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?
Fermenter wrap with an insulated bag or just a blanket.
Cheers.
Incandescent light won’t hurt your beer. The simplest solution would be to use a bigger light bulb. Higher wattage = more heat.
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.
I use a small electric space heater that draws only 250 watts.
I use the same and it works well
These heating wraps combined with an external thermostat are perfect.
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!
I use a trouble light on top of perforated grilling screen to diffuse the heat and it works for me.