Infra Red Thermometers

[Paul H]

Hey guys,
Has anyone used any of the infra red thermometers that are available similar to this one http://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=2778 . ATM I adjust the temp of my fermenting fridges using a less than scientific manner but would like to get a better idea of the exothermic reactions taking place.

:icon_cheers:

Paul

 

[Aus_Rider_22]

I am interested as well.

I was using the stick thermometer from CBer but due to a recent accident with it it is broken. I am considering lashing out on the infra red thermometer too.

 

[JestersDarts]

I am interested as well.

I was using the stick thermometer from CBer but due to a recent accident with it it is broken. I am considering lashing out on the infra red thermometer too.

I had one of these. The idea of point, shoot, and read temperature IS a good one, but in reality, they didnt work that well for me to be happy with its accuracy.

They are good for finding hot spots, if it has a max/min display, as you can point it at something, and wave it around - you'll get the hottest temp of that object.

You have to be mindful of the distance you are measuring from, they usually have a 12:1 distance to spot area ratio, so you dont want to be too far away, other wise it will be wildly measuring a really large surface area - all increasing inaccuracy.

They don't read well against shiny surfaces, and only take the surface temp of objects.

Something to think about.

 

[Aus_Rider_22]

I had one of these. The idea of point, shoot, and read temperature IS a good one, but in reality, they didnt work that well for me to be happy with its accuracy.

They are good for finding hot spots, if it has a max/min display, as you can point it at something, and wave it around - you'll get the hottest temp of that object.

You have to be mindful of the distance you are measuring from, they usually have a 12:1 distance to spot area ratio, so you dont want to be too far away, other wise it will be wildly measuring a really large surface area - all increasing inaccuracy.

They don't read well against shiny surfaces, and only take the surface temp of objects.

Something to think about.

Just the reply I was after. :icon_cheers:

I have temp control and a thermometer in my ferment fridge, so the thing I was going to use the infra red thermometer for was pointing and measuring the wort during mashing in/out. I had previously used this. I would get a square piece of styrofoam and push the pointed metal stick through it so it would float nicely in the wort with the metal piece submerged in the wort and the round face would be above the foam and out of the liquid. By giving the wort a good stir and placing floating thermometer in it I could get the temp within 30-45 seconds.

This was fine until my thermometer broke. If the pointing thermometer would read the temp of the wort instantly then I would be willing to shell out the extra for the convenience. The only negative would be the surface of the wort could be a degree or 2 difference a few inches under the surface etc..

Cheers! :icon_cheers:

 

[Bribie G]

I've got one and it's great for point and shoot at a fermenter or cube to see what the temp is sitting at. However you need to shoot it a few times before it 'settles' down to a reading. You tend to get things like "18.2 17.5 17.9 17.9 17.9" Then you know you're there. Battery lasts about a year, 9v jobbie.

I'd be really lost without mine as I still do a lot of fermenting under doonah with ice brick. However as stated it's absolutely useless for shiny surfaces, strike water, mash temps etc so I use the stick therm for that.

Ross reckons you can shoot it at SWMBO to see if she's receptive h34r:

 

[Aus_Rider_22]

I'd be really lost without mine as I still do a lot of fermenting under doonah with ice brick. However as stated it's absolutely useless for shiny surfaces, strike water, mash temps etc so I use the stick therm for that.

Just what I was looking for, Michael. :icon_cheers:

Just noticed they are sold out. <_<

 

[MaltyHops]

I splurged on a CPS one like that below when I was doing a prevoc sparky/fridgy
TAFE course on discount - shiny surfaces are a problem but just stick some
masking tape wherever required and it will read fairly well - seems to work well
enough on boiling liquids. Guess these type of thermo only read the surface temp
(but probably close enough anyway) but the convenience and non-contact reading
well makes up for it. Mine has an input socket in any case for a thermo probe.

T.

CPS TMINI12

...
However as stated it's absolutely useless for shiny surfaces, strike water, mash temps etc so I use the stick therm for that.
...

 

[Batz]

I have a couple of very good quality ones I used at work for checking bearing temperatures. I use it to check the temperature of my wort when chilling, it's a handy bit of gear but I'm not sure I'll pay $70.00 for the one pictured.

Batz

Edit: Mine is similar to the link Malty posted.