Ok my thermometer sucks

[BaldManBrew]

With all my ingredients it registers 250 at a rolling boil. I steeped my grains at what should have been 155 but with that room for error probably 120 or so. I steeped 1/2 lb 2 row and 1/2 lb of wheat. It's an extract kit purchased from AHB. (I know I don't get the 2 row either). Question is what happens at lower temps?

Also this beer looks dark and it's a wheat ale. I'm done with LME

 

[kegtoe]

i wouldnt worry too much with temps on specialty grains. especially if you are on the cool side. warmer than 150 may cause a lot off offf flavors. you are just trying to get some color and flavor from those grains.

I dont use much LME anymore either. i like DME for it's storage, light color, and for starters. Its just a sticky clumpy mess when using it.

 

[nilo]

Get a cheap kitchen digital thermometer, under $20, like this one
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009WE45/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[Deltac]

Get a cheap kitchen digital thermometer, under $20, like this one
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009WE45/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I have one of those too. Got it off ebay for under $10
Works great

 

[John_FL]

How long is the probe on that thermometer? My HLT is a converted keg, but sometimes I do 5 gallon batches so I have a long way to go from the rim of the tank to the strike/sparge water.

Updated: never mind I re-read the add and the probe length was there I just missed it somehow.

 

[jetmac]

It probably won't make a whole lot of difference with the grains you have in that recipe. But if you ever go all-grain remember MALT.

M=more A=alcohol L=lower T=temperature

So mashing at a lower temp will = more fermentables = more alcohol but less body.

One other thing. If you boil too vigorously, you could boil off more liquid than intended which would increase your concentration and would increase your post boil gravity.

 

[GeoGirl]

I am using one like this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004XSC5/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 4-foot cable from base to probe and I can set it to alert me when it reaches the target temp.

 

[jetmac]

Thermapen Splashproof superfast

 

[RugerRedhawk]

I am using one like this http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004XSC5/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 4-foot cable from base to probe and I can set it to alert me when it reaches the target temp.

I have this and for whatever reason wasn't sure it was accurate. Seems like a lot of people use it, I think I will start to since it seems the floating glass thermo I bought was a bad idea.