So, I’ve been wanting to do a lager for some time, but the low fermentation temp has scared me away. I’ve been experimenting with my kegerator fridge’s temperatures. I dropped the fridge down to the lowest (warmest) setting, but it was still running a bit too cold. So, I dropped my freezer down to the lowest (warmest) setting, and now my fridge is consistently around 58-59 degrees. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t try and ferment a lager (1/2 barrel keg) in my kegerator fridge?
Thanks!
Not at all. But I would buy a temperature controller first. It’s about $80, but well worth it if you want to start making lagers.
Dave
I say go for it. You could try one of the “hybrid” yeasts like 2112(Cali Steam) or 2565(Kolsch) since it looks like you can hold your temp just under 60 df.
Sounds good. Thanks! I’ve grazed over temp controllers before, but have never looked into them too deeply. Are they a pain in the a** to install?
No, your fridge or freezer plugs into the controller, and then just run the probe under the weatherstriping, plug the controller in and set the temp.
Invest in the type without the thin copper tube. If you crimp it it fucks it up. So far I’ve avoided that but wish that I’d spent $20 dollars more for something more flexible.
+1 - test with the controller first. You’ll need one, anyway. Great investment.
Remember you don’t just need to control the air temp, you need to control the wort temp as it heats up during log phase. Some yeasts can put off a lot of heat, so try a kolsch at 62F and see if you can keep it under control first.
You may just be getting that low because your fridge is turning itself off. If its accessible, pull the thermister out of the inside of the fridge so you’re controlling the cycles, not the fridge.
Definitely sounds like the way to go.