Description

Convenient and Easy. Heating system for year round brewing. Set it and Forget it.

For fermenting liquids the mats warm the area about 10 degrees F over the ambient temperature. The amount would be dependent upon the volume and size of the containers used. Waterproof construction with complete instructions printed on the mat. In English, Spanish and French. available with optional thermostat for precision control.

Flexible Heating Pad measures 9" x 19.5” durable soft plastic 110 volts AC runs constant 17 watts 1 year unlimited warranty. The heating panel is a perfect size for 1-6 one-gallon, or 1-8 half gallon fermentation jars, Works for our Continuous Brew Containers as well. Can actually fit 2 5 -gallon containers on one pad. Can also be used to wrap around various units for additional heat. Raises temperature of a full 5 gallon carboy by about 5 degrees (above ambient temperature). Unit should be placed on a hard surface or wrapped around brewing vessels.

Our heating panels 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 3.5 or lower for kombucha tea as well as other lactic and acetic acids ferments.

Our easy to read digital Thermostat adds convenience and turns on/off automatically at the temperature you select.

Controllable range from 68 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit (20-42 C)
Celsius or Fahrenheit read-out (press Up or Down button to change)
Control multiple units up to 500 watts for multiple heating pads
Easy to read LED Display
set the probe on the outside of the container. Has a suction cup, but we recommend to secure with a piece of Duct Tape. The interior brew may be 2-3 degrees warmer, as a ferment generates some heat. The Ferment should only be warm to the touch never hot. If the actual temperatures are off, that is OK as long as the unit is consistent and the ferment is brewing fine.

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. 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. Some yogurt needs to be the 100-113 F range, while others like Caspian Sea Yogurt is fine in the 70-80 range. 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.

Multiple Uses; kombucha, Kefir and yogurt fermenting, drying herbs or fruits, or germinating seeds. Sprouting seeds, wheat grass, also a neat and clean foot warmer, and a neat lizard playground. Bury the mat under 1-2 inches of sand and place the temperature probe under the sand. Fermenting beer, wine, vinegars, especially great for Kombucha Tea but other fermented pro-biotics as well, or at the same time.

These heating pads and Thermostat are produced by Hyrofarm and made to work together but carry separate one year warranties.