Thermometers, what to get?

[stamandster]

So I'm trying to get a gauge of accurate thermometers for checking wort temps and the like... My requirements (like most of yours) are basically a long stem, large dial (preferably), quick reads, as accurate as possible, glass faced, stainless, NSF certified, not looking to spend $30+.

I've found a couple of thermometers I like but would like some feedback, if possible.

Cooper - 1 3/4" dial, diameter - 7" stem
http://www.wasserstrom.com/restaura...medium=shoppingengine&utm_campaign=GoogleBase

Cooper - 2" dial, diameter - 8" stem
http://www.wasserstrom.com/restaura...medium=shoppingengine&utm_campaign=GoogleBase

Comark - 2" dial diameter - 8" (manu. Fuke Electronics)
http://www.wasserstrom.com/restaurant-supplies-equipment/Product_113188

I'm leaning towards the Comark (Fluke). Am i missing any good (and cheaper) brands?

 

[Catt22]

I retired all of my cheap dial type bi-metal thermometers long ago. I now use a digital thermocouple type thermometer as my workhorse. I do have one of these as a backup that I like a lot and the price is reasonable:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BR0H4K/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Shop around and you can probably find them for a few dollars less. Some of the online HBS stock them. William's Brewing is the first that comes to mind, but I'm sure some of the others have them as well.

 

[samc]

If you can't calibrate them I would not buy one. The one Catt linked to is excellent and if you buy this one it is a better deal. I've been using it for more than a year with excellent results and it is accurate at freezing and boiling temps.

 

[shamanjp]

I find this one to be very nice for under $30. I got the 24 inch stem and that makes it easy to probe around in the mash or the kettle. It has a heavy duty feel and is quite accurate. The digital read out is easy to read. It is amazing the temp variations going on in the mash and in the kettle when using an immersion chiller.
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt610b_12+24.html
Of course if you can afford a thermapen they are fantastic.

 

[stamandster]

Thanks all for the recommendations Cat, Shamanip and Samc! I did see the CDN electronic ones but was unsure on if it'd be good to use near boiling water. I definitely like the length of the stem for the thermoworks one Plus it's on sale for $29! Ridiculous! Hopefully it stays that price for a while.

 

[Bobby_M]

The CDN is my favorite digital for under $20. The long stem thermoworks is nice but it would be better with a recalibration option.

 

[stamandster]

The CDN is my favorite digital for under $20. The long stem thermoworks is nice but it would be better with a recalibration option.

Thanks Bobby and great sites! Does an electronic thermometer need to be re-calibrated? I thought the reason for analog ones to be re-calibrated was because of it being, well, mechanical.

I think for my "cheap" first build I'll go with the CDN DTQ450X, unless someone suggests something better. $12 bucks for me is currently justifiable. Plus it got good reviews from home brewers in the comments, always a plus

 

[Catt22]

Thanks all for the recommendations Cat, Shamanip and Samc! I did see the CDN electronic ones but was unsure on if it'd be good to use near boiling water.

I've dropped my CDN into near boiling water twice now and it survived with no damage that I can detect. I thought it was a goner both times.

 

[stamandster]

I've dropped my CDN into near boiling water twice now and it survived with no damage that I can detect. I thought it was a goner both times.

I ended up ordering it I'm sure I won't be disappointed. Thanks again all!

 

[mdgagne]

Whats the consensus on infrared thermometers? I picked one up a while back from newegg.com when it was half price (think I paid $20 shipped). I've been using it to read my wort temps while cooling, my traditional thermometer is pretty cheasy so I don't have a great feel on accuracy. Anyone have experience with them?

 

[Spartan1979]

The CDN is my favorite digital for under $20. The long stem thermoworks is nice but it would be better with a recalibration option.

I have a CDN and recently bought a Thermapen. The CDN was within 1/2 a degree of the Thermapen.

 

[Catt22]

Whats the consensus on infrared thermometers? I picked one up a while back from newegg.com when it was half price (think I paid $20 shipped). I've been using it to read my wort temps while cooling, my traditional thermometer is pretty cheasy so I don't have a great feel on accuracy. Anyone have experience with them?

I have an IR thermometer. First off, they are generally not all that accurate. I don't recall the specs, but it's something like +/- 2*F which is a lot. I have found them handy for getting a quick no-touch reading on a fermenter. I only need an approximate temp when pitching the yeast. Same when I'm cooling the wort. I measure the wort temp coming out of the chiller with an IR unit. Steam and vapor can interfere with readings and they only read the surface temperature of an object. They don't work well on reflective surfaces like the side of a keg or kettle. I like to use it for checking the temp of starter wort in the flask after boiling. It works very well for that. It's good for checking oven temps when baking. It's a handy tool with somewhat limited uses for brewing.

 

[brrit]

Just ordered mine. Thanks for the suggestions folks!

 

[mdgagne]

I have an IR thermometer. First off, they are generally not all that accurate. I don't recall the specs, but it's something like +/- 2*F which is a lot. I have found them handy for getting a quick no-touch reading on a fermenter. I only need an approximate temp when pitching the yeast. Same when I'm cooling the wort. I measure the wort temp coming out of the chiller with an IR unit. Steam and vapor can interfere with readings and they only read the surface temperature of an object. They don't work well on reflective surfaces like the side of a keg or kettle. I like to use it for checking the temp of starter wort in the flask after boiling. It works very well for that. It's good for checking oven temps when baking. It's a handy tool with somewhat limited uses for brewing.

Agreed, I like using the IR thermometer for the Same applications becuase it's just more convenient and a couple degrees of accuracy is worth sacrificing.

 

[stamandster]

I got my CDN that was suggested and it's awesome! Worked perfectly! Thanks again!

 

[corncob]

I had a CDN (Cooks magazine recommendation) for several years and made lots of good beer with it. But my father in law dropped in in a pot of 150-degree water while scalding chickens, then my pregnant wife dropped it on its probe--and it gave up.

Many good years of service for a $25 investment, although I never had a way to check against anything more accurate (they are rated at +/- 2 degrees, I think).

I just ordered a Thermapen.