First year grower. Have harvested and cured most of the crop and leaves have turned a nice brown. Put some in a cooler (plastic) and misted with distilled water and they are nice and pliable. As I understand it, they now need to age which could take years, or kiln which would be months instead. Was thinking about using the cooler as a kiln, with either a crock pot or heating pad with jar of water for heat. Would the heat in a plastic cooler cause any issues as far as off tastes of dangerous chemical release? I've read some people use mini fridges, which would be plastic inside, so guessing it would be OK, but appreciated anyone's thought on using a cooler as a kiln. Anyone do this? if it matters, I grew Golden Burley, Shirey, Havana 142 and Cuban Criollo 98. Thanks!
Tobacco cured. Next steps?
- Thread starter cincydave
- Start date
pottsS
Well-Known Member
I think you are pretty safe with a cooler...nobody thinks twice about using them to make corn on the cob or huge batches of mac&cheese...big banquet sized salads. I have a coleman cooler I use as an incubator. The plastic doesn't have any effect on hatch rate... but then again it is vented to try and have x airchanges/hr, but I would think a kiln would be vented to keep the humidity right. I would suggest you find a heat source of less than 20 watts like a seedling heat mat and even then have it thermostatically controlled. But I am assuming you are talking about a regular picnic cooler. If you mean a cooler like the dairy cooler at the corner store then you have endless possibilities!
The container needs to withstand 122-128°F continuously. Leaf in high case that is kept below 122°F will promptly mold.
Bob
Bob
Thanks Bob. I would think a cooler could take those temps. I don't have a temp controller, but though I could just put a thermometer in there and see where it is. If too low, I'll have to figure a plan B. If too high, I can vent it a bit
You can find assorted digital controllers on Amazon for $15 to $20, if you are willing to do the wiring. Here is a foolproof temp controller for ~$35 (last time I looked) that allows you to just plug in your heat source, and place the temp probe inside the kiln.
fairtradetobacco.com
Bob
Foolproof Kiln Controller
For wiring-challenged kiln builders BNQ-T9 A number of folks have expressed concern about properly wiring a temp controller for their kiln. While a bit more expensive than a digital controller that you have to wire, this one is foolproof. For controlling a kiln heat source, such as a...
Bob
There was a warning put out on corn on the cob cooler trend. Coolers aren't meant for higher temperatures. Just had to put that out there. I think with tobacco it may be okay I would just line it with a cloth or something.
Thanks burge. Never heard of cooler corn on the cob before. Had to google it. Thinking with lower temps for kilning compared to boiling water for the corn. I should be OK. Just ordered the temp controller Bob mentioned a few posts earlier.
Your welcome and not sure what the effect will be on it. Something to do with people getting sick from the plastic.
