Beer Brewing

[Hunter]

I decided to make a new thread for this instead of posting it in the "Fermenting and distilling alcohol" thread so that it can be easier to find, and would discuss the production of beer alone. If a moderator would prefer if they were merged, go ahead.

I have gotten well into the idea of brewing beer lately, and plan to start soon. Im ordering all the stuff I need soon (For quite a cheap price, if anyone wants the link to the site, PM me. They ship anywhere in Ireland, not sure about the north or Britain.) Im currently looking for a cheap second hand fridge I can use to brew lager in (Only beer im really interested in making).

Has anyone here had any experience with brewing any kind of beer?
Once the content section is back up, and I start brewing I will try post some guides if anyone is interested.

[s25]

Hunter I know nothing on the subject, but would one of this mini fridges from Argus do? I mean they are relatively cheap... If not go to the dump/recycling centre and you will probably find one along with ball mill gear if you need it!

[Hunter]

I need to be able to fit a 5 gallon fermentor in there though, and adjust the temperature alot. So I need a fridge with a temperature control thing.
Im looking in the free ads, theres a few for around €60, and 1 for free, might give them a call.
If worst comes to worst, I will try the dump, problem is half of them dont work, and I cant check them there, and if it doesnt work, I have to pay to put it back...

[nme]

Those cheap fridges SUCK!! I mean REALLY pathetic. Leave a can in one for ten hours and it comes out slightly 'cool'. Probably as if you open the door once you lose all your chill.. meh! Might be ok if you didnt want to brew a large volume.
But I guess you do... Say would you mind posting that link? sounds interesting enough.
Otherwise I guess you could just be an opportunist and look out for people pitching theirs. (Odd though as you would probably be the one doing the pitching what with your profession) Remember, freezers are just as good as fridges if not better..

I must still pursue my goal to MAKE a freezer!! MWAHAHA

[Hunter]

http://www.thehomebrewcentre.com
They are based in Limerick.
Freezers are good... but not for brewing. I need a fridge where I can bring the temperature graduallly from about 10C down to 4C over the space of 10 days or so.

[nme]

Ah what I mean by a freezer is you can simply place the filament farther away from your brew, or have shit insulation.
(A rather impractical and complete energy wasting idea, is to place a heating filament next to it ((You know just for the whole cancel a bit out idea..)) ).
You would have to dissasemble it though (Well.. I would.) Not sure if 5 gallons would fit in the average freezer anyway.

Edit: Where'd you get your recipe/synth thing? The given link doesnt say anything about chilling ..

Edit Edit: A thermistor placed in your brew and directly connected to the refridgeration system would be the best. Especially if you were constantly mixing the brew. (I would think anyways)