Thermometers

[DNKDUKE]

Through the years of all grain brewing, I have used and thrown out several thermometers of various styles. The last batch I brewed I could not get three (3) different thermometers to agree and either undershot or overshot my mash temp - significantly.
I am tired of trying on my own, to find a good, reliable thermometer and I come to you in need of all y'alls opinion.

I need a good, reliable thermometer.
What thermometer do you use and why?

Thank you!

 

[kristiismean]

I only use Ashcroft 2" diameter dial thermometers (with 14" probe)

they are able to be calibrated.

They are calibrated yearly in an oil batch at 3 different temps, and have been fairly accurate for the past 3 years. (are only adjusted less than 2 degrees)

I use two, I use them together to make sure that they are both accurate, and when one is a little off, I re-adjust them using an ice batch and adjust the one that was off. If I did have to adjust one, I will use them both in the boil to ensure they are still both accurate.

I should go with a digital, But this is how I have always done it.

 

[Soulshine2]

Through the years of all grain brewing, I have used and thrown out several thermometers of various styles. The last batch I brewed I could not get three (3) different thermometers to agree and either undershot or overshot my mash temp - significantly.
I am tired of trying on my own, to find a good, reliable thermometer and I come to you in need of all y'alls opinion.

I need a good, reliable thermometer.
What thermometer do you use and why?

Thank you!

FWIW, I bought a Brew-mometer from my LHBS. Goes to 220*F . Comes with markings for ales,lagers, doughing in, steeping, boiling,and everything in between, etc...only thing I didn't care for is that the fitting on it isn't NPT 1/2 , and I had to buy an adapter fitting.
But to answer the other half of your question, it seems accurate.

 

[bluebarnaclebrewing]

I like this one http://www.thermoworks.com/RT600C

Cheap, waterproof, accurate and fast.

 

[RoadKing]

I have a couple of THESE I'm pretty rough on stuff and they hold up well. It can also be calibrated, but I never had to. I also bought the water proof needle probe for it, which is great 'cause I can throw it right in the mash or boil for accurate readings without having to read the little 3" dial thermometer affixed to the kettles.

 

[PlinyTheMiddleAged]

I like this one http://www.thermoworks.com/RT600C

Cheap, waterproof, accurate and fast.

Wow! Nice sale going on - $19 (regular price is $29). Hard to go wrong with Thermoworks. I have the Thermapen. I use the heck out of it for cooking, smoking, and brewing.

 

[bluebarnaclebrewing]

Wow! Nice sale going on - $19 (regular price is $29). Hard to go wrong with Thermoworks. I have the Thermapen. I use the heck out of it for cooking, smoking, and brewing.

It's the poor mans Thermapen. You're right you can't go wrong with thermoworks!

 

[indymedic]

I have this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NMYLXDY/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 It can be calibrated and its long so I can get it into the middle of my mash tun and fermenter. My only gripe is that it is not instant read. I have never timed it but it seems like it takes forever to equalize.

 

[Sadu]

I have one of these, very happy.
http://www.cooper-atkins.com/Products/Digitals/Digital_Pocket_Test_with_Temperature_Alarm_DFP450W/

Reasonably priced, dishwasher safe, which means you can accidentally drop it in the mash water. There is no facility to calibrate it - they say the calibration is guaranteed for lifetime. Not sure if this is a good or bad feature. The temps do match my other CDN thermometer which can be calibrated but is only splashproof and doesn't like being dropped in the mash.

 

[mikescooling]

At one point Thermapen was king, I don't know if anything has come along that's better. But the Thermapen IMHO is hard to beat. I've had the same one for years and it still works.

 

[Frodo]

Thermapen

Cause it's great.

 

[YeastFeast]

At one point Thermapen was king, I don't know if anything has come along that's better. But the Thermapen IMHO is hard to beat. I've had the same one for years and it still works.

I believe it still is KING.

 

[DNKDUKE]

Thanks everyone. I bought the $19 RT600 and will probably by the DOT with an upgraded bla bla bla........as I like the ones I can sit ontop of my mash tun

 

[bluebarnaclebrewing]

Good man. You'll be very happy with it.