For those of you who use a chest freezer to control fermentation temps, is a 5.5 cubic foot freezer big enough for at least one 6 gallon bucket or carboy? I typically only have one brew going at a time but I'm wondering if this would be even big enough for one fermenter. The outside dimensions according to the seller are 34" tall x 27" wide x 27" deep.
Should be fine.. I like to use this link to get a good idea of what my chest freezer will hold. If you find your model listed it will tell you what should theoretically fit. Also a great tool for building a keezer! http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/chest-freezer-specs-layouts-377518/
Yes, I use a 5.3 cu. ft. Here's some pics and exact dimensions: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/chest-freezer-5-3-cu-ft-menards-ferm-chamber-404967/
Thanks for the info and link. I'm not sure the model and make but if it's similar to the 5.5 cu ft one listed I should be able to fit 2 fermenters.
One, without a collar, two with a collar. You'd have to go bigger than 7 cu. ft, probably smallest would be 10 cu. ft., to be able to fit two without modification. The compressor hump in chest freezers takes up a lot of real estate.
Just my opinion here, but I think you might regret buying such a small freezer. I considered the 5.5 but I went ahead and stepped up to a 7cuft GE model. I can fit at least two kegs in there, my CO2 tank (which can be removed and placed externally), other bottled beers and of course my store-bought beers, but you say you want a keezer for fermentation control, not keeping your finished beer cold.
I have a Danby 7.0cf and it will fit 2 carboys easily, plus room for other bottles, blow off container, etc..
Yeah I really only need a set up for one fermenter, I have a wine fridge for my cellar brews and dedicated real estate in the fridge for my beer that needs to be cold. If I put a collar on a 5.5 I should have no issues setting up a 1-keg system if I go that route in the future based on the dimensions I liked at from the link posted in the above replies. Fortunately I'm talking to someone from that's selling one for pretty damn cheap, so if I go bigger later i'll have barely any money invested in this 5.5 cuft freezer.
Double-check. Take some measurments of your fermenter and the freezer you want to buy. Cardboard cut-outs of your diameter(s) are classy and make everyone at Lowe's think you've lost your damn mind.
