Dry aging question

sheetmetalpete

I'm about to take the leap into dry aging a rib roast.  I recently acquired a dedicated mini fridge for this purpose.  My question is about air movement.  Some places I read online state you should put a small fan in the fridge while others don't believe it's necessary.  Thoughts?  

Big_Green_Craig

I've got one in the fridge aging now. I'm using the Umai Dry bags. They take all of the guess work out of it. 

EggMcMic

I just finished aging my first rib roast and spent a lot of time reading posts here prior to starting. I put it on cookie cooling racks on top of a cookie sheet. (FYI I counted exactly 3 drops of liquid that came out of the roast onto the cookie sheet and I did NOT put salt on the cookie sheet). I did not have a dedicated fridge but we have an extra full sized fridge in the basement. I did not put a fan it in but I did make sure the fridge was opened at least every couple of days to circulate a little air. In reality (with kids and wife) it was probably opened more often but I couldn't track that.

Everything worked as planned for me. Developed a nice crust, no off odors.  Cut it up at 45 days (yesterday) and am having steaks this weekend. So, I don't believe a fan is necessary, but checking on the meat every couple days might be a good idea. Good luck and have fun!

RRP

The folks at UMAi Dry Bags do not recommend the use of a mini-frig aka a dorm refrig. Reason is it cools but does not circulate the air like a conventional refrig which circulates thus removing the moisture release which dry aging is all about. And yes - I'm the same RRP on that forum!

Eggcelsior

You don't need bags unless you or someone who puts up with you putting "rotting" meat in your fridge doesn't want to look at it, or, you just like wasting money.

A fan is just to help with air circulation, mimicking a traditional dry aging fridge. Those also control for humidity too, which isn't really possible at home without serious modifications to a consumer fridge or spending beaucoup dollars on a small-scale DA fridge. That said, you don't really need a fan. I just rotate the roast every 2-3 days to ensure evenness in drying. Plus, in a small fridge, opening the door to check the roast every few days will move plenty of air. If you are really worried, cut a notch in the door seal and run a small desk fan into the fridge. 

The most important thing is to make sure the roast is elevated on a rack if in a pan. Any part in contact with a solid surface will rot as moisture won't evaporate off of the surface.

MattBTI

I'd like to direct you to this product: https://thesteakager.com/ They have a large following on facebook and produce some exellent results from the looks of it. I'm considering purchasing one. 

Eggcelsior

Also, around these parts, Stike( @JustineCaseyFeldown ) is the one to talk to about home dry aging.

sheetmetalpete

Eggcelsior said:

Also, around these parts, Stike( @JustineCaseyFeldown ) is the one to talk to about home dry aging.

I thought this topic might elicit a response from him.

Photo Egg

Don't use a Mini Fridge. Just Don't.

johnnyp

MattBTI said:

I'd like to direct you to this product: https://thesteakager.com/ They have a large following on facebook and produce some exellent results from the looks of it. I'm considering purchasing one. 

This product is popular because people feel like they need some added layer of protection.  Unfortunately, their entire business model is dependant on the assumption that people will not do enough research to realize that their product is completely unnecessary.

I would advise you do additional research on the topic to give yourself piece of mind that aging is completely safe.  Then redirect those funds to something else you've had your eye on.  $249 saved is well on the way to a mini max or Blackstone

Kent8621

I have used the umai dry bags twice now with great success at 45 days each time.  I used a beer fridge in the garage opening it up every day.

SciAggie

Photo Egg said:

Don't use a Mini Fridge. Just Don't.

Sounds like a voice of experience. Story to tell?

DoubleEgger

@bgebrent and I compared bag vs no bag in a comparison test. All variables were equal with the exception of the bag.  Although the color of the crust was different, there was no difference in taste or texture between the two. 

Eggcelsior

DoubleEgger said:

@bgebrent and I compared bag vs no bag in a comparison test. All variables were equal with the exception of the bag.  Although the color of the crust was different, there was no difference in taste or texture between the two. 

Another variable was the newfound wallet  lightness of whomever purchased the bags.

bgebrent

Eggcelsior said:

DoubleEgger said:

@bgebrent and I compared bag vs no bag in a comparison test. All variables were equal with the exception of the bag.  Although the color of the crust was different, there was no difference in taste or texture between the two. 

Another variable was the newfound wallet  lightness of whomever purchased the bags.

Yup.  No bag or fancy gadgets necessary.  Bag might make your spouse more comfortable but otherwise is not needed.

sheetmetalpete

I'm sold on aging without a bag.  After this I'm leaning towards putting a small PC fan inside the mini fridge and lettin' her buck.

piney

35 days...only 10 to go!

spray

Photo Egg, I'm curious why you say not to use a mini fridge.  Can you expand on that?