Hi all, Hoping for a little advice around monitoring fermentation temps. This is something I have not paid enough or even much attention to since I started brewing which is pretty shameful on my part! I ferment in an empty closet which I always thought of as quite cool but I’m aware that the fermenting wort can be several degrees above ambient temp so without knowing I could well be on the high side. At this point what I simply want to do is get a reading on my fermentation temps before addressing any possible temperature control. Is a digital thermometer with probe inside of my fermenter sufficient for this? I’m conscious of keeping the nasties out so I will figure out a way around this. There will likely be some room in the airlock grommet to allow for this. Just wanted to see what everyone thinks. Just to reiterate, I’m not looking at temperature control just yet. Thanks for your input Graeme
You can monitor the fermentation temperature by placing a fermometer on the side of your fermentor. https://www.morebeer.com/search?search=fermometer Cheers!
I was always a little sceptical of those things! Have people had good experiences with them? Thanks for your response!
I have been using them for over 20 years to good effect. When fermentation has been complete for a couple of days the temperature reading of the fermometer is consistent with the temperature of ambient (as measured by a glass thermometer). Cheers!
I second this recommendation. Very cost effective way to monitor temperature with enough accuracy for my needs.
I've always wondered why new homebrewers want to go from no temp control to massive overkill setups. An inexpensive alternative exists in the middle made from common household items (water/ice, Walmart tub, fan, and a t-shirt). Even in a high humidity environment, this will still bring down ferment temps to more reasonable levels with a little monitoring.
I'm not looking to introduce any temperature control never mind a massive overkill setup. I'm keen to get an idea of the temperature of my fermenting wort. Simple
Never said you were...but, I am reminded of the commercial where the guy is monitoring for termites...but not intending to fix the problem If you are fermenting in a closet in TX with not even rudimentary temp control...you have a problem...why not bring the temp down preemptively? Cheers and good luck Edit: Ireland is not TX...my bad
No problem. As you can see my situation is different. My shortfall is simply assuming a cool closet is sufficient to begin with.
I'm pleased to hear this. I might have to give it a go before buying a digital thermometer and probe just for the sake of it. Thanks again!
I used to use a water bath to to control my fermentation temperature. If you haven't added ice or anything to the water it should give you a relatively accurate reading for the temperature of the beer inside the carboy. Since I have a separate chest freezer now I attach my temperature prove to the side of the carboy.
I think you have the right idea going. I would also suggest getting a jar of water, placing a cheap glass thermometer in it, and placing this in your closet, but not next to the fermenter. This way you can get an accurate reading of the ambient air in the closet, and a reading on the fermentation (bearing in mind the temp inside the fermenter is 1 to 2 degrees warmer than the surface). I bet the temp changes throughout the day.
