fridge or chiller

[Onthebrew]

was just wondering if anyone uses a drinks chiller as a brew fridge. With direct control over tempertaure it could be used to cold crash at 1c, ferment largers at 12C or condition bottles/casks at 12C without any need for a hack. For fermenting ales set it up as a brew fridge set up.

thinking of hunting down a second hand version something similar to this.

i am missing any obvious drawbacks here?

http://www.arcticrefrigeration.ie/refri ... or-chiller

[Kev888]

A few people do use these and other commercial fridges. Some models can be more convenient sizes for things like tall conicals. Theres no great downside that I'm aware of, except they tend to be more expensive, even second hand, and not so common as domestic kitchen types. (I believe the glass/display fronts may be a tiny bit less insulative, but its nice to be able to see in).

[Onthebrew]

Ok cheers Kev, if one turns up cheap enough, will go for it.

[cqout]

I do and it is excellent - it can go cold it will actually turn stuff icy - I have a small heat tube in there as well and it will hold the temp of the beer bang on. I crash cool in mine aswell.

[Onthebrew]

Cqout, how much did it set you back?

[cqout]

I was lucky - the chiller was free as it was being thrown out. I then just added the LEDs, light box and wired in an stc1000 and heater I think you can pick them up for around £150 if you look on ebay.

[Onthebrew]

i'll keep my eye out. these are something i dint really notice but find myself measuring them up in the sandwich shop, the off license, everywhere!