Lesson learned: Buy an accurate thermometer - Page 5

mr_tripp · 07-21-2011, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandofOZ

I just epoxied where the probe and wire meet on my digital thermometer from wallmart. seems to have done the trick as i know of others who complained about thermometers going bad after getting wet where wired at probe

I heard of some people putting a silicone tube over. Your method sounds easier.

adam01 · 07-21-2011, 12:34 AM

For around $65 you can get a PID and a temperature probe.
Then you're halfway there to temperature regulated heating...

**jeffmeh** · 07-21-2011, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-Rider

Email today said none of the probes are water proof where the cable connets to the "probe". Bummers

You can find a type K waterproof probe elsewhere. Thermapen makes one, as do others.

EarthBound · 07-21-2011, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarthBound

I believe the most critical part of homebrewing is maintaining accurate mash temps.

That being said... Thermapen, FTW!

Quote:

Originally Posted by o4_srt

At which you cannot calibrate in cold or boiling water. Thermometers are not always linear, so its false to assume that a thermometer calibrated at roughly 32 is also accurate at 150.

OK... Are you trying to say that Thermapens are inaccurate?

**nate456789** · 10-12-2011, 05:00 PM

So I need yet another thermometer. I was thinking about biting the bullet and getting the thermapen. As much as I have spent already in cheap ones I could have purchased a good one and been done already.
What model of thermapen do you guys use?

For that price I could get a PID and a remote probe. Which wouldn't be a bad idea because I could have other uses for it. But what probes are available for a PID? I would like to just throw it in the mash and let it sit there.
Would also be nice to be able to stick it into meat when I am using my smoker.
Any advice?
Thanks

**rico567** · 10-12-2011, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate456789

So I need yet another thermometer. I was thinking about biting the bullet and getting the thermapen. As much as I have spent already in cheap ones I could have purchased a good one and been done already.
What model of thermapen do you guys use?

For that price I could get a PID and a remote probe. Which wouldn't be a bad idea because I could have other uses for it. But what probes are available for a PID? I would like to just throw it in the mash and let it sit there.
Would also be nice to be able to stick it into meat when I am using my smoker.
Any advice?
Thanks

I use the new model 'splash proof' Thermapen. I bought it right away when I started brewing AG 2.5 years ago. Always been very glad I did. I knew that the foot-long dial thermometer I got with my original kit would never cut it for AG. I get FAST, ACCURATE readings with the Thermapen. Some people balk at the price, but with some things, to get a certain quantum jump in performance, significant money must be spent. I also use the Thermapen in cooking and baking on a day to day basis, where it is equally valuable.

As an unrelated example, buy a $50 set of binoculars. Try a $150 set, and you will be very impressed. Now take a look through a set of $1400 Zeiss glasses, and you'll think you're seeing things better and clearer at a distance than you do in front of your face. Same thing with a lot of instruments, but it depends on what you need......and I'm not suggesting that you buy any more than that.