Talk me into buying a Thermapen

One can check temp and kill with a fork. No so with your wimpy pen.

 

After using several cheapo Ikea digital probes and a digital candy probe, I took the plunge. I'm glad I did it (bought it when it was on sale a couple months ago) It's nice have peace of mind that my temps are finally accurate. Before with the probe on a wire meat style ones I had moisture mess one of them up (all of them eventually, steam will finally get them). when I was heating my mash water it was reading 152 when really it was almost boiling. Totally ruined the grains by the time I realised what was up. Anyway I also use the themapen to monitor the output of my CFC when I'm adjusting cooling and wort flows.

 

Have you put your fork head to head against a pen?

 

I wouldn't count on using IR. I researched it a bit thinking it would be an awesome way to avoid actually contacting the mash/kettle/fermentor but from what I read, unless you spend a TON of cash on one, they're accuracy is seriously limited. They're more for judging the temperature of an engine or the top of a griddle where +/- 5 degrees is no big deal.

 

If you are looking for an IR thermo, I have this & it kicks ass! Can't beat the price...

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/digita...-with-laser-sight-32-c-380-c-26-f-716-f-29079

 

I hope nobody gets fooled by the cheap knock-offs. They're cheap because they're not accurate (well, not enough for homebrewing). The Thermapen is by far the most accurate and reliable thermometer you can get for the price. Your most bang for the buck is the Thermapen. Just be careful with the probe tip because it will easily penetrate the skin.

 

Unless you buy that pitchfork with a thermometer in the handle, right Nova5?



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Well...no reply. Just go with the pen.

 

Just ordered one. I found out my Blichmann brewmometers were being dishonest and had apparently been doing the same with many other people.

 

Really...I have one to monitor my herms temp. It seems close. Maybe off by a degree or two. How bad was yours?

 

My hlt and mt ones are within a few degrees, my bk is close to 40F off, double check them.


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I have one of these with a liquid-proof probe.
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/handheld/mtc.html

you could get it, and a K type probe to replace the one that broke. (add a heat shield this time though)

B