mr x]

Yup, if you insulate it enough, there is less than a degree f for me.

[Jimmy M]

Yup, if you insulate it enough, there is less than a degree f for me.

Nice! Thats what I'm looking for.

[Jimmy M]

You want to control it from start to finish, but the first 3-4 days are the most important.

A thermowell is your best option, but the probe attached to the side of the fermenter with some insulation (foam, bubble wrap, etc) will work. A carboy thermowell is only $20 from everwoodave

https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... hermowell/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have a few things I need to pick up from everwood, Just the wonky work hours I have I never make it out in time.

[Hub Brewer]

If you go with one of these as your fermenter, your chances of blowoff should be pretty slim. I don't know if I've ever had a krausen make it to the lid on these

Agreed. Never had a blowoff using a bucket. I'm only doing single stage in glass carboys most of the time but if it's a real concern I wouldn't hesitate to use a bucket with a standard stopper and thermowell.