[narcout]

I may be more anal than most about sampling temps in a number of spots, that could partially explain my different experience.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I take temperature readings in multiple areas of the mash tun.  If the difference in temp is more than 1 degree, I continue gently stirring until it isn't.

[denny]

   No offense was taken [at least not by me, the inanimate object I'm sure has no feelings to hurt]. I do stir pretty thoroughly but not continuously. I always can find spots with a temperature several degrees higher or lower than the bulk of the mash, as I said usually not more than 5 degrees but occasionally as much as 10 or 15 degrees. It probably isn't an ideal situation, but I don't freak out about it. I may be more anal than most about sampling temps in a number of spots, that could partially explain my different experience.

Ya know, it just doesn't matter all that much.   I can pretty much assure you that most commercial breweries aren't any more accurate than that.

[ynotbrusum]

   No offense was taken [at least not by me, the inanimate object I'm sure has no feelings to hurt]. I do stir pretty thoroughly but not continuously. I always can find spots with a temperature several degrees higher or lower than the bulk of the mash, as I said usually not more than 5 degrees but occasionally as much as 10 or 15 degrees. It probably isn't an ideal situation, but I don't freak out about it. I may be more anal than most about sampling temps in a number of spots, that could partially explain my different experience.

Ya know, it just doesn't matter all that much.   I can pretty much assure you that most commercial breweries aren't any more accurate than that.

But the recirc methods are, like PICO Brew, right?  That's what I keep telling my wife why I need to buy the Z!!!!!

[denny]

But the recirc methods are, like PICO Brew, right?  That's what I keep telling my wife why I need to buy the Z!!!!!

Even a recirc system will vary a bit...it just doesn't matter!