Anyone used a brew belt?

[Milltown Brewer]

Has anyone used the "brew belt" with a temp controller on the primary fermentation?

[Sent From My iPhone]

[captain carrot]

Here's mine on a Better Bottle:



I attached the brew belt above the middle rib on the fermenter and taped the temp probe just below the top rib. A piece of foam rubber is taped over the probe to insulate it from outside temp swings. I've used two brew belts off of one controller with good results. Good Luck!

[bbone66]

+1 for the Firmwrap..

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[Chupa LaHomebrew]

Or if you already have a regular old heating pad, it works great when plugged in through a thermostat (just keep it on the low setting). I've got a beer on one right now.

[mediumsk]

this is all Ive ever used as it is all my local store carries. I would recommend pretty much anything else though. The fermwrap seems to give a more even covereage.
ive killed 2 brewbelts in the past 3 years. Both times it short circuited or something ( burn marks through the plastic in the middle of the hearting element part.... scary) and thats with it being on for less than a few hours.
you can get a nice even temp with these things using methods like wrapping a thick blanket around the fermentor and then wrapping that with the brewbelt, but Ive stopped doing this because of the risk of fire. I say go for something else.

[Junket]

I tried two fermwraps, and each one shorted out the first time I plugged it in - a puff of smoke from the outlet, tripped gfci, and slightly melted prong on the fermwrap.

I have been using the same Brewbelt for years now with success. Can get ferment temps up into the high 70F range in a high 50's basement using temp controller. Built a box out of 2 inch pink insulation from home depot. Never had a problem with it.

[Otterbrew]

I have been using a brew belt for a few batches, and it works great. I wrap it around two carboys, and have been amazed how well it it able to keep my temps. I have also used it in a frig to ferment a Cal Common (60 F), while I am also fermenting a helles (50 F). I allow the helles to drive the temp of the frig, and have the brew belt on another controller to montitor the common.
I am wondering how others have shorted theirs out, and this causes some concern, but so far, I am quit happy, and would recommend its use.
Take care,
-Greg