Chest Freezer Temperature Control?

Wed Jul 29, 2009 6:39 am

I put my temperature probe in a jar with water for a couple weeks -- until I realized that while the step said 38 degrees, the bottom of the keezer was actually 26 degrees!

So now I'm trying to re-evaluate where I put my probe and what temperature my beer actually is. As of now, I use a Johnson Analog Temp Controller.

Anyone have any suggestions?
User avatar
Stevorino
 
Posts: 148
Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:37 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Chest Freezer Temperature Control?

Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:00 am

Mine is in a jar of water, sitting on the compressor hump, have also heard of people placing the probe in a White Labs tube filled with the gel from one of those gel packs they send with your yeast.


Sergeant, Gulf Coast, Air Force Div.


Keeper of the :asshat: 2011-2012

"Push keeps shoving something in my mouth" Kim Woods

BJCP Judge
User avatar
Whitebeard_Brewer
 
Posts: 1285
Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2007 6:07 am
Location: Biloxi, Ms.

Re: Chest Freezer Temperature Control?

Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:50 am

My temp control unit is on its way.... what's wrong with it just hanging in air?
Private First Class - Philly Division

Drinking:
Tasty APA
DFH 60 Min
CYBI Dad's Little Helper
Black Velveteen - Oatmeal Stout
Fermenting:
Barleywine
Lagering:
Notta
Next up:
brews for NHC
In the Funkhouse:
empty
atomicpunk
 
Posts: 249
Joined: Mon Jun 15, 2009 5:20 pm
Location: Plymouth Meeting, PA

Re: Chest Freezer Temperature Control?

Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:13 am

Just got my Ranco 2 stage from morebeer yesterday...awesome job with this B3...gotta get me a chest freezer now.
Sergeant, BN Army
R.I.P. Rat Pad ('05-'12)

Fermenter: Mayotoberfest
Kegged: Common, Cherry, & Apple Pie Ciders, Falconer Pale Ale, Strawberry Blonde
On Deck: German Pilsner, Chinookee Wookiee
User avatar
TheDarkSide
Global Moderator
 
Posts: 4584
Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2008 3:45 pm
Location: Derry, NH

Re: Chest Freezer Temperature Control?

Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:39 am

Tape that sucker to a carboy or a keg! It makes no sense to measure what temp your freezer is at--you care about what temp your beer is at so measure that. Tape the probe on there about half way up, with a little bit of insulation on the outside.
User avatar
siwelwerd
 
Posts: 872
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:09 pm
Location: Tuscaloosa

Re: Chest Freezer Temperature Control?

Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:09 am

fermentation - yes, tape to the carboy.
serving - why bother taping to a keg.

Fermentation generates heat. So you want to measure the liquid since it will be different than the air.
Kegs will reach the set temp of the fridge and stay there. No need to try an measure the liquid.
Private First Class - Philly Division

Drinking:
Tasty APA
DFH 60 Min
CYBI Dad's Little Helper
Black Velveteen - Oatmeal Stout
Fermenting:
Barleywine
Lagering:
Notta
Next up:
brews for NHC
In the Funkhouse:
empty
atomicpunk
 
Posts: 249
Joined: Mon Jun 15, 2009 5:20 pm
Location: Plymouth Meeting, PA

Re: Chest Freezer Temperature Control?

Thu Jul 30, 2009 6:23 am

Mine is simply taped to the back wall of the freezer, about halfway down. I keep a thermometer on the compressor hump and it always stays right around 42°. I have never measured the temp on the floor of the freezer compartment, but I know it doesn't get below freezing.
"Make beer not war"

Currently fermenting: Firestone Walker Pale 31 clone
Conditioning: Nothing
On draught: Nothing

Watch episodes of BYOB TV: http://www.kofytv.com/byob-tv/archive/
User avatar
BeerPal
 
Posts: 1571
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:55 am
Location: Martinez, CA

Re: Chest Freezer Temperature Control?

Tue Aug 04, 2009 7:47 am

When I am not fermenting, I just let it hang from the basket thing that is in there, with a rag wrapped around it to buffer it from changes in air temperature. When fermenting, always on the side of the bucket / carboy.
On Deck:
Cream Ale
Fermenting:
Dusseldorf Altbier
On Tap:
Brown Porter

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. What horribly boring lives they must lead." Micky Rourke, Barfly
Crackin
 
Posts: 273
Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:48 am

Return to Kegging, Bottling and Dispensing

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users

A BIT ABOUT US

The Brewing Network is a multimedia resource for brewers and beer lovers. Since 2005, we have been the leader in craft beer entertainment and information with live beer radio, podcasts, video, events and more.