Been using a thermometer I got at Wally World for the last year. I bought a couple through Cynmar, but this one hooks to the kettle, so it was easier to use. Most batches were extract kits, and didn't notice many issues that couldn't be explained.
Last couple batches were all grain. Off a little on the OG; bad grind, fine. But I was never getting down to FG. Not even close. Been scared to death of bottle bombs, but not a one. Beers that have been carbed up to drink seemed a little sweeter than expected.
Doing a batch last night. As I was bringing water up to mash temp, I pour the grains in (BIAB). It is taking forever and when I went to check temp, I didn't see where I set the thermometer. I go grab my laser thermometer out of the tool box, and it reads 168 degrees. I put the other thermometer in and it says 145. I want to see which one is off, so I get the lab thermometer out. It shows the laser is closer, but they both are reading low! It went up to @ 175 degrees. I quickly pour a gallon of cool water in, and it drops it to 152. I cover and let it mash.
So I have been mashing @ 20 degrees too high on every batch! I spent the evening cussing myself since I know better than to not check thermometers out for accuracy.
Just thought I would post this to hopefully warn others from getting a cheap thermometer and not making sure it is accurate.
Last couple batches were all grain. Off a little on the OG; bad grind, fine. But I was never getting down to FG. Not even close. Been scared to death of bottle bombs, but not a one. Beers that have been carbed up to drink seemed a little sweeter than expected.
Doing a batch last night. As I was bringing water up to mash temp, I pour the grains in (BIAB). It is taking forever and when I went to check temp, I didn't see where I set the thermometer. I go grab my laser thermometer out of the tool box, and it reads 168 degrees. I put the other thermometer in and it says 145. I want to see which one is off, so I get the lab thermometer out. It shows the laser is closer, but they both are reading low! It went up to @ 175 degrees. I quickly pour a gallon of cool water in, and it drops it to 152. I cover and let it mash.
So I have been mashing @ 20 degrees too high on every batch! I spent the evening cussing myself since I know better than to not check thermometers out for accuracy.
Just thought I would post this to hopefully warn others from getting a cheap thermometer and not making sure it is accurate.
