Adding A Thermometer To My MLT?

[Cpt_Kirks]

My MLT is made from an Igloo 5 gallon water cooler. I need a thermometer that I can read from the outside, so I don't have to pop the lid to take a reading.

What are my options?

I think Pol has a method using a dial thermometer and some rubber stoppers.

 

[McKBrew]

I think this is what you are looking for.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/10-thru-wall-therms-pics-too-24946/

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

Yeah, I was going to mention Pol's stopper idea. Seems like a good one. I have a probe thermometer that I "wort proofed" and now just leave in the MLT and pop the lid on. No need to take the lid off.

 

[McKBrew]

Yeah, I was going to mention Pol's stopper idea. Seems like a good one. I have a probe thermometer that I "wort proofed" and now just leave in the MLT and pop the lid on. No need to take the lid off.

That's what I did. Surgical tubing is very cheap, and I haven't had a problem with a damaged probe since I went that route.

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

OK, so I need a 1" hole saw, a #5 1/2 stopper and a dial thermometer.

Any advice on which dial thermometer?

 

[IrregularPulse]

Why are you guys taking the lid off the MLT to take readings? Especailly using a cooler. Just make sure your temp is where you need it when striking, then close and keep closed for the duration of the mash. Opening to take readings is just gonna make it more likely to miss/lose temps.

 

[The Pol]

That Pol... what a freak...

Why not use a nice little digital thermometer? I hear that is what Pol uses?

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

That Pol... what a freak...

Why not use a nice little digital thermometer? I hear that is what Pol uses?

If I ever make a super duper 10 gallon, 220v MLT with about twelve different attachments, I will.



(Actually, what I am using is a little wally world digital now. I might just install it in a stopper, but it looks like a big dial thermometer could be easier to see)

 

[The Pol]

Super Duper? It is called "Brew Beast"

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

One more question: About where should I drill the hole for the stopper? Middle of the cooler, toward the top, or toward the bottom?

 

[The Pol]

I suggest that you place it under the level where your STRIKE water will come to. This way when you add strike water at 10-15F HOTTER than strike (to preheat the tun) you can monitor the temp of the water, when it reaches the proper temp, mash in.

In my tun, this is under the 3 gallon mark.

Pol

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

(Actually, what I am using is a little wally world digital now. I might just install it in a stopper, but it looks like a big dial thermometer could be easier to see)

Me thinks you may want to rethink that. With mash temps I feel you need a more precise measurement than a dial will give you. No guessing if it's 150º or 153º. You'll know for sure with a digital.

 

[The Pol]

Me thinks you may want to rethink that. With mash temps I feel you need a more precise measurement than a dial will give you. No guessing if it's 150º or 153º. You'll know for sure with a digital.

+1... which is why I did it. You can tell if your mash is 150, or 152, or 154. Also, in my case now with the HERMS, we are talking .5F variations... hard to see on a dial thermometer.

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

Me thinks you may want to rethink that. With mash temps I feel you need a more precise measurement than a dial will give you. No guessing if it's 150º or 153º. You'll know for sure with a digital.

Good point.