Which thermowell for thermoworks probe?

[DriveShaft]

Hey everyone,
I recently picked up some thermoworks probes:

Pro-Series® High Temp Straight Penetration Probe
(included with DOT). 4.5-inch length.

Pro-Series® High Temp Cooking Probe
(included with ChefAlarm) . 6 inch length.

I want to use these probes with thermowells on my HLT and MLT. Does anyone have either of these products with a thermowell? Which did you use? I want the thermowell to be weldless if possible.

I am not sure what size to go with because I know they need to bottom out within the thermowell and I do not want to buy the wrong sizes. Also the 6 inch probe has a 90 degree curve near the base that makes sizing the thermowell difficult. Should I buy a smaller thermowell than the probe length to ensure they bottom out?

I also considered going the compression fitting route, but I am worried of the probes being damaged by the mash paddle.

Thanks in advance!

 

[day_trippr]

[...]Should I buy a smaller thermowell than the probe length to ensure they bottom out?[...]

Don't know about the rest, but that aspect seems mandatory...

Cheers!

 

[DriveShaft]

Ok thanks! Ill try getting some slightly smaller thermowells than my probes then.

 

[day_trippr]

I wouldn't be so reluctant to go with compression fittings that leave ss probes exposed to the wraths of a kettle spoon.
If you use silicone o-rings instead of the ss compression rings (I really recommend this) there's quite a lot of compliance available to take up some shock.
As long as you don't go all medieval on the probes I'd bet they'd hold up fine...

Cheers!

 

[cfrazier77]

Here is another option. http://www.thermoworks.com/TX-1002X-NP This is a waterproof probe that I use with my chefalarm in my HLT. This would allow you to bypass the thermowell.

 

[dmcman73]

Second vote for a compression fitting for the probe.

 

[DriveShaft]

If you use silicone o-rings instead of the ss compression rings

What do you mean by using silicone o-rings? Do you mean buying a compression fitting and putting little silicone rings around the temperature probe needle inside of the kettle?

I was thinking of getting something like this: http://www.brewhardware.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Pcomp4&CartID=3. The PCOMP4 one.

Thanks again everyone for all the help!

 

[day_trippr]

Yes, exactly.

Cheers!