I would like to add thermometer to my Igloo cooler mash tun. Any advice?
IMHO, I found that buying a stainless steel thermometer that you could attach to a mash tun isn’t worth the money, time and effort since it only measures the temp in that one spot. In order to read accurately you need to circulate the wort. If you’re going to lift the lid to circulate the wort you might as well use an inexpensive floating thermometer, or one of those thermapen digital ones.
Considering the time and effort I put into installing a fixed thermometer on my mash tun I could have used that time and energy to brew a couple batches instead.
I agree with the advice above. I prefer to be able to measure in a number of places.
I have the InfuSSion 20 gallon mash tun and the thermometer is nice, but I still confirm spot checking with a Thermapen…unless I am doing a Recirc mash.
My practice is to stir my mash about 15 minutes in and then run my thermapen digital thermometer around as if I was stirring some more with it. I know that recirculating mashes is in vogue now but I’ve so far avoided the expense of a pump and rims tube (or whatever heating method) as I’d rather spend my money on ingredients than equipment.
I removed the thermometer on my 10 gal Infussion. I don’t want it interfering with the Brew Bag. I use the controller readout for RIMS temp probe as my temp readings.
I also don’t believe an installed thermometer is worth the cost or effort. I stir my mash and like chinasky, I take temperature readings while constantly moving the thermometer. Plus, IMHO, an installed thermometer would get in the way of a good stir.