Fermenter Thermometers

[Newb]

The stick-on thermometer which came with my kit has faded to nothing and needs replacing. I was wondering about using one of the basic digital probe thermometers inserted (somehow) into the side of my fermenter. It should give a good reading then, being directly in the brew, not just sampling from the outside.

If I were to do so can I get some suggestions of a mounting method? Would It be as simple as drilling a hole, sticking it in and sealing it up with some silicone? Would the silicone cause problems (might be a bit hard to clean)? Is there a better way or am I just over complicating things? These little units can be picked up for only a few dollars off ebay so it seems like a good way to get reliable temp monitoring.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Newb.

 

[argon]

The stick-on thermometer which came with my kit has faded to nothing and needs replacing. I was wondering about using one of the basic digital probe thermometers inserted (somehow) into the side of my fermenter. It should give a good reading then, being directly in the brew, not just sampling from the outside.

If I were to do so can I get some suggestions of a mounting method? Would It be as simple as drilling a hole, sticking it in and sealing it up with some silicone? Would the silicone cause problems (might be a bit hard to clean)? Is there a better way or am I just over complicating things? These little units can be picked up for only a few dollars off ebay so it seems like a good way to get reliable temp monitoring.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Newb.

Assuming you don't have mechanical/electrical temp control of your fermentation space?
Either way... get yourself an STC-1000 temp controller of ebay. one can be set up for about $30 if you buy everything new. Even if you don't use it to control your fermentation it's a pretty good and accurate thermometer.

If you decide to just get a digital thermo... there's still no need to stick it into the beer. Just attach it to the side of the fermenter and insulate it from the outside air with an old stubby holder and secure it with a piece of elastic around the body of the fermenter. This will give you a temp reading within +-0.1C of your beer inside the fermenter. You could just leave it there and turn it on when you want to take a reading and leave it off the rest of the time.

That is how i have mounted by temp controller probe and works very well.

 

[kevin_smevin]

Assuming you don't have mechanical/electrical temp control of your fermentation space?
Either way... get yourself an STC-1000 temp controller of ebay. one can be set up for about $30 if you buy everything new. Even if you don't use it to control your fermentation it's a pretty good and accurate thermometer.

If you decide to just get a digital thermo... there's still no need to stick it into the beer. Just attach it to the side of the fermenter and insulate it from the outside air with an old stubby holder and secure it with a piece of elastic around the body of the fermenter. This will give you a temp reading within +-0.1C of your beer inside the fermenter. You could just leave it there and turn it on when you want to take a reading and leave it off the rest of the time.

That is how i have mounted by temp controller probe and works very well.

Agreed. Get a temp controller. Another way to stick the probe right into the guts of your beer is to use one of these Stainless Fermentor Thermowell 3/8th diameter 400mm long (http://www.beerbelly.com.au/ferment.html) which work a treat.

 

[dent]

I use one of these $10 IR thermometers from Hobbycity - pretty handy for the price. Only downside is they don't seem to work with shiny metallic surfaces for some reason. I believe Gryphon brewing also sells the stainless thermowell tubes - I've seen them in use in combination with a dry silicone airlock.

 

[mattfos01]

The stick-on thermometer which came with my kit has faded to nothing and needs replacing. I was wondering about using one of the basic digital probe thermometers inserted (somehow) into the side of my fermenter. It should give a good reading then, being directly in the brew, not just sampling from the outside.

If I were to do so can I get some suggestions of a mounting method? Would It be as simple as drilling a hole, sticking it in and sealing it up with some silicone? Would the silicone cause problems (might be a bit hard to clean)? Is there a better way or am I just over complicating things? These little units can be picked up for only a few dollars off ebay so it seems like a good way to get reliable temp monitoring.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Newb.

Yeah, my temp control is basic, it consists of a soft sided 30l edit/cooler type bag which I put freezer blocks into. Anyway I use one of those small fish tank thermometers from hong kong / china. I put a small groove next to the grommet for the airlock where I run the cable. Pretty basic, but easy to keep an eye on the temp and low tech and low price.

 

[felten]

I'd get one of those stc-1000 and just attach the probe to the side of the fermenter with a bit of insulation (stubby holder, polystyrene) from the ambient air.

 

[QldKev]

For the fermentor just get one of these
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-Digital-LC...=item2a0ffe9b9c
The battery lasts a long time (I've had one a couple of years), and stick the probe to the outside, and cover.

The other good use for the STC-1000 is on brew day, I BIAB and rather than stand there with a crappy hand help thermometer, just throw the probe in the pot and from a distance you can see the temp.

QldKev

 

[jamiefbacon]

For the fermentor just get one of these
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-Digital-LC...=item2a0ffe9b9c
The battery lasts a long time (I've had one a couple of years), and stick the probe to the outside, and cover.

The other good use for the STC-1000 is on brew day, I BIAB and rather than stand there with a crappy hand help thermometer, just throw the probe in the pot and from a distance you can see the temp.

QldKev

Hey qldkev
Do you just use the prob that comes with the stc1000? And does it handle the heat up to 70 degrees ok?

 

[QldKev]

Hey qldkev
Do you just use the prob that comes with the stc1000? And does it handle the heat up to 70 degrees ok?

I've used mine up to mash out temps 78c, but they claim they are good for up to 99c

QldKev

 

[stux]

Agreed, if you have a digital temperature controller, just forget about the LCD thermometer and use the temp probe from the controller.

Either stick it to the side with insulation/bluetack/bungy cords, or submerse it with a thermowell through the lid (I love mine )

 

[benno1973]

I have a silicon bung that acts as a thermowell and an airlock. Gryphon brewing used to sell them, but I can't see them on his site any more...

 

[Newb]

Thanks again fellers, much appreciated.

QldKev - That little digital unit looks just the goods, don't know why ebay didn't turn that one up. As you (and just about everybody else) suggests, I'll just stick it to the outside of the drum and cover with a bit of neoprene. Perhaps if I decide to get a bit fancier later I'll get one of those Beerbelly thermowells as suggested by yum yum yum (is that enough yums?).

Cheers
Newb.

 

[QldKev]

Thanks again fellers, much appreciated.

QldKev - That little digital unit looks just the goods, don't know why ebay didn't turn that one up. As you (and just about everybody else) suggests, I'll just stick it to the outside of the drum and cover with a bit of neoprene. Perhaps if I decide to get a bit fancier later I'll get one of those Beerbelly thermowells as suggested by yum yum yum (is that enough yums?).

Cheers
Newb.

Have a hunt around, you will get them a bit cheaper, here is one company I have used
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-LCD-The...=item3a5e1618ed


Also the thermowell is great, but consider putting that money towards a fermenting fridge setup. Fridges are free/cheap, and a controller can be had for about $20. They make a huge difference; as long as you have the space for another fridge. I can honestly say I will never brew without a fermenting fridge again.

QldKev

 

[Newb]

Thanks mate, I picked it up from the original link, same product (looks the same) and apparently from here in OZ (maybe). I'm trying to keep things on the cheep at the moment but I'm not going to quibble over what is really only a few cents.

I actually picked up two. At that price they'll always come in handy. I bet I'll find a few uses for a digital thermo.

Yes a fridge would be nice but I'm trying to keep things low-key here and avoid going overboard, when it comes down to it, I'm just doing kits to get started.

Cheers
Newb

Have a hunt around, you will get them a bit cheaper, here is one company I have used
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-LCD-The...=item3a5e1618ed


Also the thermowell is great, but consider putting that money towards a fermenting fridge setup. Fridges are free/cheap, and a controller can be had for about $20. They make a huge difference; as long as you have the space for another fridge. I can honestly say I will never brew without a fermenting fridge again.

QldKev