Evan!
Well-Known Member
My favorite thermometer of all time is the traceable digital one from Professional Equipment, but it's pricey, runs about $35+. I had one, used it maybe 8 times. Now, I'll preface this next part with the fact that I direct-fire my mashes in a kettle. Anyway, not long ago, the readout went funny, and then it shut off. I checked it out, and the rubber wire sheathing had melted in the hot kettle. Damnit! I was pissed, but it was my fault, so what can you do? I went about 3 or 4 batches and ordered another. Yeah, it's pricey, but worth it.
So I was messing around with some equipment last night and pulled out the old "broken" thermometer, just wanted to make sure it was farked before I tossed it. I pulled the battery cap off and the battery looked loose. I pressed it in with my thumb, and bam, the thing fired up and was reading a normal temp! Well, the little catches on the battery door were broken off (cheapo!!) and so it wasn't holding the battery all the way in. This is odd, considering I'd never opened the battery compartment before. Anyway, I folded a piece of elec tap and put it in between the battery and the door so it'd put pressure on the battery, replaced the door, then taped it secure with another piece of elec tape. Bam, works fine. I broke out the new one just to test the accuracy, and it's only like .4ºf off. Close enough for mashing! So now I've got 2 of these babies.
I'll be more careful from now on. I do wish the sheathing was something other than rubber, though...
So I was messing around with some equipment last night and pulled out the old "broken" thermometer, just wanted to make sure it was farked before I tossed it. I pulled the battery cap off and the battery looked loose. I pressed it in with my thumb, and bam, the thing fired up and was reading a normal temp! Well, the little catches on the battery door were broken off (cheapo!!) and so it wasn't holding the battery all the way in. This is odd, considering I'd never opened the battery compartment before. Anyway, I folded a piece of elec tap and put it in between the battery and the door so it'd put pressure on the battery, replaced the door, then taped it secure with another piece of elec tape. Bam, works fine. I broke out the new one just to test the accuracy, and it's only like .4ºf off. Close enough for mashing! So now I've got 2 of these babies.
I'll be more careful from now on. I do wish the sheathing was something other than rubber, though...