Category Archives: Temp Control

Reader Tip: Igloo 3.6 Cu Ft Deep Freeze + $40 Gift Card – $139

Thanks to HBF Readers Alec and Dave for this tip!

Wal-Mart has this Igloo 3.6 Cu Ft Deep Freeze for $139.  They throw in a $40 gift card.  Shipping may be free depending on where you live.  Site to Store shipping is also free and a viable option.  Check it out – Here

Check sale or product page for current availability & pricing

Related: Yeast Starters & Fermentation | Kegerator Tips & Gear | Resource Page: Chest Freezer Deals | Inkbird Temperature Controller Deals and Reviews!

Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Check our our Top Draft Related Resources
standarddraft

pinned

This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

greatdeals

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Ranco ETC-111000 Digital Temp Controller + Ranco vs Inkbird

RANCO ETC-111000 Digital Cold Temperature Control New

Ranco ETC (Electronic Temperature Controller) model 111000.  Single stage digital temp controller,

Use as an overriding thermostat to control your compatible kegerator chest freezer, refrigerator or fermentation chamber.  I believe this is an unwired unit.  If that’s the case, you need to manually wire it yourself.

Ranco or Inkbird?

Why would you choose this over something like the Inkbird Dual Stage Temp Controller?

  • For homebrewing applications, Inkbird ITC-308 series controllers are going to be tough to beat. They offering dual stage temp control and are generally economical.
  • The Ranco is generally more expensive and offers fewer features when compared to the ITC-308.
  • In my opinion, the advantage that the Ranco does have is… ruggedness.  These are built for commercial applications.  This question in my mind is… do you need a rugged commercial quality unit?  If yes, then this is a controller you may want to look at.

RANCO ETC-111000 Digital Cold Temperature Control NEW – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

What are others saying?  Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “kegerator”  AND  “brew” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Our ITC-308 Deal Pages:

These pages show our most recent deals for these great controllers

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller [Kegerator or Fermentation] – $28 w/20% Off Coupon

Inkbird ITC-308 WiFi Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller


Continue reading

Ranco Two Stage, Wired Temp Controller – $124.95

13791

Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.

Pre-Wired, Dual Stage, Digital Temperature Controller.  Use for controller temperature in your kegerator or fermentation chamber.

Description: Now you can easily control two different temperature regulating devices. This all new, two-stage controller comes pre-wired with dual AC outlets. One outlet is controlled by one relay, the other by a second relay. The most common application is to use one stage to heat and the other to cool. This means you can simultaneously control a heater and a cooling device, never having to manually switch between heating and cooling modes.” (visit the product page to check out a video about this controller)

Ranco Digital Two-Stage Temperature Controller Wired FE608 – $159.99 $124.95 + Free Shipping

Availability: This is a More Beer Deal of the Day. Quantities are limited. Check the Deal of the Day section Here to see if this is still available.

pinned

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

morebeer

Dual Alarm PID Temperature Controller

PID Temperature Controllers can be used in conjunction with a relay and a temperature probe to control the your kegerator and fermentation temps. You can also integrate a PID controller into your brew system to control mash temps and more.

Dual Digital Display PID Temperature Controller SSR(2 Alarms)

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

adamztop5

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller – $84.95 + Free Shipping & Our Roundup of Temp Control Options

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller - Wired

Ranco Pre-Wired Digital Temperature Controller.  Use for your kegerator to precisely control fermentation temperatures.


Resources: Homebrew Temp Controller Roundup! – Kegerator and Fermentation – concepts, applications and models | Inkbird Temperature Controller Deals and Reviews


Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.

Availability: This is a More Beer Deal of the Day. Quantities are limited. Check the Deal of the Day section – Here – to see if this is still available.

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller – Wired FE601 – $99.99 $84.95 + Free Shipping

More Info

Description from MoreBeer: “This digital temperature controller will allow you to precisely control the temperature of your fermentation, or a pump on your All-Grain System.

To control ferment temperatures you can place the probe inside the space that is being cooled or heated (often a refrigerator) or you can place the probe directly into the ferment using our Stopper Themowell, FE624. You can change from cooling to heating mode directly from the digital control panel. When in cooling mode, and hooked up to a refrigerator or other cooling device, the controller turns the compressor on when the ambient temperature rises above your set point. When in heating mode and hooked up to our FermWrap (preceeding page) the controller turns on the heater when the temperature drops below your set point. A FermWrap around a fermenter or inside a unplugged refrigerator can be the ideal solution for those cold winter ferments. To control a pump when mashing you would install a thermowell in your mashtun. This can be done in our welding shop or, if you have a coupler in your kettle, you can install our Coupler Thermowell, FE622.

The unit features an adjustable differential down to within one degree in both heating and cooling modes. This means you can precisely control an environment to within one degree of your set point.

The included sensor probe monitors the temperature while the digital readout displays it in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. The sensor probe is 1/4 in diameter and works well with the Stopper or Coupler Thermowells. Temperature Range of -30 to 220F.

We also use this digital controller in conjunction with our stainless steel conical fermenters and Brewing Sculptures. With the fermenters it monitors and regulates our electronic cooling units through a thermowell that is permanently installed in the side. With the Brewing Sculptures it can monitor and regulate Mash and Hot Liquor tank temperatures by turning pumps on and off.”

 

pinned

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

morebeer

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Ranco ETC-111000 Digital Temp Controller + Ranco vs Inkbird

RANCO ETC-111000 Digital Cold Temperature Control New

Ranco ETC (Electronic Temperature Controller) model 111000.  Single stage digital temp controller,

Use as an overriding thermostat to control your compatible kegerator chest freezer, refrigerator or fermentation chamber.  I believe this is an unwired unit.  If that’s the case, you need to manually wire it yourself.

Ranco or Inkbird?

Why would you choose this over something like the Inkbird Dual Stage Temp Controller?

  • For homebrewing applications, Inkbird ITC-308 series controllers are going to be tough to beat. They offering dual stage temp control and are generally economical.
  • The Ranco is generally more expensive and offers fewer features when compared to the ITC-308.
  • In my opinion, the advantage that the Ranco does have is… ruggedness.  These are built for commercial applications.  This question in my mind is… do you need a rugged commercial quality unit?  If yes, then this is a controller you may want to look at.

RANCO ETC-111000 Digital Cold Temperature Control NEW – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

What are others saying?  Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “kegerator”  AND  “brew” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Our ITC-308 Deal Pages:

These pages show our most recent deals for these great controllers

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller [Kegerator or Fermentation] – $28 w/20% Off Coupon

Inkbird ITC-308 WiFi Digital Dual Stage Temp Controller


Continue reading

Cool Brewing Fermentation Cooler

71uIR-+ikfL._SL1500_

Cool Brewing Fermentation Cooler.  Designed to accommodate standard 6.5 and 5 gallon fermenters and carboys.  Sealed, insulated and 100% waterproof.  Folds up and collapses for easy storage.

Home Brewing Fermentation Cooler


Also: Hands on Review: Cool Brewing Corny Keg Cooler Bag

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Cool Brewing Fermentation Cooler

71uIR-+ikfL._SL1500_

Cool Brewing Fermentation Cooler.  Designed to accommodate standard 6.5 and 5 gallon fermenters and carboys.  Sealed, insulated and 100% waterproof.  Folds up and collapses for easy storage.

Home Brewing Fermentation Cooler


Also: Hands on Review: Cool Brewing Corny Keg Cooler Bag

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Digital LCD Thermometer [Monitor Kegerator and Fermentation Temps]

LCD Digital Thermometer

More Info


Highlighted Features
  • 【WIDE TEMPERATURE TEST】Fish Tank Thermometer Temperature Range -58℉ ~ +158℉; Temperature measurement accuracy: ±1℉; It can be used in temperature sensing of many types of liquids, making your temperature measurement so simple.
  • 【PRODUCT MATERIAL】Aquarium Thermometer uses a high-precision stainless steel sensor probe to measure the water temperature of the aquarium. The main unit uses a professional LCD display to solve the problem of not knowing the temperature of the fish tank, thus providing a healthy and comfortable water environment for all kinds of fish.
  • 【LARGE SCREEN DISPLAY】Digital Aquarium Thermometer with a Large Screen 1.6 inch LCD Display, Easy to Read Temperature for Children or Older People, Real-time monitoring of changes in water temperature.
  • 【LONG BATTERY LIFE】Water Thermometer Powered by LR44 Button Cell (Included), Battery Working Time up to 8 Months.
  • 【Package Includes】Aquarium Thermometer 1 x Digital Aquarium Thermometer; 1*LR44 battery(Included); Gift: 1*LR44 spare battery; 1 x Suction cup mounts.


From HBF: 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. pst:amzlcd

 

Potential uses include monitoring kegerator temperatures, beer fridge temperatures and fermentation chamber/area temperatures.

Aquarium Thermometer, Fish Tank Thermometer, Water Thermometer seachem Prime with LCD Display Fahrenheit/Celsius(℉/℃) for Vehicle Reptile Terrarium Fish Tank Refrigerator by AikTryee  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also Consider: Taylor 9940ChefAlarm Thermometer/Timer ComboHands on Review

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

adamztop5

Johnson Controls A421 Temperature Controller – for homebrew fermentation, kegerators & more – replaces A419

Johnson Controls A421ABG-02C A421 Series Electronic Temperature Control with Pre Wired Power Cord, -40 to 212 Degree F Temperature Range

Johnson Controls A421ABG-02C A421 Series Electronic Temperature Control with Pre Wired Power Cord, -40 to 212 Degree F Temperature Range

More Info

Highlighted Features
  • Electronic Single Stage Temperature Control, 120/240 VAC, UL TYPE 1, IP20, SPDT, with 12 amp power c
  • Featuresa lockable front-panel touchpad for setup and adjustment, and a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
  • Replaces the popular A419 Johnson Control model with upgraded technology.
  • The A421 controls provide heating or cooling control, sensor offset, temperature setback, adjustable
  • In stock - Ships FAST!

 

Johnson Controls A421ABG-02C A421 Series Electronic Temperature Control with Pre Wired Power Cord, -40 to 212 Degree F Temperature Range,Silver – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also Consider: Inkbird Dual Stage Temp Controller – Hands on Review + Inkbird Deals

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

adamztop5

Homebrew Temp Controller Roundup! – Kegerator and Fermentation – concepts, applications and models

Dual Alarm PID Temperature Controller

 

PID Temperature Controllers can be used in conjunction with a relay and a temperature probe to control the your kegerator and fermentation temps. You can also integrate a PID controller into your brew system to control mash temps and more.

Dual Digital Display PID Temperature Controller SSR(2 Alarms)

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

adamztop5

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Cool Brewing Fermentation Cooler

71uIR-+ikfL._SL1500_

Cool Brewing Fermentation Cooler.  Designed to accommodate standard 6.5 and 5 gallon fermenters and carboys.  Sealed, insulated and 100% waterproof.  Folds up and collapses for easy storage.

Home Brewing Fermentation Cooler


Also: Hands on Review: Cool Brewing Corny Keg Cooler Bag

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Johnson A19AAT-2C Temperature Controller

Johnson Controls A19AAT-2C Freezer Temperature Controller (D132)

Johnson Controls A19AAT-2C Freezer Temperature Controller (D132)


From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Great for turning a chest freezer into a keg refrigerator
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Plug unit into wall and then run the sensor into your freezer
  • Very economical

Johnson Controls A19AAT-2C Freezer Temperature Controller (D132)

Also Consider: Inkbird Dual Stage Temp Controller [Hands on Review] – Inkbird Deals

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

adamztop5

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller – $84.95 + Free Shipping & Our Roundup of Temp Control Options

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller - Wired

Ranco Pre-Wired Digital Temperature Controller.  Use for your kegerator to precisely control fermentation temperatures.


Resources: Homebrew Temp Controller Roundup! – Kegerator and Fermentation – concepts, applications and models | Inkbird Temperature Controller Deals and Reviews


Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.

Availability: This is a More Beer Deal of the Day. Quantities are limited. Check the Deal of the Day section – Here – to see if this is still available.

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller – Wired FE601 – $99.99 $84.95 + Free Shipping

More Info

Description from MoreBeer: “This digital temperature controller will allow you to precisely control the temperature of your fermentation, or a pump on your All-Grain System.

To control ferment temperatures you can place the probe inside the space that is being cooled or heated (often a refrigerator) or you can place the probe directly into the ferment using our Stopper Themowell, FE624. You can change from cooling to heating mode directly from the digital control panel. When in cooling mode, and hooked up to a refrigerator or other cooling device, the controller turns the compressor on when the ambient temperature rises above your set point. When in heating mode and hooked up to our FermWrap (preceeding page) the controller turns on the heater when the temperature drops below your set point. A FermWrap around a fermenter or inside a unplugged refrigerator can be the ideal solution for those cold winter ferments. To control a pump when mashing you would install a thermowell in your mashtun. This can be done in our welding shop or, if you have a coupler in your kettle, you can install our Coupler Thermowell, FE622.

The unit features an adjustable differential down to within one degree in both heating and cooling modes. This means you can precisely control an environment to within one degree of your set point.

The included sensor probe monitors the temperature while the digital readout displays it in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. The sensor probe is 1/4 in diameter and works well with the Stopper or Coupler Thermowells. Temperature Range of -30 to 220F.

We also use this digital controller in conjunction with our stainless steel conical fermenters and Brewing Sculptures. With the fermenters it monitors and regulates our electronic cooling units through a thermowell that is permanently installed in the side. With the Brewing Sculptures it can monitor and regulate Mash and Hot Liquor tank temperatures by turning pumps on and off.”

 

pinned

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

morebeer

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Ranco Two Stage, Wired Temp Controller – $119.95

13791

Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.

Pre-Wired, Dual Stage, Digital Temperature Controller.  Use for controller temperature in your kegerator or fermentation chamber.

Description: Now you can easily control two different temperature regulating devices. This all new, two-stage controller comes pre-wired with dual AC outlets. One outlet is controlled by one relay, the other by a second relay. The most common application is to use one stage to heat and the other to cool. This means you can simultaneously control a heater and a cooling device, never having to manually switch between heating and cooling modes.” (visit the product page to check out a video about this controller)

Ranco Digital Two-Stage Temperature Controller Wired FE608 – $159.99 $119.95 + Free Shipping

Availability: This is a More Beer Deal of the Day. Quantities are limited. Check the Deal of the Day section Here to see if this is still available.

pinned

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

morebeer

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller – $84.95 + Free Shipping & Our Roundup of Temp Control Options

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller - Wired

Ranco Pre-Wired Digital Temperature Controller.  Use for your kegerator to precisely control fermentation temperatures.


Resources: Homebrew Temp Controller Roundup! – Kegerator and Fermentation – concepts, applications and models | Inkbird Temperature Controller Deals and Reviews


Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.

Availability: This is a More Beer Deal of the Day. Quantities are limited. Check the Deal of the Day section – Here – to see if this is still available.

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller – Wired FE601 – $99.99 $84.95 + Free Shipping

More Info

Description from MoreBeer: “This digital temperature controller will allow you to precisely control the temperature of your fermentation, or a pump on your All-Grain System.

To control ferment temperatures you can place the probe inside the space that is being cooled or heated (often a refrigerator) or you can place the probe directly into the ferment using our Stopper Themowell, FE624. You can change from cooling to heating mode directly from the digital control panel. When in cooling mode, and hooked up to a refrigerator or other cooling device, the controller turns the compressor on when the ambient temperature rises above your set point. When in heating mode and hooked up to our FermWrap (preceeding page) the controller turns on the heater when the temperature drops below your set point. A FermWrap around a fermenter or inside a unplugged refrigerator can be the ideal solution for those cold winter ferments. To control a pump when mashing you would install a thermowell in your mashtun. This can be done in our welding shop or, if you have a coupler in your kettle, you can install our Coupler Thermowell, FE622.

The unit features an adjustable differential down to within one degree in both heating and cooling modes. This means you can precisely control an environment to within one degree of your set point.

The included sensor probe monitors the temperature while the digital readout displays it in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. The sensor probe is 1/4 in diameter and works well with the Stopper or Coupler Thermowells. Temperature Range of -30 to 220F.

We also use this digital controller in conjunction with our stainless steel conical fermenters and Brewing Sculptures. With the fermenters it monitors and regulates our electronic cooling units through a thermowell that is permanently installed in the side. With the Brewing Sculptures it can monitor and regulate Mash and Hot Liquor tank temperatures by turning pumps on and off.”

 

pinned

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

morebeer

Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

Homebrew Temp Controller Roundup! – Kegerator and Fermentation – concepts, applications and models

homebrew temp controllers

Updated: 5/22/2024

Temperature controllers, sometimes referred to as over-riding thermostats, can control devices like refrigerators, freezers and fermentation heating devices to provide a consistent temperature for your kegerator, fermentation chamber or brew system.  They do this by monitoring the temperature and cycling on and off the device in question.  Generally, you will set the device to full cooling or heating power and the temperature controller takes over from there.

Wired and Unwired

Unwired means.. you have to hook up the electrical wiring.  It does not come with a plug-in cord.  The ITC-1000 is an example of an unwired controller.  That controller requires some additional materials, time and know-how to get working.  Wired means… no AC wiring is necessary, the controller comes with cords that you can plug your cooling and/or heating devices into.

Continue reading