Modifying slow cooker to be a temp controlled water bath?

srichards

srichards

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I was just idly wondering whether a slow cooker rather than a fish tank heater might make a better project starting point for a home made dev tank water bath? Some have a keep warm feature which might be the right sort of temperature (possibly a bit too hot) But with some fiddling perhaps they could be encouraged to maintain a steady 38-40c or so?
 
I've got a slow cooker, I'll test its capabilities.
 
If it's a simple slow cooker (not digital) then you could get a $10 temp controller and wire it to an outlet box. It would then cycle the power in order to keep the temp accurate. Otherwise, a slow cooker/crock pot is very poor in controlling/maintaining temp.

I made a DIY sous vide cooker from a cooler this way.
 
Strappy said:
Bet you've missed me like a dose of the crabs, right? :D
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Yeah Strappy is back!!!:wave:(y):):)

Crabs are possibly easier to cope with but it's good to see your return;):D
 
I had a fishtank once. Went away for a few days and got back to find all the fish rather poorly because the water was too cold. Maybe a home brew wine making type thing would be better? They come in fishtank like things, electric blankets, or things you stand the demijons on. You could make wine and dev film all at the same time so happy days.
 
I've read about slow cookers being used a bit on other forums and "how to" web pages. I think if you have a way of accurately measuring the temperature of the water and turning the pot off/on as required, then there's no reason they shouldn't work. They're used to cook at temperatures much higher than C41 requires so getting to the temp shouldn't be a problem.

Give it a go and let us know how it works :)
 
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