Description

Dark Rock Heating Pad With Thermostatic Controller

The Dark Rock Heating Mat (or heating pad) can hold a 5 gallon fermenter, it is 30cm diameter. This model includes a thermostatic controller, temperature probe and LCD thermometer so you can monitor and regulate the temperature of your brew throughout the fermentation.

How Do You Use The Heating Mat?

The Heating Mat is simply plugged in the mains and is placed on a floor or surface. The fermenters can then be placed on top of the heater. The heat will rise from the tray through the fermenter providing a gentle warmth to encourage successful fermentation. You can then attach the temperature probe and LCD thermometer strip to your fermenter, and monitor and regulate the temperature using the external thermostatic controller. This provides a gentle low power heat, so the liquid will not get over hot.  This pad is designed for the fermentation of wine, beer and cider.

How Much Power Does The Heating Mat Consume?

The power output of the mat is 30 Watts, using 220/240V. It comes with a UK plug for a UK power supply only.

HOW DO THEY OPERATE?

The heat pads are a simple device that are designed to warm the brew by approximately 9 deg C above ambient. This level was based on data that suggested a typical domestic temperature of 15-18 deg C giving a liquid temperature of 24-27 deg C.

DO THEY HAVE A THERMOSTAT?

The heating trays have a thermal cut-out in case they get too warm, this model also comes with a thermostat to help regulate the temperature. Due to the low power consumption, the element provides a gentle heat meaning some heat loss through the surrounding environment will happen. To achieve higher temperatures, you will need to fully insulate the fermentation area to help retain heat. These pads are not designed to go over 30C (85F) as this will kill wine, beer and cider yeasts.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY ROOM TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 20C?

We would advise not putting the heating tray on, as they are designed to raise the temperature of the contents in the fermenter 9C above room temperature. This would make the liquid too hot and it will kill the yeast and could produce off-flavours.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY ROOM TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 10C?

If even with the heating tray the temperature is still not up to the one specified for your yeast, you will need to insulate the fermenter to reduce heat loss. This can be as simple as placing a box over the fermenter o even wrapping a jacket round it. This will help keep in the heat and raise the temperature up to a more comfortable level. This is mainly needed during the cold Winter months if brewing either in an unheated room or in a garage or shed.

Are The Heating Trays Easy To Clean?

Yes, they are made from silicone, so they are easy to wipe clean and sanitise.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Undo the ties on the power cord and the thermostatic probe and unwind the cables.
2. Plug the Heating Pad into and electrical power supply and switch the power on.
3. Attach the probe to the outside surface of the fermenter with an elastic band or tape.
4. Press the top Power button on the controller to power the pad.
5. Use the up and down arrows to achieve the desired temperature in the display.
6. When the correct temperature is reached, press the SET button on the bottom of the controller – the display will flash three times to indicate the temperature has been set.
7. When the probe reaches the desired temperature, the heating pad will turn off. If the temperature drops, the heating pad will power on again.

To change between C and F, press the SET button when the display is not flashing.