Length of Thermapen probe

[eettinger]

I'm confused as to how Thermapen can check deeper parts of your mash to make sure it is all the same temperature since the probe is only 6-8". I'm doing 10 gallon batches at the moment. Hoping to upgrade to RIMS soon to get more even mash temps.

 

[evrose]

I'm confused as to how Thermapen can check deeper parts of your mash

It can't.

 

[Johnnyhitch1]

Thermapen is water resistant not water proof, I would never throw that probe deeper than 2-3inches.

Only way to get a good measurement without a RIMS is to stir wait test, stir wait test in multiple locations IMO.

It can't.

I was about to...

 

[eettinger]

Then why do people like them so much. Isnt the goal to have a consistent mash temp? I am looking to upgrade to RIMS asap, once I understand what I need. I know the basics, RIMS tube, heating element, some sort of PID system to regulate but there are many choices and opinions and I dont know what I am doing! I have a single tier direct fire system with 2 chugger pumps. For the next month or so or until I get the RIMS I want to get temp of mash as consistent as possible.

 

[MichaelBrock]

People like them because they are fast, accurate, can be calibrated, and come in pretty colors! That said, they are also expensive and as much as I appreciate them, I haven't coughed up the money for one.

By "consistent temperature" you mean having the mash all at the same temperature? I think this is a safe bet if you have stirred things up. You'll get cooling at the margins obviously as time progresses (especially if your mash tun isn't insulated) but the temperature after stirring should be quite representative for the entire mash volume. As the edges cool it will draw heat from the middle and keep things fairly distributed. What steps would you take if you found that the temperature near the bottom of your mash tun is 1/2 degree different than the temperature at the top?

 

[Hang Glider]

"FAST" comes to mind...
I immediately know if I'm at 154° or 148° and in need of a bit more hot water, or 168° and throwing some ice cold water in there....

Nothing beats stirring to get good temperature measurements. I've tossed out my old spoon and I go with an electric drill and a clean paint stirrer until everything's 154°, then pop the lid on and leave it be for an hour.

 

[BeerGrylls]

It's not the length it's more about how you use it .. ahem.