[noonancm]

Saw this "cool brewing fermenter insulator" advertised in BYO's september issue. Was wondering if anyone has tried it and is it worthwhile?

I have been using the basement's sink filled with water as an insulator, using frozen 2-liter bottles for making ales. Generally it has been good. But with the cbfi it would free up the sink.

With birthday and Christmas coming up soon, thought I would suggest this to the wife who will be hounding me for ideas for gifts. Any input would be much appreciated.

[suds]

Personally I have a fridge but there seem to be a number of happy users on hbt
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f41/new-product-cool-brewing-fermentation-cooler-296052/

[euge]

It's too expensive for what it does. Sure it is nifty and you can stow it- but as we are often brewing it'll be in use more than stowed.

May I suggest a cheap rubbermaid trashcan? It'll do the same thing and you can throw a comforter or blankets over as added insulation.

BTW, for three years I was able to ferment two 8 gallon fermenters at a time in a large 30 gallon tote with lid from Walmart. This item costs $10 and has the same basic performance and method of cooling. I did wrap some refelctix around it but a second performed exactly the same with a blanket over the top.

I can't believe I read all 24 pages of that thread.

[noonancm]

Thanks for the input. Hadn't thought about the trash can. Part of my question was in regards to the thermal mass of water as opposed to air. had tried a small refrigerator had fouled up.

But a trash can with ice leaders and an insulated cover may very well work.