refrigerator/freezer controller type

[Broyler58]

I have a standard sized chest freezer that I want to store my filled kegs in.  Any suggestions as to make, size, type?

[Berkyjay]

I have a standard sized chest freezer that I want to store my filled kegs in.  Any suggestions as to make, size, type?

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/brewing-equipment/fermenting-equipment/fermentation-temperature-control/johnson-refrigerator-thermostat.html

I use this on my chest freezer and it works great....nice and solid.  I do have to mention that after about 3 months it conked out on me, but I took it back to the place I bought it and they immediately gave me a replacement.  They said that they had never seen one fail.  Regardless of my experience I feel confident recommending it.

[UselessBrewing]

I use the Ranco digital controller. It has some features that I wanted like the ability to controll how big a temp variance before it came back on. Durring a lager fermentation I set the differential variance adjustment to 3deg, and the rest of the time it is set at 7deg.

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=10122
You should note that I found it on sale for $79, don't remember where tho sorry...

Cheers
Preston

[MaltLicker]

I have the Johnson A419 on my ferm freezer and my beer shed, and both work great.  A friend with many freezers has that and the Ranco dual-range, which is nice in the winter when he occasionally needs the heat. 

[stadelman]

I have a couple Johnson A419s.  They work well.

Whatever specific model you end up getting I would recommend that you spend the extra to get a digital controller.  I started out with an analog controller and ended up wanting the flexibility and control that a digital controller offers.  An example- When I bottle from a keg, I'll bring the freezer down to the low 30s to reduce carbonation loss.  You could probably pull that off with an analog controller but it would take quite a bit of experimentation.  If you use it for fermentation temp control you'll also be glad you have the added flexibility and control.

[bud1]

I think you should not replace it at once you have to opt it at least 3 to 4 days. Then if not appropriate so replace it.

[candyjob34]

I have a standard sized chest freezer that I want to store my filled kegs in.  Any suggestions as to make, size, type?

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/brewing-equipment/fermenting-equipment/fermentation-temperature-control/johnson-refrigerator-thermostat.html

I use this on my chest freezer and it works great....nice and solid.  I do have to mention that after about 3 months it conked out on me, but I took it back to the place I bought it and they immediately gave me a replacement.  They said that they had never seen one fail.  Regardless of my experience I feel confident recommending it.

I just want to ask if I can also do it if I have a refrigerator and freezer combo? Because I only want to regulate the refrigerator part and keep the freezer at normal freezer temps for meats and other foods on my refrigerator. I saw a fellow who made a small whole on top of the refrigerator, he placed a mini faucet on top of the fridge and connected it with the filled kegs inside.

[UselessBrewing]

People have tried using refrigerators with limited success. It will keep beer cold, but if you wanted to lager with it, you will most likely find that it wont keep the fridge portion within lagering specs without thawing out the freezer.

Which is why most of us use freezer's and not refrigerators to begin with.

Cheers
Preston

[antonette93]

I think you are looking for the Traceable Jumbo Refrigerator/Freezer Thermometer. Try it and experience the perfect jumbo digit thermometer for monitoring freezers, water baths, heating blocks, incubators, and refrigerators.

[dabora]

Thanks for sharing this. I think you should get information from different niche sites regarding the size.
70-290|| 70-291|| 70-293|| 70-294

[ggltd]

In building my Brutus 10, I researched a lot of pid controllers and went with Auberin for my stuff.  In the process of buying two controllers for the gas valve / burners, I bought a dual controller for my fermentation fridge. Not only was it cheaper than the Johnson, it can cool and heat to maintain a near perfect temperature range. You can wire up a light bulb, or heat wrap and just plug it into the unit once you hard wire everything. Here’s the part- SYL-2342.