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I have managed to adjust my mini-fridge cheese cave to reach temps up to 48F. Is this close enough for camembert/brie aging?
I have read the optimum temp for camembert or brie to be 52-55F.

While I am at it...I am thinking that if I move the temp probe into the freezer (it is currently attached to the bottom of the freezer unit via a plastic holder that insulates the probe from direct contact with the freezer) I should be able to achieve warmer temps. Does that seem likely?

I moved the probe to under the freezer, and put a piece of Styrofoam under it to hold it against the freezer bottom then adjust it from there. I can get temps from 50 to 65 f.

If you can identify the type of sensor, you might be able to trick the unit into thinking it's actually at a different temperature.  Can you tell what it is?

bbracken677 - according to the Wiki recipe 52-55 is where you want to be to get the initial bloom.  Your current temperature is just a bit high for ripening. 

Before I got my warm cave running I used the 45 degree fridge for the Camembert entire ripening process.  The initial bloom takes about a week longer, but otherwise it worked out just fine. 

So many other cheeses like to age in the 50-55 degree range, I have two mini-fridge caves.  We'll see if I get to keep two when my soon to be fiance moves in. 

Quote from: BobE102330 on August 18, 2012, 01:22:44 PM
bbracken677 - according to the Wiki recipe 52-55 is where you want to be to get the initial bloom.  Your current temperature is just a bit high for ripening. 

Before I got my warm cave running I used the 45 degree fridge for the Camembert entire ripening process.  The initial bloom takes about a week longer, but otherwise it worked out just fine. 

So many other cheeses like to age in the 50-55 degree range, I have two mini-fridge caves.  We'll see if I get to keep two when my soon to be fiance moves in. 

Both of my mini fridges use a mechanical thermostat driven by a bulb/capillary sensor.  It seems to be the standard.  Some of the mechanical assemblies can be adjusted to cover a higher range than others. 

Thanks!  I found a calibration screw and adjusted it so highest temp would be 50F or so....that solves that problem, but when I will need it up around 65F I will have to find another solution.

That's where the external thermostats come in.  Like this: http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Controls-A19AAT-2C-Temperature-Controller/dp/B0002EAL58/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1345756539&sr=8-3&keywords=johnson+controls+a419

Thanks!!!

I am going to snatch one of those up!  That would solve the only cave issue (other than capacity) that I have   : )