Managing Temps Using a Chill Probe

[Big Tex]

I'm looking for a way to manage the temperatures in the tub used to chill my carboys. Has anyone purchased this thing below?

http://www.aquabuys.com/page/aqb/PROD/h ... be_chiller

For around $150 (including controller), you should be able to do a decent job of controlling temps.

Thoughts?

[Mylo]

I think you would be better off spending your money on a used chest freezer and temp controller. That probe is only worth 20 degrees off of ambient - if I had to guess. You'd be hardpressed to do a lager in the summertime. A chest freezer is more versatile, IMHO. I got my freezer off of Craigs list for 50 bucks - and a digital ranco off of eBay for another $50.


Mylo

[Big Tex]

It's more of a space issue than $$$... Just looking for a way to better manage temp's (for Ales) that doesn't require the dedicated space of a chest freezer. As you mentioned lagering is a completely different situation. A 10 degree delta should be all that you need for ales.

I know there's a lot of folks out there that goes the water tub and frozen water bottle route to maintain temps. This seems like a way to better control temps and when you're done, you can store it away with the rest of your brewing equipment... Assuming it works!

[Lars]

Looks like the device B3 uses in their cooled conicals. I think you could find it cheaper...

[baltobrewer]

Thoughts?

Craigslist fridge.

Better control + more space + freezer compartment for hops.