Fridge heating

[Glot]

Does anyone know the minimum watts needed to heat a typical domestic fridge 15 deg above ambient?

 

[thedragon]

If you mean the minimum light bulb wattage, I don't know.

But one of these

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Home-Brew-Beer-Heat-Heater-Heating-Belt-Pad-for-Wine-Spirits-Fermenter-Homebrew-/300961911714?pt=AU_Barware&hash=item4612ba53a2&_uhb=1

Hooked up to an stc-1000 set at your target temperature will do the job.

 

[timmi9191]

Not sure of the min required but too high will cause hot spots and warping of the interior plastic. From experience don't use a 150watt outdoor light - rookie mistake!

Now use a a 30watt.

You could probably go higher if you had a fan to stop hot spots

 

[DU99]

some people use these items

 

[jacknohe]

I use one of these inside my fridge connected to my STC-1000. If you actually put a fermenter on it the wort would get very warm. High 20s. However, I just sit it in the back of the fridge on its side. It heats the air inside my bar fridge and is very capable of putting out enough heat to change the temp for 20-23L.

 

[thedragon]

some people use these items

These work well. I used one of these (borrowed it from a mate) before I got the heat belt.

There are arguments either way: heat mat v heat belt. I won't go in to them in this post - there's a recent post that covers a number of pages. I have a heat belt because that's what I could easily get my hands on. It works well for me and can recommend it as a workable option.

 

[benno1973]

I use a cermic lamp holder and IR lamp like this one along with a fan to ensure the air is circulated. It keeps a fridge at a constant 40C for drying biltong.

 

[Amber Fluid]

I use a 1 x 15w reptile heat cord and 1 x 30w reptile heat cord. I have no issues getting 15C above ambient with the 15W cord. Albeit it obviously takes a little longer than the 30w one I have.