Recomend a digital thermometer

[bob352]

I know this thread is old but I just don't get why everyone is always recommending the thermopen. The probe is only 4 inches long and you have to hold it in your hand to take a reading. I see the advantages of the quick reading and the accuracy but I do not recall needed to check temps like this. I typically need to know what the temp is doing while a lid is on or my pots are in the oven (i do BIAB and use the oven to help maintain a more constant mash temp). The other critical time for me is when cooling my wort. I have an IC and I have to stir while cooling. It's bad enough having to stir but I couldn't imagine holding a thermopen taking readings all the time with my only free hand. If I had a corded temp unit I could just drop the probe in and look at the readout unit while I stir away. My free hand is typically holding a beer anyways...

Am I missing something?

Maybe. The thermopen is a better thermometer than any of the $25
hand held digital thermometers (at least imho).

Whether or not it is worth the price is going to vary a lot among home brewers.
I think it is worth the price.
So much so that for a brewing beginner I would recommend it as a first
thermometer. Even if they give up brewing, they would still have a very
cool thermometer that is useful for grilling.

Any kind of cord on a thermometer introduces limitations. For example
don't get the cord wet, don't kink the cord, keep the cord away from flame.
It makes it difficult to recommend a corded thermometer to someone.

I agree that once you know your equipment and your process, a corded
thermometer (or two) can be much more convenient.

 

[BullGator]

I have both one of these for setting alarms on my HLT & checking mash temp without taking the lid off...

http://www.amazon.com/Polder-Original-Cooking-All-In-One-Thermometer/dp/B0000CF5MT/ref=zg_bs_289810_16

And one of these for fun:

http://www.amazon.com/Maverick-Industries-LT-02-Surface-Thermometer/dp/B000FA933K/ref=zg_bs_289810_10

Is that temp probe and wire waterproof?

 

[BullGator]

Maybe. The thermopen is a better thermometer than any of the $25
hand held digital thermometers (at least imho).

Whether or not it is worth the price is going to vary a lot among home brewers.
I think it is worth the price.
So much so that for a brewing beginner I would recommend it as a first
thermometer. Even if they give up brewing, they would still have a very
cool thermometer that is useful for grilling.

Any kind of cord on a thermometer introduces limitations. For example
don't get the cord wet, don't kink the cord, keep the cord away from flame.
It makes it difficult to recommend a corded thermometer to someone.

I agree that once you know your equipment and your process, a corded
thermometer (or two) can be much more convenient.

I am not worried about the cost at all. I am mainly wondering about the practicality. The thermoworks wire thermocouple is waterproof and temp rated to 480 deg. That way, no worries at all at leaving it in the mash ( no lid opening).

Now, the accuracy is like +/- 1.8 Deg F which does pose a problem compared to the thermopen 0.7 deg F accuracy. And I will admit, the thermopen does seem really cool but I just want to make sure I am making the right buy.

 

[Yambor44]

I use both a Thermopen (the green one) and corded Oregon Scientific (I have 3 of these actually).

I like to use the corded one when I am bring my strike, sparge and boil up to temp. It helps me to not overshoot or have boil overs. It clips to my pocket, belt or pants and stays right with me while I am grinding grain and getting the next step ready. Love it. well worth the price. You can also use it for BBQing which is why I have 3.

I use the Thermopen to check my mash temp after dough in and after mash is complete. I also use it to check the temp of my wort samples.

If you get the probes too deep in the water or wort on the corded one (which I have many times) just throw them in the oven or your grill at about 350F for 20 minutes or so and your back to working again.

 

[flips]

I use the RT600C from Thermoworks based on a tip from homebrewfinds and I love it. $20 was about as much I was willing to spend. I use it for grilling as well so for me it does double duty for me.

flips