Cheaper alternative the the Thermapen

[stpug]

I'm also a Thermoworks RT600C user (Thermoworks makes thermapen).

5-6 second response to accurate temp
±0.9°F accuracy (up to boiling)
water resistant
high temp resistant
dishwasher safe
cheap-ish ($20-25 depending on sale or not)

 

[IslandLizard]

CDN-450. ~$16 shipped (Amazon).

You do need to calibrate it when you get it. Mine was off by 4+ degrees.
Compared with a lab grade precision glass thermometer and it is spot on.

 

[mkyl428]

I use this $12 right now at Target works fine +/- 1-2° every time I check with boiling water & ice bath and usually +/- 1° when I check it against other digital thermometers.

It takes about 5-10 seconds to get a reading I don't see why that matters for the $80 difference in price I have no problem waiting a couple more seconds.. Not like that 10 extra seconds is going to hurt anything.....

 

[Spartan1979]

http://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/cdndtq450.htm

I have one of these and a thermapen. Both seem to get about the same readings.

 

[MaxOut]

Thanks for all the responses. I ordered a CDN and a Thermapen. I am not one to skimp but just wanted to be reassured the Thermapen was as accurate and quick as stated. After I calibrate I will use the Thermapen as my primary and the CDC for a backup. I could not find a bad review on the Thermapen anywhere but found many other brands comparing their product to the Thermapen. That makes me feel pretty confident the Thermapen is worth the money.


MaxOut BrewStation

 

[Homercidal]

I have a cheap CDN from like Walmart. It seems accurate enough when tested at freezing and boiling, but I can't say it reads quickly. Sometimes I would wish it was faster.

I'm holding off on a Thermapen until I have my electric system put together with the recirc. I think a PID control display integrated into the HLT will read fast enough since it's sitting in there constantly.

 

[Jsbeckton]

I use this $12 right now at Target works fine +/- 1-2° every time I check with boiling water & ice bath and usually +/- 1° when I check it against other digital thermometers.

It takes about 5-10 seconds to get a reading I don't see why that matters for the $80 difference in price I have no problem waiting a couple more seconds.. Not like that 10 extra seconds is going to hurt anything.....

If you will only use it for brewing the 5 seconds is no big deal. however that extra 5 seconds is huge when you are holding your hand over a 600F grill!


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[anton005]

For the price thermapen should be a bit more bombproof. I'm on my second one and probably won't ever buy another one. Not nearly waterproof... big fail on their part. Also I'm beginning to despise any electronic device that uses ridiculously expensive button type batteries.

Anyway, my main thermometer is a thermocouple type I bought used on ebay for much less than a thermapen. Uses regular batteries, uses a thermocouple probe (you can buy many different types, waterproof ones, etc). It can handle two probes simultaneously. Reads as fast and as accurate as thermapen. I'm much happier with it. The only con is it's bulkier, and has a probe dangling off of it, so in the kitchen setting it's not as simple, but for home-brew I love it. Keep the probe in my mash and watch the temp.

Do a quick search for "thermocouple thermometer" on ebay can check it out.

 

[Jsbeckton]

Repeat post

 

[MaxOut]

I use the BCS with thermistor temp probes that are calibrated by recording the resistance at three know temps. Generally you will measure 32F (ice in Water) 212F boiling water at my sea level but the middle variable I use is 104F. Without a known accurate source or temp probe to get a reliable reading I am unable to get an accurate resistance reading. Furthermore It is difficult to hold a steady 104F temp, get a reading and record the resistance. The Thermapens quick response will allow me to get a quick reading and record the resistance before the temp changes. I also do a lot of campfire cooking and traditional BBQ so the quick accurate reading will come in handy for cooking too.


MaxOut BrewStation

 

[Rev2010]

I could not find a bad review on the Thermapen anywhere but found many other brands comparing their product to the Thermapen. That makes me feel pretty confident the Thermapen is worth the money.

Just be sure to test its accuracy and recalibrate if necessary. After having read all the good things about the ThermaPen and having already had the far cheaper RT600C, also from ThermoWorks, I figured I'd buy one for the most accurate readings. Well, tested it with boiling water against my lab thermometer and the RT600C. The ThermaPen simply would not give a 212 reading, kept reading 209 or 210 (can't recall exactly) while the lab and RT600C both read out 212. So, I returned it. At the time I didn't know there was a way to re-calibrate them as the switches are in the battery compartment. I found out later. Strange because the info appears to be in the instruction booklet but I didn't see the calibration info. If you need it, here's the PDF:

http://thermoworks.com/pdf/user_manuals/Thermapens/Thermapen_Splash_Proof_Calibration.pdf


Rev.

 

[MaxOut]

Just be sure to test its accuracy and recalibrate if necessary. After having read all the good things about the ThermaPen and having already had the far cheaper RT600C, also from ThermoWorks, I figured I'd buy one for the most accurate readings. Well, tested it with boiling water against my lab thermometer and the RT600C. The ThermaPen simply would not give a 212 reading, kept reading 209 or 210 (can't recall exactly) while the lab and RT600C both read out 212. So, I returned it. At the time I didn't know there was a way to re-calibrate them as the switches are in the battery compartment. I found out later. Strange because the info appears to be in the instruction booklet but I didn't see the calibration info. If you need it, here's the PDF:



http://thermoworks.com/pdf/user_manuals/Thermapens/Thermapen_Splash_Proof_Calibration.pdf





Rev.

Will do, thanks for the link.


MaxOut BrewStation

 

[TasunkaWitko]

A 15$ digital thermometer from PickYour-Mart would most likely serve for your intended purpose, although the thermoworks posted by itsme_timd looks to be a great alternative.

 

[MaxOut]

I will post my own test results once I receive it and have it tested. Thanks again.


MaxOut BrewStation

 

[LowNotes]

The response time isn't as quick but the Thermoworks RT600C is just as accurate as the Thermapen in my non-scientific tests. I don't use mine much as you really do get spoiled by the 2 second response time of the Thermapen, where the RT600C has a 5-6 second response time, however it's only $24 normally and as of this post on sale for $19.

http://thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt600c.html

This is the way I went when facing the same issues of thermopen cost, and I love it. Would recommend for brewing 10 out of 10 times. It is easy, fast, super accurate, and I can use it for meat too.

 

[cjgenever]

I have the cdn 450. It can be calibrated with ice water and is water resistant. I use it to calibrate my other cheaper thermometers before brewing. The thin probe is great for small fillets in the kitchen. I have had mine for about nine months and am very happy with it. It does take about twenty seconds to get a precise (one decimal) temp. I use this thing everywhere!

Well, almost everywhere...

 

[TahoeBBA]

IDK if this was mentioned before but have you tried the Thermopop? I have one and totally happy with it.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/thermopop.html?tw=COOKINGFORENGINEERS

 

[MichaelBrock]

I used the cdn for years but my Thermapen alternative is also another Thermoworks product, the rt301wa. Just as accurate as the aforementioned rtc600c but has the same format as the cdn, so you can look down on it: http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt301wa.html

 

[mabrungard]

The 301WA unit is fantastic in my system. The top-reading configuration is perfect for my installation. When I checked the calibration to my NIST mercury thermometer, the 301 was within a half degree F of agreement. Because it has an adjustment screw, it was brought into agreement. Excellent unit. Far better value than a thermapen.

I also have a 600C for utility readings around the brewery. It produced readings that were within 1 degree F of agreement with my calibration thermometer. Again, a very good value, but just a notch lower that the 301WA, but it meets my expectations as a utility instrument.

 

[Jsbeckton]

Just be sure to test its accuracy and recalibrate if necessary. After having read all the good things about the ThermaPen and having already had the far cheaper RT600C, also from ThermoWorks, I figured I'd buy one for the most accurate readings. Well, tested it with boiling water against my lab thermometer and the RT600C. The ThermaPen simply would not give a 212 reading, kept reading 209 or 210 (can't recall exactly) while the lab and RT600C both read out 212. So, I returned it. At the time I didn't know there was a way to re-calibrate them as the switches are in the battery compartment. I found out later. Strange because the info appears to be in the instruction booklet but I didn't see the calibration info. If you need it, here's the PDF:

http://thermoworks.com/pdf/user_manuals/Thermapens/Thermapen_Splash_Proof_Calibration.pdf


Rev.

Keep in mind that water boils at 212 only at sea level. 210-211 is correct for common elevations.

 

[brewbama]

Keep in mind that water boils at 212 only at sea level. 210-211 is correct for common elevations.

Altitude (feet) Boiling Point (F/C)
Sea Level212.0 / 100.0
500. 211.1 / 99.50
1000. 210.2 / 99.01
1500. 209.3 / 98.52
2000. 208.5 / 98.03
2500. 207.6 / 97.54
3000. 206.7 / 97.05
3500. 205.8 / 96.57
4000. 204.9 / 96.08
4500. 204.1 / 95.60
5000. 203.2 / 95.12
5500. 202.4 / 94.64
6000. 201.5 / 94.16
6500. 200.6 / 93.69
7000. 199.8 / 93.21
7500. 198.9 / 92.74
8000. 198.1 / 92.26
8500. 197.2 / 91.79
9000. 196.4 / 91.32
9500. 195.5 / 90.86
10000 194.7 / 90.39

Source: Boiling Point of Water vs. Altitude, K. Loomis, New Mexico State University Apache Point Observatory



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[QuercusMax]

I also have an RT600C, works great. Although I kinda like using an dial thermometer at first when mashing, then switch over to the digital once I get close - when I'm sweating and straining stirring the mash, it's nice to watch the needle move on the dial, rather than concentrating on reading the numbers on a digital thermometer.

 

[chisena]

I also have an RT600C. It has worked like a champ for a year now. It measures very close to my BrewMometer in the HLT and when checking mash temp controlled via PID/eHERMS the RT600C is within a degree. I love it for on-the-fly temp checks. $19 on Amazon.

 

[Rev2010]

Keep in mind that water boils at 212 only at sea level. 210-211 is correct for common elevations.

Come on man, I'm not stupid and I'm in Bayonne NJ, not on a mountain. My city averages 33 feet above sea level. I also said I compared against my lab thermometer and thermoworks digital thermometer. Sorry if I sound a bit crass, but somehow I just knew someone would say this when I believe it's fairly common knowledge.


Rev.

 

[Jsbeckton]

Come on man, I'm not stupid and I'm in Bayonne NJ, not on a mountain. My city averages 33 feet above sea level. I also said I compared against my lab thermometer and thermoworks digital thermometer. Sorry if I sound a bit crass, but somehow I just knew someone would say this when I believe it's fairly common knowledge.


Rev.

In my experience it isn't always common knowledge. Most people don't have any idea of their elevation if they don't live on the coast. Just trying to make sure someone else doesn't make this mistake. Also, get over yourself


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[CapnHook]

I have to agree with Jsbeckton regarding "common knowledge." I now live at 4,000 feet, so 204.9 for me. The city I used to live in averaged about 1350 feet, and I would bet money that at least 9 out of 10 people, if asked, would have said that water boiled at 212 on their stoves. The average person doesn't pay that much attention to science.

 

[GonZolaB]

I just ordered a ThermoWorks PS-6032. Never tried it before, but they are 50% off until tomorrow. Got it for $12.50 with shipping through this link ;

http://thermoworks.com/specials/private_sale_141105.html?tw=HBF

 

[dyqik]

Come on man, I'm not stupid and I'm in Bayonne NJ, not on a mountain. My city averages 33 feet above sea level. I also said I compared against my lab thermometer and thermoworks digital thermometer. Sorry if I sound a bit crass, but somehow I just knew someone would say this when I believe it's fairly common knowledge.

What seems to be less common knowledge is that the weather can also change the boiling point by over a degree in each direction as the air pressure changes. Mineral content in the water can also change the boiling point. You also have to do this measurement with distilled water in an almost closed boiling vessel using very gentle heat, stirring the water, and you have to correct for barometric pressure.

Using the Weather Underground pressure data, over the past few days, the boiling point of pure water in Bayonne, NJ, has varied from 211.495 F to 212.886 F.

 

[chisena]

...

 

[Spartan1979]

Here's a calculator to determine your boiling point based on elevation or atmospheric pressure. My water is supposed to boil at 211° based on the average altitude of my community.

http://www.csgnetwork.com/h2oboilcalc.html