Infrared Thermometers

[Amber Fluid]

I am in need of a thermometer for checking the temperture of hot wort and have thought about the Infrared types but have no idea if they are useful for this application.

How practicle is using an Infrared Thermometer in hot wort?
Are they accurate compared to the standard type or are they the same?

Are there any recommendations as to which one I should lean toward getting?

 

[DUANNE]

i use one for double checking the wort temp in the fermentor as i dont trust the stick on thermo.so far it seems to agree with my stc 1000 on temps and up to 3 degrees out compared to the stick on pos. also i use mine to check water temps and such when mixing finings and starter wort temps when chilling in the sink. it seems pretty accurate for all that but im not sure id trust it for mash temps though. i have one of the cheapys from ebay btw.

 

[Mclovin]

I use an IR thermometer for my brewing, handy az!. But i would stick to the better known brands, mine is a Fluke HVAC pro. They cost a bit at around $200 but i use it in my line of work. :icon_cheers:

 

[davewaldo]

If looking for a quality inexpensive thermometer you can't go past this one: Hanna Check Temp

Its very accurate. I've tested mine in ice slurry and boiling water and it comes in on the dot. Nice to know I now have highly accurate measurements.

 

[Amber Fluid]

Thanks Davewaldo, I think you have convinced me to get one of these instead.
They appear to be able to measure up to 150C so it should work for a mash, when I get around to AG too.

 

[Amber Fluid]

Actually I just found this which has a +/- 1 degree accuracy and is only $5.50 delivered. I might see how this goes first.

Link

 

[Aus_Rider_22]

I use that one in the above link. Seems reliable and accurate. I had thought about getting an inferred thermometer but was told that they are no good for reading the reflective fermentor surface?

 

[Bizier]

I can vouch for that cheap one being at least reasonable quality and durability considering the price, we have one at work, and it cops some abuse.

ED: though I would definitely like the Hanna one better, and will grab one of those when I next need a thermo.

 

[davelovesbeer]

These can be pretty accurate. I calibrate these at work, and they are accurate +/- 1C from 0 to 150C. However mine are a decent brand.

The only problem with measuring hot liquids is the steam stuffs it up. It condenses on the surfaces, and gives a false low result