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Author Topic: Fermenting Fridge  (Read 953 times)

Offline Tfwebster

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Fermenting Fridge
« on: December 10, 2020, 03:41:12 pm »
My fermenting fridge (an old fridge on bottom and freezer on top with a Rainbird) is struggling with its current job. I am trying to max out fermentation on a Belgian yeast and it just can't keep up. It will hold a steady 72, but 73 is a real struggle. I am using a light with a reflector to heat it, and I think that's the issue. Besides which, I am worried that the light may be damaging my beer in the bucket. Anyone have a good solution for heating a fridge?
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Offline Bob357

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Re: Fermenting Fridge
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2020, 05:55:48 am »
Incandescent light won't hurt your beer. The simplest solution would be to use a bigger light bulb. Higher wattage = more heat.
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Offline denny

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Re: Fermenting Fridge
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2020, 08:40:00 am »
In terms of your beer 72 vs. 73 makes absolutely no difference . The yeast doesn't have a thermometer.  If you feel the end to heat it up more, get a reptile heater bulb.
« Last Edit: December 11, 2020, 08:41:35 am by denny »
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Offline MNWayne

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Re: Fermenting Fridge
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2020, 09:15:12 am »
I use a small electric space heater that draws only 250 watts.
Far better to dare mighty things....

Offline spurviance

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Re: Fermenting Fridge
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2020, 10:13:52 am »
I use a small electric space heater that draws only 250 watts.
I use the same and it works well
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Offline Tfwebster

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Re: Fermenting Fridge
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2020, 04:19:45 am »
In terms of your beer 72 vs. 73 makes absolutely no difference . The yeast doesn't have a thermometer.  If you feel the end to heat it up more, get a reptile heater bulb.

My yeast think you quite presumptuous to assume they don't own a thermometer. Don't shoot the messenger,   but they told me to tell you that they want it 74 so speak for your own yeast. As I am essentially just a golem doing the will of my yeast, I purchased a heat lamp bulb for them, and now we're all happier. Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
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Offline Lazy Ant Brewing

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Re: Fermenting Fridge
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2020, 08:44:12 am »
I use a trouble light on top of perforated grilling screen to diffuse the heat and it works for me.
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