So I got a new chest freezer and a Johnson controller, maybe someone with the knowledge of fridges/freezers can lead me in a direction so I don’t kill the fridge too quick, I use it strictly for serving beer so have it set at 36f with 3*differential and ASD set to 10 (10 mins), I use a spare thermowell in a liter of water to insulate the probe temps seem pretty stable so this way I’m doing should keep the freezer safe right? Or any tips to make it even better settings thanks and cheers
My settings are good right?
Seem good to me. To reduce temp swings even more, you could use more than a liter of solution to be more stable….
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Good idea I have a gallon water jug… on it thanks I want this freezer to last if I can
I always found it more accurate to attach the probe to the exterior of a fermenter
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If it’s well insulated and you are not opening it up I don’t see where you are going to have a lot of on off cycles.
That is what I do, as well. The ultimate size. I cover the probe as taped in place with a dry sponge to further insulate it at the fermenter contact point.
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It’s been a long time since I used a Johnson controller but your settings sound about right.
Hi Matt, I’m currently using a Johnson Controller and your suggested settings are exactly what I use. I do however zip tie the probe to the exterior of a stainless steel water bottle located on the compressor hump inside the keezer.
I decided to do this after reading an article comparing the cycle times of different probe placements. It seems to work just fine.
Hi @Matt-
I have had the same johnson controller and converted 12 cu ft chest freezer for 20 years. It has been through 4 moves and 4 states that span the US. It works great in a thermowell in a small 1gal keg i have sitting on the bump. 10 years ago, i installed a small recirculation fan and thats it. Has lasted for 20 years in hot garages and now on our southwest FL lanai. Good luck! You are on a great path!
Your settings are fine. The probe does not need to be submerged - attached to a glass or steel bottle does the trick. Maybe throw in one of those big silica bags to get rid of moisture and you are good. The biggest threat to keezers is not allowing the heat to dissipate from the exterior walls - give them room to breathe.
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