Found this thread and decided to get a Termapen. They're having a sale for the next two weeks.
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/thermapen/splashproof_thermapen.html
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/thermapen/splashproof_thermapen.html
Best Thermometer for Mashing temps
- Thread starter nanofreak
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ajwillys
Well-Known Member
I use a Fluke 52 Series II. Yes its very expensive (more than thermapen) but the accuracy and speed are very good. Plus its bullet proof tough, can use any thermocouple, can read min/max/average of two probes simultaneously and is back lit. I use it for much more than just brewing.. pretty much every thermo activity. Even though I know its not for everyone, I've never regretted my purchase.
I have same. Don't drop into mash. Although it might look sealed, it will instantly take on wort and stop working.
After drying it out thoroughly, it still wouldn't turn on (I completely disassembled it). Then, just recently, it worked for 1 day. Now, it turns on but won't work... it shows a calibration error.
BrewThruYou
Well-Known Member
I have a dial thermometer: http://www.austinhomebrew.com/produ...d=996&osCsid=6474b4f543ac8bcb92c5744ca0d5f7a0
I have the 10gal Rubbermaid Home Depot MLT. I drilled a small hole into the lid and the thermometer is inserted down from the top. On very low gravity mashes, it won't work since there's no enough water/grain to hit the tip....but it works on most mashes.
I have the 10gal Rubbermaid Home Depot MLT. I drilled a small hole into the lid and the thermometer is inserted down from the top. On very low gravity mashes, it won't work since there's no enough water/grain to hit the tip....but it works on most mashes.
I used the thermapen for the first time on Saturday; WOW. So convenient to take a temp reading in seconds. I highly recommend this upgrade!
I have this one, which works quite well for me. Not as fast as the Thermapen, but for a whole lot less money, I can wait a few more seconds:
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/6032.html
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/6032.html
EarthBound
Well-Known Member
Just wanted to let you guys know that it's this thread's fault that I bought the thermapen. 
Got it on sale. $80 isn't that much money when you consider how much money people waste on analog thermometers which can only be used to check wort temps; whereas, this can check temps of many other things than wort. Below is a pic of what the package looks like. It has a +/- 0.7 ºF accuracy. Let me know if you can find a better accuracy for the price.
Got it on sale. $80 isn't that much money when you consider how much money people waste on analog thermometers which can only be used to check wort temps; whereas, this can check temps of many other things than wort. Below is a pic of what the package looks like. It has a +/- 0.7 ºF accuracy. Let me know if you can find a better accuracy for the price.
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I've never seen a $15 digital that was worth much. They either stop working or become inaccurate and you don't notice until too late. I am not familiar with this thermometer, so it may be better, but I would recommend that you be careful and calibrate pretty frequently. For that matter, frequent calibration is worthwhile on more expensive thermometers as well.
L
SirSchmiggs
Member
Wireless is definitely a great cheap choice. I love it because you can keep the mash sealed up with the probe in there and still read your temp. Just opening to stir half way through the mash if you choose
I also use the CDN proaccurate thermometer. It's very accurate and reliable. This thermometer was rated very highly by Americas test kitchen. I bought one and have been using it for over 2 years. It's still accurate to this day. I use it for cooking and brewing so it gets a lot of use.
Since I haven't heard anyone else mention them, is there any reason against using non-contact IR ("laser") thermometers in brewing/mashing?
I already have one I use in cooking and for other hobbies of mine, and just assumed I would keep doing so for brewing.
I already have one I use in cooking and for other hobbies of mine, and just assumed I would keep doing so for brewing.
EarthBound
Well-Known Member
I don't buy anything without doing my research. It was featured in several cooking magazines as a best buy item. Saw a few youtube videos comparing the 2 directly. I agree the Thermapen is the best and if you have the $$$ by all means get the best. But I personally don't feel its worth $80 extra
Lets see if this link works
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For those that use the Thermapen, aren't you concerned that the temperature of the very top of your mash is different than the middle or bottom? I can always move my long-stem analog thermometer around my mash tun and get different readings. No matter how much I stir, there still seems to be some variations.
I really like the idea of being able to take the temperature without opening the lid. I'm always tentative to check the temperature because I know I'm risking losing temperature just by checking.
I really like the idea of being able to take the temperature without opening the lid. I'm always tentative to check the temperature because I know I'm risking losing temperature just by checking.
I used a CDN for about 3 batches before it broke. Admittedly it was probably my fault. I stuck the probe in the plastic sleeve just after checking the mash temp (without first wiping it off). When I went to pull it out of the sleeve it got stuck and the probe pulled apart from the housing. Bummer. My Thermapen is on order...
redm18
Well-Known Member
Anyone else use the thermoworks low cost thermometers? Are they anygood?
maida7
Well-Known Member
I have 2 of these type from True Temp. I got them at Target. They work surprisingly well. Most people complain that the probes don't last but I have had great success with this model. The probe wire is silcone and has stood up to lotsa heat and wet situations.
They also work great for cooking. You can stick it in the meat and close the over / grill and read the temps from outside.
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i had the same meter that maida referenced, i had a lot of issues with the display, the buttons, and temps dont changing
I've got the silver $20 thermometer that target carries. I also have the cdn one that everyone likes and they both read the same temp. Another benefit to the target one is that I can leave the probe in the mash.
http://www.target.com/Gourmet-Stainless-Steel-Thermometer-Probe/dp/B001GD1WHU
http://www.target.com/Gourmet-Stainless-Steel-Thermometer-Probe/dp/B001GD1WHU
I've used this guy for over a year with great success
Taylor 9842 Commercial Waterproof Digital Thermometer
Taylor 9842 Commercial Waterproof Digital Thermometer
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