Submersible Thermometer

axr · 05-31-2009, 01:38 AM

Yo homebrew homies-

Quick question for y'all. I'm looking for a submersible digital thermometer and have searched the posts and learned how to make one submersible (silicon tubing, o-rings, etc.) I spotted this Taylor therm on Amazon it seems like it would be submersible. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with it and if it is "truly "submersisble" without it shorting out??

Amazon.com: Taylor #1471 Digital Thermometer and Timer: Home & Garden

If anyone has any feedback or experience I'd appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks in advance
axr

HairyDogBrewing · 05-31-2009, 01:50 AM

I've ruined 3 of those so far.
I'm getting a Thermapen.

**weirdboy** · 05-31-2009, 01:59 AM

I ruined my first probe thermometer (yes, it had a silicone jacket) a while back and also got a very poor efficiency since the temp readings were off, but not obviously wrong like they normally do when a probe goes bad. Rather than risk that again I ended up just getting a thermapen for doing mash temp checks.

However, I have a waterproof probe thermometer that I picked up at an aquarium supply store for about $9 I think that works great for monitoring my fermentation temps. It maxes out at 140* though so definitely no good for mashing.

**samc** · 05-31-2009, 02:05 AM

I use this Amazon.com: Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer, Graphite: Home & Garden

and it is dead on accurate. I waterproofed it with the silicone tubing method. It serves additional duty in a crock pot, with turkeys in the oven etc.

HomebrewJeff · 05-31-2009, 01:59 PM

I've used a similar thermometer for years now, and if water gets in the probe it will give incorrect readings. To fix, all you need to do is detach the probe and put in the oven (325F) for about 10 - 15 minutes, and it will be just fine.

For mine I use some silicone tubing (aquarium) with some small stainless clamps to seal the ends.

**Cold_Steel** · 05-31-2009, 05:24 PM

Amazon.com: KINTREX IRT0421 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser Targeting: Home Improvement

I thought about getting this one. You can use it on anything really.

**samc** · 05-31-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalcabot

Amazon.com: KINTREX IRT0421 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser Targeting: Home Improvement

I thought about getting this one. You can use it on anything really.

Infrared will not give an accurate reading off of liquid unless you are aiming it something like a metal spoon handle stick out of the liquid, even then you will get false numbers. It works well reading the side of the metal pot or a baking stone, etc. I use mine all the time, not for brewing however!

**Cold_Steel** · 06-01-2009, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samc

Infrared will not give an accurate reading off of liquid unless you are aiming it something like a metal spoon handle stick out of the liquid, even then you will get false numbers. It works well reading the side of the metal pot or a baking stone, etc. I use mine all the time, not for brewing however!

Very interesting I had no idea. Great heads up thanks!