First time brewing - Temperature Issue

sbear8

I am a first-time home brewer using the basic Youngs BrewBuddy bitter kit. It says on instructions that fermentation should take place in a warm area at between 18 - 21 C. The stick-on thermometer I got for the bucket is showing the temperature at around 16 C and it only rarely touches 18 C. Is my brew likely to be ruined or more likely to just take longer to ferment? So far am 4 days into the process and doing my best to increase temperature - currently got a sleeping bag wrapped around bucket.

tomstocker

Hi sbear, I wouldn't worry too much about ruining your brew.  Just keep it as warm as you can, I just chuck a couple of coats or fleeces over the fermentation bin.

Look inside for bubbles appearing, I push the lid down a bit to expell some air. When the lid becomes dome shaped you know its brewing.

Check for readings as they say.  Brews may take longer when the temperature is lower as much as they ferment quicker when its warmer but in my experience the final product has always been worth it!

I only started a year ago but I've had some lovely beer

HBO_Staff

The cooler temperature will indeed increase the fermentation time, if it goes too cold it will stop. The best way is to monitor it and wait for bubbles to stop rising. If you get into brewing and continue to brew in a cooler place, a heating device will really help you out, the Brew Belt or TE25 heater tray are the most popular

SbH

Ive stuck mine in an airing cupboard in the kitchen which is anywhere between 22c and 26c,seems to work for me  

HBO_Staff

Traditionally airing cupboards are popular places to brew as they are nice and warm (although not all the family always agree) but as many people now have combi boilers airing cupboards are disappearing from many homes, but if you have one it can be a great warm place to brew

SbH

I will be buying a heater tray soon so  can get 2 brews going lol

HBO_Staff

These are the most popular and what we use here;

http://home-brew-online.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/25l-fermenting-vessel-heater-tray

SbH

Yep thats the one lol