Homebrew Fermentation Heating Sources – Maintaining Fermentation Temps in Colder Weather

cold weather homebrewing

Fermentation temperature has a lot to do with how your finished beer turns out.

As seasons turn, you may need a boost to keep fermentation temperatures up.  Here’s a roundup of some of the available options out there along with some related reviews and resource posts


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Fermentation Heaters and Warmers

  • Pictured: Inkbirdplus Heat Mat – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
  • The FermWrap heater – via MoreBeer – is attached to your fermenter using tape.  Directions (at least as of this posting) say that it is okay to use this in conjunction with a carboy bag.  40 Watts.  Ability to raise temperature from 5 to 20 deg F from ambient.  Additional sources (for similar devices, may not be identical, read each product page for description and specifications) – Similar: Adventures in HomebrewingFermentation Heater by The Weekend Brewer via Amazon,  Homebrew Fermentation Heater via Amazon, Fermentation Heater via eBay
  • Brew Belt Style Heaters – Adventures in Homebrewing, Brew Fermentation Heating Belt via Amazon
  • Brewer’s Edge Space Heater – via William’s Brewingbrewer's edge space heaterfrom William’s
  • Heat Pad for Beer and Wine Making -via Adventures in Homebrewing – via AIH: “This rigid plastic heat pad for your fermenters and carboys is the ideal solution for cold fermenting and brewing problems. This unit provides ideal temperature for year round brewing, fermenting, and wine making in cold conditions. Convenient and easy to use, simply place on a flat surface, put your fermenter or carboy on it and plug it in.  Supplies constant, steady convection heat (25 watts, 110v) without creating any hot spots, while being very inexpensive to run.”
  • Brewing & Fermentation Heat PadBrewing & Fermentation Heat Pad for Homebrew Beer & Wine Fermenting 120VAC 25 Watt Heating Mat: Safe for Plastic/Glass Carboy & Bucket Fermentors Includes Heater Temperature Strip (12"- 25 Watts)
  • Lots More!  New models come out regularly.  Search Amazon for “Fermenation Heater” to shop around

Space Heaters:

Homebrewers have been known to use smaller power space heaters as a heating source. These can be had in the 100 watt range which equates to around the same wattage as a strong lightbulb. There are potential safety issues to consider using this type of a heater. If you’re considering one of these, I’d recommend contacting the manufacturer to ask about your intended application.

Temperature Controllers

These work in conjunction with your heating and/or cooling devices to help you control fermentation temperature.  Although this post is generally focused on cooler temperatures, you can gain further control by using a dual stage unit to control both a heater and a cooling device.  That means you should have good control year round.

Related Gear, Resource Posts and Reviews

Inkbird Review!

Benefits to Fermenting In Kegs!

Inkbird Deals

Fermenter Reviews

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Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions.  tag:lnksfxd toppost:WinterFermTemps tag:tpr

7 thoughts on “Homebrew Fermentation Heating Sources – Maintaining Fermentation Temps in Colder Weather

    1. Chris Brewer

      I would go with the medium or large size. I think small could probably swing 5 degrees, but it would be a slower reaction than the medium or large versions.

      Reply

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