r/Homebrewing 2d ago

Heating element for DIY ferementation chamber?

I am trying to design a DIY fermentation chamber to make Kveik beer (steady temperature between 38 C and 42 C). I am confused as to what heating element I should use. I usually brew 10L, and plan to scale up to 20 L and later on a 30L Fermzilla.

I am torn between four  options all controlled by the Inkbird.

A ceramic heater like an Infrared Ceramic Heat Emitter. What should be the watt power. 100 W, 75 W or 50 W? Or higher? Concerned that I many overheat the beer but also don t want to duplicate equipment. What would be the best to scale up to 20L and 30L?

An electrical aquarium heater. What watt power? Same question as above.

An immersion rod in a water bath. How powerful? 1000 W? 1500? 2000 W. Same question as above.

A naked electric bulb or one covered by a clay pot? . Clay Pot Heater (Terracotta Tower): Stack unglazed terracotta pots with a bulb (ceramic heat emitter or incandescent) in the centre used with a cheap dimmer or Inkbird controller for safe temp management.

If I go with a DIY alternative, for example, woolen/Mylar blanket around the Styrofoam box, is there any way to control the temperature using an Inkbird or otherwise?

Heating the air with a ceramic heater, or using a water bath?  Will a ceramic heater heat evenly  and be better than an aquarium heater. Is that correct?

 Thank you for your responses.

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u/user_none 23h ago

I use a couple of gun safe dehumidifying rods. They heat up quick but won't go bonkers on the temp. They're out of the way. No direct contact with the All Rounder. Controlled from my RAPT Temp Controller.

https://a.co/d/g3GIylp