Heat Belt Or Pad?

[woodwormm]

Hi Everyone,

Long time lurker, first time poster....

I'm just about to set up my first fermenting fridge, having just bought one of the cheapy digi controllers off fleabay.

Question: Does it matter if i use a heat belt or heat pad in this set up? Which is better?

i currently own a belt so hoping this will be ok?

cheers

 

[Verbyla]

If you didn't have the belt already I'd say get a heating pad but it really doesn't matter which one you use. People on the forum have been using light globes as a heat source. Doesn't really matter what you use as long as it's capable of keeping that constant temperature you're after.

Good Luck!

 

[tavas]

Use a heat pad. They are more expensive than a belt but can be used as a space heater (hence inside your fridge with temp control). Belts can only be used on the fermenter and won't give you a temp reading (unless you have a digital thermometer in your fermenter connected to your controller).

 

[Sammus]

I'll make this thread into a proper question and answer thread and choose the unpopular option. I much prefer belts.

Theyre cheaper for one, but most importantly (IMO) theyre heating the wort, not the trub. I feel funny about applying heat directly to the trub and yeast lying at the bottom of the fermenter, and I've read in a few places that it's not a great idea. My belt sits just above the trub., so probably doesnt do it as much.

A controller is pretty important too, or you will easily overheat your beer with either. I have a mashmaster controller with its temp probe taped to the outside of the fermenter under a bit of foam. Works a treat

 

[scrumpy]

I use a heat pad but don't place it under the fermenter, it sits against the rear wall of the fridge. I figure that way Im not heating the trub

 

[Lobby Lobster]

I use a belt and find it overheats things too much. I regret not getting a heat pad, however Sammus' post is a revelation.
I didn't realise a temperature controller would do the trick. I'll be getting one.

I spotted an imersion heater at my LHBS the other day - looked pretty good and had a inbuilt thermostat with a temperature dial. Also no dodgy rubber flaps like the ones in the old days.

 

[Verbyla]

I've used both the imersion heater and heating pads and I wouldn't go near the imersion heaters again. They just increase the risk of infection and are just another thing that'll need cleaning. The heating pads do just as good of a job

 

[roosiecharm]

is the heat pad issue with it directly heating the trub a genuine concern? I just bought a heat pad...what affect will the heating of the trub have on my beer?

 

[manticle]

The theory is that cooking the yeast will lead to autolytic flavours (google autolysis). Careful and watchful maintenance should see you through with either belt or pad - monitor it every hour or so and switch off when the right temp is reached.

Remember fermentation produces heat and 20 litres is a large mass so if the actual brew is at 20 then it will stay at 20 for a while, particularly if actively fermenting. A heat belt or pad to bring it to temp, a blanket or fridge to keep it there while the belt or pad gets switched off will work.

To measure temp without fancy equipment, get a good stick thermometer and measure your hydrometer sample. The stick on thermometers on fermenters are not to be relied upon.

 

[Wolfy]

I use a heatbelt (because I got it for free, yay FreeCycle).
At the back of my fridge I have 2 x 12V fans to circulate the air, between those I hang the belt, so it acts as a 'space heater' and is not in direct contact with the fermenter - works great so far.

 

[Hazy]

Immersion heaters are the go in colder climates. Sanitation is as normal , thorough.

 

[Barley Belly]

I use a belt in my fridge

I decided to just run it down the side

Works a treat