Stick-on Thermometers

[Neomich]

Doing a search on thermometers brings up a bunch of stuff so I thought I would just ask this quick question.

Are the stick-on thermometers people use the same ones you can get in a pet store?

 

[Evan!]

yes and no. Same idea, but those little aquarium thermos don't typically have the temp range that you need. A carboy that someone gave to me had one of those things on it, and it was useless (the thermo, not the carboy )

 

[Tenchiro]

Mine actually has two scales, one for Ale and another for Lagers. But Iimagine the technology is the same for both. Just make sure the temp range is in the ballpark for whatever you are brewing.

 

[Neomich]

Well, they're just a couple bucks from the HBS anyways, might as well just pick up a couple on my next order.

Do people just stick one on and leave it or do they transfer them around between primaries/secondaries?

 

[Danny013]

Stick it on and leave it. Once it's on it doesnt come off without getting messed up.

Don't get it wet either!

It is very handy though, and pretty accurate from what I understand.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Sorry, Danny, but I have to disagree. I've learned to NOT STICK THEM ON!!!

Leave the backing on and just use Scotch tape to hold it on to the fermenter.

If you ever place your fermenter in a tub of water (to use the wick method to keep it cooled down) you can REMOVE the thermometer before the water destroys it.

 

[mr_cad]

Does anyone know the accuracy of these type of stick on thermometers? I did a search but could not find and info. I had a few brews tonight....

Please post link to thread if this has been discussed.

 

[denimglen]

I have the ones that measures in increments of 2C.

It's on my fermenter in the fridge with my temp controller probe taped to the side, they both read roughly the same temp +- 1C

 

[LouT]

Do you read the middle of the three numbers that are off-colored, or do you read a specific color number like blue or green or purple?

 

[Lil' Sparky]

I use this one from petsmart. It has enough temp range for me. I've also submersed it in a water bath several times with no ill effects. If that ends up dorking it up one day, I'll just replace it - they're only $2.

 

[ohiobrewtus]

I picked up carboy stick-ons from my LHBS for $2 each or so. I ferement in my basement at 62-68 year round, so I don't have to worry about them every being submersed in water and coming off or being ruined.

No problems as of yet, and I've verified that they are very accurate.

 

[Yooper]

Do you read the middle of the three numbers that are off-colored, or do you read a specific color number like blue or green or purple?

I believe that the green is the actual temperature, at least on mine.

 

[Neomich]

I think I'll stop by the pet store and pick up one of the aquarium stick ons. If it doesn't work, I'm only out a couple bucks anyways and I'll order another with my next kit.

Thanks for the info everyone.

 

[El_Borracho]

At the aquarium supply you should be able to find a few temp ranges, due to the corals and tropical fish species needing certain temps..

You can also go to a reptile place, you may get lucky. Those tend to be from 70-115F, lizards like it hot - beer does not.

 

[PseudoChef]

Stick it on and leave it. Once it's on it doesnt come off without getting messed up.

Don't get it wet either!

It is very handy though, and pretty accurate from what I understand.

Mine come on and off no problem.

 

[denimglen]

I believe that the green is the actual temperature, at least on mine.

With my thermostat thermometer taped to the fermenter I find that if say 20C is green and 22C (the next increment) is brown the temp is 21C.

I still wouldn't rely on these things to give an acurate spot on temp of fermentation though.