Nailed it!

[bluebarnaclebrewing]

I've finally dialled in my system for some reliable results... man that feels good. I thought I would never get it figured out.

The biggest help was an accurate/fast thermometer. It is such a worthy investment and it paid off today. I would recommend the rt600c to anyone http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt600c.html

 

[gotbags-10]

I use the thermapen. Same manufacturer. It's one of the best investments I've ever made. Beer related or other

 

[Natdavis777]

Awesome! Ive been on the fence on a thermopen (not degrading it's quality though), just my current pen and brewmometer are accurate to 1/2 degree so they have worked out well for me.

As for dialing in the system, it feels great knowing what results to expect instead of hoping you are reaching your pre boil gravity or will you have enough wort for the pre boil. Congrats!

 

[MaryB]

I have been using thermapens for years for BBQ(real bbq, not grilling! Low and slow!). Find myself using it a lot for brewing too. Even with the partial mash extract kits it comes in handy for steeping the grains at 156 or so instead of punting and trusting to luck. I hold temps for mash in then pull the bag and boost. As I go all grain it will be handy to spot check the thermometers on the pots...

 

[Wreck99]

I have a thermapen knock-off. Didn't want to pay the big $$$ for the real thing. Love it. So fast and accurate.

Here's the one I have.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GRFHXVQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[bluebarnaclebrewing]

For $15 you can't go wrong with the RT600C.. accurate, fast and waterproof.

I know the thermapen is the Cadillac of thermometers but I couldn't swallow the price. The difference between 2-3 and 5-6 seconds is not worth it.