Accuracy of stick on fermentation thermometer

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by meter_, Dec 18, 2015.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. meter_

    meter_ Initiate (0) Oct 14, 2015 New York

    I have one of these things stuck on the side of my better bottle:

    http://shop.greatfermentations.com/...-accessories?gclid=CJOU-M_s5ckCFQ0XHwodjj4N5w

    I read that the actual temp of the fermenting wort is ~5F higher than the ambient temperature of the room. Should i trust that the stick on thermometer is giving an accurate reading of the wort, or is more likely giving the ambient temperature of the room? I'd really like to dial in a perfect consistent ferm temp for my next brew.

    Also, when the yeast package says the fermentation temperature as Temperature Range: 60-72F

    Does that mean the ambient room temperature should be in that range, meaning the yeast company builds in the ~5F increase from fermentation, or that then wort should be in that range?
     
    #1 meter_, Dec 18, 2015
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2015
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Stick-ons can be fairly good. Within a couple of degrees.

    If you want a consistent temp, you need more than just a thermometer. You need some way of controlling the temperature. That said, if you want the most accurate temperature reading, consider a temperature probe in a thermowell that goes into the wort. The temperature probe could be part of a temperature controller that's controlling a heating or cooling source.

    That refers to the temperature of the wort/beer.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Dec 18, 2015
  3. invertalon

    invertalon Pooh-Bah (2,249) Jan 27, 2009 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Checked against a calibrated (and verified) thermometer, one of mine read +2F higher and another +3F higher than the fluid temp inside.
     
    #3 invertalon, Dec 18, 2015
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.