How do I cool a fermenter using a water bath and evaporation?
• A: If you need to cool your fermenter there are several inexpensive methods for doing so. Perhaps the simplest method is to submerge your fermenter in a water bath and to wrap it with a terry cloth towel. The wicking action up the towel and subsequent evaporation of the water will cool your fermenter from 3-10 degrees. Placing a fan in direct contact with the towel will increase the rate of evaporation and cooling. An oil pan, used for draining oil from your car, works well for a water bath. You will need to replace the water as it is lost to evaporation. Over the years some of our customers have placed ice blocks in the water bath to cool the water. While this does work the downside is the flucuations in temperature. Fluctuations in temperatures cause problems with the yeast, however, if temperatures are really hot this does remain a “better than nothing” option.
