# Thermometers? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Homebrew Discussion\ **Created:** [December 2, 2013, 8:48pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179 "2013-12-02T20:48:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bigd](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/bigd/32/4351_2.png) [@bigd](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/bigd)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 8:48pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/1 "2013-12-02T20:48:29Z")
What’s the best kind of thermometer to use for measuring mash temps?  I do extract brew mostly, with the occasional all grain in an Igloo cooler.  For my boils/cool downs in the kettle I have the blichman thermometer attached to the kettle, and that works well.  A while back I bought a cheap little electric one that ceased to allow me to calibrate it.  What’s the best bang for the buck? ---
**Author:** ![blatz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4da419/32.png) [@blatz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/blatz)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 8:50pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/2 "2013-12-02T20:50:42Z")
Thermapen.  Multi-functional - you can actually use it in the kitchen - I use mine almost everytime I cook. ---
**Author:** ![mtnrockhopper](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/mtnrockhopper/32/8305_2.png) [@mtnrockhopper](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/mtnrockhopper)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 8:56pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/3 "2013-12-02T20:56:28Z")
I like mine - it’s quick read, water resistant, and also has an IR temp reader. The IR reader is of minimal use, but it will read wort temperature through a carboy pretty well. The handheld probe (vs a termometer mounted in the tun wall) is good because you can move it around to see if temperatures are even. Remove the IR and it’s pretty similar to a thermapen, which is very popular. Edit: I forgot the link. [http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Professional-9306-Thermocouple-Thermometer/dp/B000XS7WTG/ref=cm\_cr\_pr\_product\_top](http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Professional-9306-Thermocouple-Thermometer/dp/B000XS7WTG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) And I also use it all the time for cooking. ---
**Author:** ![hjack](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/hjack/32/4692_2.png) [@hjack](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/hjack)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 9:00pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/4 "2013-12-02T21:00:36Z")
Thermapen ---
**Author:** ![tomsawyer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tomsawyer](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/tomsawyer)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 9:05pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/5 "2013-12-02T21:05:48Z")
Inexpensive bimetal thermometer.  Stir the mash good before taking readings.  Theres no real reason for super accuracy with a cooler MLT, there’ll be a little gradient across the mash anyway.  being within a degree or two of where you want, is fine. ---
**Author:** ![klickitat\_jim](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/klickitat_jim/32/6601_2.png) [@klickitat\_jim](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/klickitat_jim)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 9:48pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/6 "2013-12-02T21:48:46Z")
Installed brewmometer in 15 gallon SS MT. Only need to calibrate if you take it apart. ---
**Author:** ![denny](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/denny/32/13092_2.png) [@denny](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/denny)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 10:06pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/7 "2013-12-02T22:06:43Z")
> [@tomsawyer](#): > > Inexpensive bimetal thermometer.  Stir the mash good before taking readings.  Theres no real reason for super accuracy with a cooler MLT, there’ll be a little gradient across the mash anyway.  being within a degree or two of where you want, is fine. Agreed. ---
**Author:** ![scarper11](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/scarper11/32/8961_2.png) [@scarper11](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/scarper11)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/8 "2013-12-02T22:18:41Z")
> [@](#): > > Thermapen Third. Simple, fast, accurate, versatile, durable. ---
**Author:** ![kramerog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/kramerog/32/19_2.png) [@kramerog](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/kramerog)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 10:50pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/9 "2013-12-02T22:50:25Z")
To me the real value of a Thermapen in mashing is to figure out if you got a robust procedure for mixing your grains and water as evidenced by a fairly uniform temp distribution at the start of the mash (and a lack of malt/grain balls).  Now that I’ve figured out what works for me, I could get by with almost any accurate thermometer. ---
**Author:** ![jonhughey\_att.net](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/jonhughey_att.net/32/6277_2.png) [@jonhughey\_att.net](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/jonhughey_att.net)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2013, 10:58pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/10 "2013-12-02T22:58:20Z")
I posted a link to this thermometer last night in a different thread : > **[Traceable® Lollipop Shock/Waterproof Thermometer](https://www.thomassci.com/Instruments/Digital-Thermometers/_/Thomas-Traceable-Lollipop-ShockWaterproof-Thermometer/)** > > Ideal for indoor/outdoor use Minimum/maximum memory Temperature range is -58° to 572°F and -50° to 300°C Display Type: 3.5-digit LCD, 1/4" H digits Traceable® Lollipop... Can’t say enough good things about this one.  It’s affordable, NIST-traceable, and has a long stem (8") which reaches easily into the center of my mash cooler. I’ve checked it a few times against a laboratory reference thermometer and it stays within 1/2 a degree F. It sells on Amazon fairly often for even less. EDIT  -  I bought the cheaper of the two in this link. ---
**Author:** ![fmader](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/fmader/32/11371_2.png) [@fmader](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/fmader)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 1:32am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/11 "2013-12-03T01:32:40Z")
> [@](#): > > I posted a link to this thermometer last night in a different thread : > > [http://www.thomassci.com/Instruments/Digital-Thermometers/\_/Thomas-Traceable-Lollipop-ShockWaterproof-Thermometer/](http://www.thomassci.com/Instruments/Digital-Thermometers/_/Thomas-Traceable-Lollipop-ShockWaterproof-Thermometer/) > > Can’t say enough good things about this one.  It’s affordable, NIST-traceable, and has a long stem (8") which reaches easily into the center of my mash cooler. I’ve checked it a few times against a laboratory reference thermometer and it stays within 1/2 a degree F. It sells on Amazon fairly often for even less. > > EDIT  -  I bought the cheaper of the two in this link. And I seconded this last night too! Quality piece of equipment! ---
**Author:** ![jonhughey\_att.net](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/jonhughey_att.net/32/6277_2.png) [@jonhughey\_att.net](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/jonhughey_att.net)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 1:40am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/12 "2013-12-03T01:40:05Z")
Love mine ! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/1X/f1a2211dcb353b921ed70873794a31db2031eccc.png) [@system](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/system)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 5:42am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/13 "2013-12-03T05:42:02Z")
I use one of these for the mash temps.  You can toss the probe into the middle of the mash and leave it with a lid on:  [http://www.amazon.com/Polder-Digital-In-Oven-Thermometer-Graphite/dp/B000P6FLOY](http://www.amazon.com/Polder-Digital-In-Oven-Thermometer-Graphite/dp/B000P6FLOY) Thermapen for everything else. ---
**Author:** ![theoman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/theoman/32/11676_2.png) [@theoman](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/theoman)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 9:44am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/14 "2013-12-03T09:44:33Z")
Super happy with my narwhal (what my wife calls my Thermapen). ---
**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/1X/f1a2211dcb353b921ed70873794a31db2031eccc.png) [@system](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/system)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 10:53am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/15 "2013-12-03T10:53:00Z")
Glass lab thermometer. Very accurate, fast reading, and costs ~$7. ---
**Author:** ![singletrack\_brewer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@singletrack\_brewer](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/singletrack_brewer)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 11:41am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/16 "2013-12-03T11:41:56Z")
I have a different one from Thermoworks (Same folks that make the Thermapen) > **[Amazon.com: Gemonad ThermoWorks Super-Fast Mini Thermometer… : Home &...](https://www.amazon.com/Gemonad-RT616-ThermoWorks-Super-Fast-Thermometer/dp/B00DCCW5V0)** > > Buy Gemonad ThermoWorks Super-Fast Mini Thermometer…: Coasters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases I like it since I can put this one in my shirt pocket at the ready for taking temp readings during a brew day.  I’ve used it at home and at brew pub on our 7 bbl system. ---
**Author:** ![ynotbrusum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/ynotbrusum/32/10316_2.png) [@ynotbrusum](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/ynotbrusum)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 12:07pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/17 "2013-12-03T12:07:35Z")
Thermapen - it’s fast and reliable.  Any accurate one will do.  My Blichmann mounted brewmometer is not accurate all the time with mashing and it won’t detect hot or cold spots. ---
**Author:** ![tomsawyer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tomsawyer](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/tomsawyer)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/18 "2013-12-03T14:24:09Z")
NIST traceable sounds good except looking at the accuracy the one is 0.4C (about 1F) and the other is 1C (about 2F).  I think you can expect that from any bimetal thermometer, and if you can buy three or four for the price of one then you can own two and check them against each otehr and still be money ahead. Not only that but any bimetal has the tendency to go out of calibration with time, use and/or hard knocks. I do love my Blichman fermometers on the kettles.  Extremely handy. ---
**Author:** ![AmandaK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@AmandaK](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/AmandaK)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 2:29pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/19 "2013-12-03T14:29:52Z")
The Thermapen is great if you want to drop **$90** on a thermometer.  :o I use the RT600C from the same company. $19. I also use it for cooking. Unless it’s in the oven, then I use ThermoWorks TW362B. Also $19. Stab the probe into a cut of meat, set the alarm for the correct temp, it bongs at you when you’re done. Easy peasy. [http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low\_cost/rt600c.html](http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt600c.html) [http://www.thermoworks.com/products/alarm/oven\_temp\_timer.html](http://www.thermoworks.com/products/alarm/oven_temp_timer.html) ---
**Author:** ![blatz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4da419/32.png) [@blatz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/blatz)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2013, 2:32pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179/20 "2013-12-03T14:32:55Z")
> [@](#): > > Glass lab thermometer. Very accurate, fast reading, and **costs ~$7**. are you sure that isn’t a ‘lab-type’ thermometer?  a lot of homebrew stores sell lab-type thermometers for cheap, but they are about as accurate as me sticking my finger in the mash and telling you what i think it is.  most true lab thermometers (NIST traceable, etc) are a bit more expensive. [Next page](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/thermometers/15179.md?page=2)