Brew Fridge

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Hi friends,

For homebrew,we always need temperature control.

I known that many brewers are good at DIY, here, I recommend ITC-1000 220V thermostat http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IJ0F2OW

For those who have no Circuit knowledge, ITC-308 is the best choice http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B018K82UQU

ITC-308S 2 versions,1 standard sensor and 1 with 12"/30cm stainless steel sensor(you can put into your beer directly), these 2 units are updated ITC-308,sensors are removable. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AWA2PQY
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AWA2PTG

Now, we have ITC-310T temperature controller with timer function. You can set 6 periods of time during brewing. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B019Q3K4EI
 
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Hi all, before I delve into this, is there any problems with mildew growing in the fridge when held at 20c type temperatures? Reason I ask, I've had a fridge put aside in the garage for a few weeks, powered off and door shut. Thing was stinking inside when I opened it! Covered in black mildew. Is this because fridges are designed for about 5c and if so wondered if I will see this recurr in operation as a fermentation fridge?


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Hi all, before I delve into this, is there any problems with mildew growing in the fridge when held at 20c type temperatures? Reason I ask, I've had a fridge put aside in the garage for a few weeks, powered off and door shut. Thing was stinking inside when I opened it! Covered in black mildew. Is this because fridges are designed for about 5c and if so wondered if I will see this recurr in operation as a fermentation fridge?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've been using an old fridge for about 4 years and never experienced this. Though I do usually give it a quick clean inside with antibacterial spray between brews.
 
Hi all, before I delve into this, is there any problems with mildew growing in the fridge when held at 20c type temperatures? Reason I ask, I've had a fridge put aside in the garage for a few weeks, powered off and door shut. Thing was stinking inside when I opened it! Covered in black mildew. Is this because fridges are designed for about 5c and if so wondered if I will see this recurr in operation as a fermentation fridge?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My brewing fridge has only been in operation for six weeks, cycled a few times between 20 degrees and 4 degrees, with no sign of mildew or mould.

However, to prevent mildew, mould and smells when fridges and/or freezers are not in use, I first wipe them down with a mild bleach solution, dry them with kitchen towelling and then leave the door slightly ajar.

Before use, a quick wipe down with a weak bleach solution is recommended to make sure that there are no stray nasties inside. :thumb:
 
Good to know thanks! I will do so with the bleach for sure plus, yes, defo keep the door ajar when not in use! Have u opened a bottle yet? Much of an improvement?


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"Opened a bottle?" in six weeks? Er ....! :lol: :lol: :lol:

What I like most about the brewing fridge is the fact that I can stick the FV in there and just leave it for a fortnight without worrying about the temperature and then cold-crash the brew before bottling.

The biggest improvement is therefore to my "peas of mine" but the brews do clear and condition a lot quicker; and I was so happy with the taste of the first brew (a Fulstows AG Northfield IPA) that it is already finished! :whistle: :whistle:
 
Are there any disadvantages/ advantages to using a tall fridge or should i just use 2 fridges? If i were to get 2 are they safe to stand on each other. Have to say i like the idea of a tall one but seem harder to find and much more expensive. I wanna keep my leccy down so after something reasonably new.
 
Are there any disadvantages/ advantages to using a tall fridge or should i just use 2 fridges? If i were to get 2 are they safe to stand on each other. Have to say i like the idea of a tall one but seem harder to find and much more expensive. I wanna keep my leccy down so after something reasonably new.

Hi!
The advantage of two under-counter fridges is that you can have two brews at different stages of brewing. One fridge could be cold crashing while the other was fermenting. The disadvantage is cost - two heaters, two temperature controllers and two compressors working instead of one.
I wouldn't fancy putting one fridge on top of the other - a simple frame around the bottom fridge with an off-cut of work surface to stand the top fridge on would be sufficient.
I have a large larder fridge, simply because that was what was available. I rigged it up with internal wooden framing to hold two FVs and it works fine.
 
Hi!
The advantage of two under-counter fridges is that you can have two brews at different stages of brewing. One fridge could be cold crashing while the other was fermenting. The disadvantage is cost - two heaters, two temperature controllers and two compressors working instead of one.
I wouldn't fancy putting one fridge on top of the other - a simple frame around the bottom fridge with an off-cut of work surface to stand the top fridge on would be sufficient.
I have a large larder fridge, simply because that was what was available. I rigged it up with internal wooden framing to hold two FVs and it works fine.

Cheers i had totally forgotten about cold crashing. Maybe i should just start of with one fridge and see how i go. Maybe get an aquarium heater in water for some other brews. Ideally i would have a room full of them but that's just wishful thinking. :)
 
............ The disadvantage is cost - two heaters, two temperature controllers and two compressors working instead of one.
.....

I would stay with a single temperature controller and use it solely for fermenting because:

o For cold crashing the in-built fridge temperature controller set at "Low" should be more than adequate.

o For carbonation the inbuilt thermostat on this type of heater should be okay.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LPHIMW0/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Not that SWMBO would ever let me get another fridge! :doh: :doh:
 
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With regards to mildew, after I picked up my Fridge I gave it a going over with a steam gun. Although it was was very clean, when I removed the door shelves, there was quite a lot of muck and some mildew hidden away in the crevices! All nice and clean now, but I think I'll give it a check over every few months or so.

My Black IPA seems to be very comfortable fermenting away, and the Inkbird is keeping the temp pretty much spot on 18 degC.
 
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