Custom Fermentation Chamber

After searching for the perfect freezer to convert to a fermentation chamber, I decided to build my own, to my specifications. My requirements are simple

1) Allow for fermenting and conditioning of Ales and Lagers
2) Have two temperature zones, independently controlled
3) Hold 2 - 15 gallon Sabco Fermenters, and 4 - 5 gallon cornies.


The result is a 6 foot tall, by 2 foor square chamber. I framed it with 1.5 inch slotted steel, using 1/2 plywood panels. FInally, it will be lined with rigid foam insulation.

For cooling I purchased the smallest window A/C unit I could find, a 4500 BTU Frigidaire for $99 from Lowe's. Using a standard window A/C unit required me to hot wire the unit to bypass the temperature sensor in order to get a temp down to 50F. The unit is mounted above the chambers and blows down into the unit. The coldest section is the middle chamber, the warmer being on the bottom.

I can control the lower temperature by two means, one is to restrict the downward the cool air flow, and the other is to heat the chamber or single fermenter using the second Love Controller. The picture to the right, is the first test. Power for the entire unit is controlled via the center switch.

Key Parts:
(2) Dywer Instruments TS2-010 with a TS-21 Probe
(1) Frigidaire A/C unit at Lowes
(8) 6 foot by 1.25 Slotted Steel
(6) 2 foot by 4 foot 1/2 inch sanded plywood panels
(4) 6 foot #1 Pine 1 by 4s
(2) 18 by 28 Plexiglass panels for the door
Lots of assorted screws, washers, wiring, wire screws

A finished photo is below. the rough dimensions are 76 * 24 *24 and can hold 4 cornies below in the Ale chamber and 4 cornies or 2 15 gallon Sabco Fermenters in the upper lager chamber.