Thermoworks products

[kenpotf]

All,

I'm looking to buy a thermapen, but I just saw another thermometer on Thermoworks site that costs about $80 less.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt301wa.html

It reads about 2 seconds slower, but will it be just as accurate as their Thermapen product?

Thanks!

 

[SkipperNC]

I have a standard digital waterproof thermometer, similar to what you linked. It was very cheap. It has about a 6 second read time. I hate it. I really, really wish I had gotten something faster, like the Thermopen. They can all be accurate, but they usually all should be calibrated prior to use, and occasionally after that.

The problem with the slower reading:
*check mash temp on edge*
*check mash temp in middle*
*check mash temp inbetween*
*get annoyed with the slow display time*
*close the mash tun and not even worry if you are close to temp*

It's annoying, especially so because you want as much of the probe as possible in the liquid, and with mine being similar to the one you posted, that's longer that your fingers are in close contact with very hot liquid.

 

[Veedo]

All,

I'm looking to buy a thermapen, but I just saw another thermometer on Thermoworks site that costs about $80 less.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt301wa.html

It reads about 2 seconds slower, but will it be just as accurate as their Thermapen product?

Thanks!

Thats the one i use, works great i think. Plenty fast enough for me!

 

[RmikeVT]

I can't justify $80 bucks for a thermometer, so I got this guy (see link below). Its accurate within +-1.8 degrees. I know a 1.8 swing either way is a big deal for a lot of people, but I don't care. I have tested against some other thermometers I have and this one hits 212 when water boils and 32/33 in ice water bath.

I think the Thermopen is accurate within +- .7 degrees -- that is what you pay for is the accuracy and small range.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt600b.html

 

[homebeerbrewer]

I use this, with the 12" version of this probe.

Works great, but a little pricey.

 

[michaeltrego]

I use this, with the 12" version of this probe.

Works great, but a little pricey.

Ditto on the MTC - love it. And I use this PTFE probe 113-372-T, long flexible and waterproof. Makes it easy to spot check temps at any depth in any vessel (or fridge/freezer) with the lid closed.

 

[ktblunden]

I use this, with the 12" version of this probe.

Works great, but a little pricey.

Kinda seems like you're close to Thermapen pricing at that point.

I've had the RT600C for a couple years now and while the website claims 5-6 sec read time I find it to be a lot less than that typically. The one complaint I have with it is it doesn't have an auto-off. I drained the battery once by forgetting to turn it off.

 

[atom]

I can't justify $80 bucks for a thermometer, so I got this guy (see link below). Its accurate within +-1.8 degrees. I know a 1.8 swing either way is a big deal for a lot of people, but I don't care. I have tested against some other thermometers I have and this one hits 212 when water boils and 32/33 in ice water bath.

I think the Thermopen is accurate within +- .7 degrees -- that is what you pay for is the accuracy and small range.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt600b.html

i just got that one and will be testing it with a batch this weekend. i couldn't justify close to $100 for the thermapen either. i just hope this is more accurate than the piece of **** i got from target that i know know was reading 10 degrees too high...

 

[the_bird]

I'm sure the $20 thermo is fine, but it's not a Thermapen. It's a different technology.

With that said, I'd love a Thermapen but my $15 Target digital pen thermo works quite well for me.

EDIT: I've had a few digital thermos that sucked, but this one:

... has always worked well for me and been accurate. I did have to replace it once; IIRC, some wort got in the battery compartment and caused it to corrode.

 

[Wynne-R]

I have this one:
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/alarm/oven_temp_timer.html

It’s a thermometer with a count up timer and an alarm for a preset temperature. It’s handy for avoiding overshooting strike temp and warning you of impending boil.

I have the RT600B too, I wouldn’t worry about the battery life. I’m always forgetting to turn it off and the battery lasts three or four months.

The accuracy on these is better than the spec, probably 1ºF or better. The company has frequent sales and will send you emails to tell you about them.

 

[zebbielm12]

I bought a Thermapen after killing 2 $20 thermometers. I figure it will be worth it in the long run if it lasts. Great product, I use it for cooking too.

 

[jbsengineer]

If you subscribe to the Thermoworks newsletters, they often have clearance sales on overstocked Thermopens. I grabbed a few of them for $59. Great gifts. I use mine for cooking and brewing.

 

[kenpotf]

Thanks everyone! I ended up going with this one:

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt600b.html

I'm sure it has to be better than the Taylor one that I have now. If not, I'll fork over the money for a Thermapen, but we'll see