Craigslist Chest Freezer Find: Yes or No?

[BrewerJack]

I am looking to make a ferm chamber using a Ranco Two-Stage with an aquarium heater and was wondering what everyone though of this find?

I am in an apartment so space is a bit of an issue.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/hsh/4373034760.html

 

[tflew]

I paid about the same amount for a similar sized freezer that I use as a keggerator. The dimensions are listed on the ad so measure it out and see if you have the space. The only thing is if the interior dimensions are anything like my 5.3 Haier you will only be able to get one bucket on the floor. If you made a little shelf you might be able to get a second bucket on the hump/shelf. I just estimated by holding a bucket over the kegs so that could be off a bit.

 

[BrewerJack]

I would actually be using 2 of my corny kegs as fermentors.

 

[Bradyfumbled]

Seems like a good deal, just make sure you can get both your fermenters in there. I like the idea of a new open box item, means the motor should be in good shape.

One thing I'd suggest, unless you've already spent the money on the dual stage regulator and the aquarium heater, don't bother.... We live in SoCal for a reason. Up to you of course, but I've never had any issues with my wort getting too cold in an insulated fermentation chamber.

 

[BrewerJack]

That's a good call. I'll probably just rig up a cheap single stage and call it good.

 

[sandyeggoxj]

You can also do a small lightbulb (20-40 watt) under a coffee can to add just a little bit of heat and let the cooler counter that. Works well if you have a small period of time where it is on the cool side but most if the year is hotter.

 

[Doed]

If you are going to use cornies for fermentors, you are probably okay. I have a freezer that size and I had to add a collar to ferment a carboy in it. The carboy wouldn't fit down into the "well" part of the freezer.

 

[BrewerJack]

So a bit of an update.

Found a 7 cu ft for $120 with an already wired STC1000 for another $20.