How to Build a Fermentation Chamber [ INKBIRD ITC-308 ]

See how I converted 2 chest freezers into fermentation chambers using INKBIRD ITC-308 temperature controllers. This build was the EASIEST addition to my home brewery yet!!! I'll walk you through how I added these temperature controllers to 2 chest freezers, how I set up the controllers, and a test to see how well these fermentation chambers performed.
#temperaturecontrol #homebrewing #fermentation
INKBIRD ITC-308 Temperature Controller:
www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXM5UAC
Cheers!

[@brewingbadTN]

Great video! I have this very same fermentation setup. It works great.

[@justhomebrew]

Thanks for the feedback! I was very surprised how well this setup worked. It gave my glycol chiller a run for its money:) I like the simplicity a lot.

[@derekjones5340]

Hi John, Thx for the content so far. Ive worked through several vids on your channel and I must say you offer solid quality in video production and sound (I know how many hrs that can take!); solid presentation skills and personality and of course, most important, solid comments and advice. I found your site through my own searches for a DIY glycol chiller and you delivered and its something I am going to put together for myself based on your efforts and advice. Due to all of this the best compliment I can offer is my subscription....all the very best Derek

[@justhomebrew]

Hi Derek, THANK YOU so much for this feedback! As a homebrewing content creator, I always wonder if I’m posting valuable content for viewers. There are so many great homebrewing channels out there, so I definitely appreciate you spending time watching my videos! It does take time, but it’s been a fun journey the past 8 months. I’m trying to improve the storytelling, production, and sound quality with each video. Good luck with your glycol build. Let me know how the build works out for you. Cheers!

[@RandRBrewwork]

Just found your channel and wow. I love your brew house

[@justhomebrew]

Hey Healthbar645, thanks for the feedback! It was a ton of fun building:) Thanks for the sub!

[@HB_Norski]

Hello John. Just found your channel and after watching you Anvil Foundry and chest freezer fermentation chamber video I hit that subscribe button! Like your presentation style and the content is right up my alley as a casual/inexperienced brewer. A couple of questions for you: So I assume you have to lift out the fermenter every time you want to check gravity? What about at transfer to keg time using the spigot. Won’t lifting it out disturb the yeast and murk things up? I really want to go this inexpensive route. Maybe I’m overthinking it. Thanks! I’ll be checking your other videos

[@justhomebrew]

Thank you for this feedback and thanks for subscribing! I really appreciate it! Lifting the fermenter will not disturb the yeast unless you happen to really shake it up for any reason. Even then, as long as you don’t introduce oxygen you’ll be fine. The only harmful thing you could do is hurt your back;) Funny you should ask because I’m upgrading my freezer so I can open the spigot without lifting it out of the freezer. Currently I’m unable to open the valve while the fermenter is in the freezer. The inexpensive route is the way to go if you’re just starting out. I’ve just accumulated a bunch of stuff because I’ve been in the hobby for 20 years. I’m still learning;) Cheers!

[@ThaMetalMan]

Fantastic video! Hey can those freezers hold a 6.5 glass carboy with airlock?

[@justhomebrew]

Thank you for the feedback! I’ll get you dimensions of my freezer. I don’t think you’ll have an issue fitting a 6.5 gallon carboy in there. Just be careful lifting glass in and out!

[@justhomebrew]

27.5in H x 12.5in L x 16.5in W inches on one half of the freezer and 18.5in H x 8.5in L x 16.5in W on the other half

[@user-fz3en2xj2j]

would these work with inverter type freezers?

[@justhomebrew]

I’m not familiar with this type of freezer. You might want to reach out to inkbird or the manufacturer to see if this type of freezer would work with this setup. Cheers!

[@BobBrown-im4ge]

Wouldn't a small refrigerator be about as effective and offer front access instead of having to lift out of the chest freezer?

[@justhomebrew]

Hello, sure if front access is an important to your design. I used a full size fridge for years before building a Keezer. Worked just fine. I feel the Keezer is more configurable, less expensive, and works better for my space. Cheers!

[@BobBrown-im4ge]

@@justhomebrew Well, yeah, there is that part about cooling the kegs to serving temperature. I like mine cold, not slush like but in the low to mid 40 degree range. Still running my old Kegerator, 20+ years and it still works fine. I may start bottling again when we head into fall and the triples start to mature for winter delight. Even in very deep South Texas I still like my dark, thick stouts. For now, time to stick with light wheat varieties. Thanks for the video(s)

[@justhomebrew]

Ah, I see you asked about the fridge in my fermentation chamber video in your first comment. I thought you were asking about my Keezer video. I think a fridge would work just as well as a chest freezer. I don’t have data, but I suspect the chest freezer might be a little more efficient due to have a smaller space to cool if you’re only controlling the temperature of one 7.5 fermenter. I’m sure a fridge would do a great job and plus have the benefit of front doors for easy access for a fermentation chamber. I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos! Cheers!