ChiknNutz
Well-Known Member
Looking to step up my game a bit and go after better control of fermentation. I have a decent basement, but it is unfinished and so is not conditioned space. But being a basement, does a decent job of staying pretty consistent over time. Still, I have been researching DIY FCs. Lots of varieties out there. Currently considering the style using either a mini fridge, small window AC unit, chest freezer or fridge. At this time, only need one or two slots for a 5 gallon batches (but big enough to hold the larger fermenters like a Speidel or similar). I don't foresee going after the more sophisticated chronicals and such anytime soon, but who knows. I think I like the idea of keeping it more of a horizontal format for ease of loading. I am pretty handy with building stuff, so not worried about that part of it.
Some questions are...why use one over the other? Is a window AC unit sufficient or should I consider a proper refrigerator or freezer? I am willing to make it a bit larger than current needs since it's generally minimal to do that now rather than later, but want to strike a good balance of not going too far either. Part of the question is I don't know what I don't know as related to shortcoming of one design over another when a person starts getting more serious, making the thing you just created obsolete or a PITA. TIA.
Some questions are...why use one over the other? Is a window AC unit sufficient or should I consider a proper refrigerator or freezer? I am willing to make it a bit larger than current needs since it's generally minimal to do that now rather than later, but want to strike a good balance of not going too far either. Part of the question is I don't know what I don't know as related to shortcoming of one design over another when a person starts getting more serious, making the thing you just created obsolete or a PITA. TIA.