Temperature controller

[PSUHomebrewer]

The time has come I need to get a temp controller. I've been looking at the ranco single stage controller, but would it be better to go with the two stage instead. I normally ferment in the basement which ranges from 48-70 through the year. Any advice will be helpful.

I do have a spare fridge that I can make into a fermenting/largering container.

[BeerPal]

If you are going to use an appliance as a fermentation chamber, the 2-stage controller is the way to go.

[atomicpunk]

Go with the 2-stage if you can afford the extra $$. You'll need to factor in a fermwrap as well. Both are worth it to be able to control your fermenations down to the degree.

We Are...

[AdamWiz]

I too am ready to get a temp. controller, but my issue is this : I have a spare fridge, but I use the freezer on it for storing meats and whatnot(and would like to continue using it). If I hook up a temp. controller to the fridge, will the freezer still be usable or will the temp. controller shut off the entire unit whenever it gets too cool in the fridge part?

[speed]

not usable as it would shut the whole thing off.

[AdamWiz]

not usable as it would shut the whole thing off.

So I'm forced to choose between my meat and my beer?
I also have a mini fridge(not the really tiny cube shaped kind, the type that's about 4 ft. tall) and have seen some people have built fermentation chambers by building a small insulated enclosure to extend it and re-attaching the fridge door to the built-on extension. Anyone have any success with something like that? I guess my main issue with this is it seems with the mini fridge totally enclosed moisture would build up inside, and eventually mold. I have seen the fan/ice based chambers, but that seems like a lot of effort for something not much better than just doing it "swamp cooler" style.

[LordUlrich]

there are 2 solutions

1 (the easy one) set your fridge using its own built in thermostat lower than your needed temperature, and put a heater on the fermenter.

2 (the hard way) it is possible to replace the thermostat for the fridge (just the fridge). I have seen on the internet this being done, but i don't know how.

[speed]

never heard of no. 2 most of the frigs i've seen have only one compressor.