Heat Belt

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UL Listed Brew Belt Low wattage (25 watts) heater puts heat only where you want it. 

Brew Belt is a perfect size for 5-8 gallon fermentation containers . Typcally maintains 75-80 F ( 23-27C)  without needing a regulator.

Not recommended for glass, or wood. 

Brew belts help keep things constant and more reliable. Cooler temperatures take longer to ferment and due to the slower build-up of acetic acids the cooler temperatures are more prone to contamination by mold and pathogens.  Regardless if one prefers cool brewing or a faster warmer ferment, or the Continuous Brewing Method, the pH should be at 3.0 or lower for kombucha tea as well as other lactic and acetic acids ferments.

For kombucha brewing, Time and Temperature are 2 of the 4 most critical variables, others being type of tea and sugar. Most researchers seem to favor a 6-8 day ferment at 80 F. ( 22 C) where a balance between taste and health are believed arrived at. Nowadays that appears to be a little longer, a little sourer ferment at about 10 days. In my opinion, it really matters most to the individual.  The kombucha will ferment visibly well in a range from the mid 60?s to the high 80?s. One German researcher thought that a 90 degree temperature to be more optimal.  The Home Brewer should keep in mind that at temperatures above 103 F enzymes begin dying off, in the low 60?s the kombucha favorite yeasts go dormant and other yeasts begin to flourish. Therefore, one should endeavor to maintain a temperature in the 70-80?s range. Our booklet goes into more detail as does several articles in our online library. 

Temperatures that are too high kill enzymes, temperatures that are too low and too slow drying may promote mold. Different ferments have more desired temperatures; 65 to 75 degress range during primary fermentation for beer, while 70 and 75 degrees as specified in many wine kits. For Kefir brewing, the best fermentation temperature is between 84 F (22°C and 30°C). Which is also ideal for kombucha. Researchers have found nearly 30 different bacteria and 25 different yeasts in Kefir cultures. Every bacteria and culture has specific temperature requirements. This is why a constant low temperature can't be compensated with a longer fermentation time, or a constant high temperature with a shorter fermentation time. Brewing needs some balance, like hatching an egg. When drying herbs, the right temperature is also important. With too low temperatures and maybe too high humidity, mold develops easily. Too high temperatures kill the life force, the enzymes of the food.

Our heating Panels (Blue hard plastic 111.5 x 11.5) are set at 25 watts constant which are expoected to raise the ferment 10-20 degrees F over ambient temperatures. Our Heating mats ( 10 x 20 soft plastic) are set at 17 watts constant and are expected to raise the temperature about 10 degrees above ambient. If it's too warm during the day, just get a lamp timer, and have it turn on only at night. Heating mats or panels vs. heat belt. heat belt instructions state not to attache it to a glass carboy and even some of the glass carboys say not to apply heat, as it may cause the glass to crack. Heat belts would be suitable for the FDA approved heat resistent plastic buckets (HPDE 1 or 2) which are rated up to 190F. 
   

Features

• Water resistant stainless steel temperature probe
• Digital temperature controller for heat mats
• Provides constant optimum temperatures for specific crops
• Controls temperature in colder or warmer environments
• LED mode indicator lights; 3-prong grounded plug
• Compatible with all heat mats
• Controllable range from 68 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit
• Celsius or Fahrenheit read-out (press Up or Down button to change)
• Max current: 8.3 amps / 1000 watts

 Temperature Control Range 68 - 108 F (20-37 C). Can Control multiple units up to 500 watts