Beer Forum

What are some good ways to stabilize the temperature during fermentation?

How many degrees F increase will result from fermentation? Ive seen anywhere from 3-8. Please clarify.

Schapiro I noticed you have alot of questions about basic processes or techniques. I would recommend picking up John Palmer's How To Brew or a similar reference book. Even when you know how to brew, these books are great at refining the art and it may help you out alot with some of these questions (without having to figure out which one of us knows what we are talking about or is an idiot... I'm the latter).

As for fermentation cooling, there are alot of ways to do it. Some easy, some more creative.

The easy method is find a place that stays cool and ferment there. You could get a spare fridge with a temperature controller, you can use the wet t-shirt method, you can make a fancy fermentation box with ice blocks and computer fans...

Check out the websites for various homebrewers and see what they are using. Or pick up Brew Ware ( http://www.amazon.com/Brew-Ware-Adapt-Homebrewing-Equipment/dp/0882669265 ) and you can get some ideas.

I use the "carboy in a igloo cooler" method. I'm broke as hell, otherwise I'd have a temp controller on my chest freezer. I think the cooler method works real good for the temp swing if you fill the cooler w/ water. It increases the thermal mass of the ferment and therefore hinders temp swings. This method is contingent on being able to keep the whole set up in a room that is real close if not cooler than ideal ferm temp. The water around the carboy will pull the heat off of the carboy and release it into the air. That procees will be aided if you use the above mentioned wet t-shirt idea and point a fan at it. The main problem w/ this whole thing is that after main fermentation stops you have a big drop in temp that may keep the yeast from finishing out all the way.

I agree w/ getting yourself one of the many great how to brew books out there. It really gives you a good foundation to start from, but by all means keep asking questions. That is what forums like this are all about.

And by the way, Relax, my brother, and have a homebrew.

Hey Brancid, when you fill your cooler with water, do you leave the top off or close it? I have an Igloo Ice Cube and I usually close the lid and put an ice pack or two in there. I know it isn't perfect for holding temp swings at bay, but at least it keeps it cool. I think I may try filling it with water next time.

Thanks for all the help fellas. I do have John Palmers book and have read most of it a couple of times. Its a great book but leaves some of questions unanswered. Im a bit of a perfectionist and am less than satisfied with my first few brews. I have been getting alot of diacetyl. Just trying to soak in as much info before my next brew.


Cheers!

You may want to try Miller's book ( http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0882669052/ref=s9_asin_image_2/002-5998376-7862435 ) as it has more in depth infomation.

schapiro1 wrote:Thanks for all the help fellas. I do have John Palmers book and have read most of it a couple of times. Its a great book but leaves some of questions unanswered. Im a bit of a perfectionist and am less than satisfied with my first few brews. I have been getting alot of diacetyl. Just trying to soak in as much info before my next brew.


Cheers!

What style of beer were they? What was your FG on the ones with a lot of Diacetyl? You are talking about the buttery popcorn flavor, right?

Rob

Thirsty, I don't put the top on because it will not fit. The carboy is too tall for my cooler. If you fill the space in your cooler it should really keep your ferment pretty steady, that is if you keep it inside w/ you and the AC.
If I could close the lid on mine I would though.

I grew up in East Texas myself I know how hot and humid it gets. I just met a guy that lives here in Colorado that was also from Texas, Houston, and as I was complaining about the miserable heat down there he stops me and says,"I don't know what your talking about, during the summer in Houston it never got above 68 because you just don't go outside. Stay in the air conditioning."