Anybody have a good recommendation on a thermometer?
I have had issues with the longevity of 2 digital ones, and have gone back to my glass floating thermometer (similar to:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/floating-thermometer.html). In calculating grain temperature to estimate strike water my digital was reading 85 degrees and the floating 65 degrees (which was closer to the room temperature of the basement. Using the floater I seem to be able to hit all my target temps, hit my estimated gravities based on a good extract efficiency. Based solely on this, I am assuming that it is working.
I got away from this exact floating glass one when I had different readings between it and 2 laboratory glass thermometer (similar to
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/lab-thermometer.html). I probably am leaning in the route of another glass one in case this one breaks or to estimate whether it has become somewhat compromised. I would like to be able to check its accuracy with another thermometer or a method around the critical temperatures (50 to 195 degrees). It seems that the thermometers I have used are either accurate at the lower end or the higher end.
Even though I have had rotten luck with digitals, I love the ability to probe and get a reading. So, if you think that you have a great digital, please let me know.
Thanks
Ben