Infrared Thermometer

[Bluejaye]

Does anyone have any experience with something like this for measuring temperature?

http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity%C2%AE-No ... r+infrared

I just bought the Big Mouth Bubbler from NB, and one of the comments (which I can confirm now) is that the typical "stick on" fermometer's / brew strip thermometers don't really fit because of the ridges. I was thinking this might work, since it used infrared light and not UV, and the fermentor is glass. But, what the heck do I know!?!

I'm looking to measure the temperature during fermentation, so I can't be opening the lid and sticking in a probe.

[Beer-lord]

I have a different brand that I quit using because the temperature was all over the place. It was a highly reviewed brand but many did mention it's not very accurate with liquid temperature.
Maybe some are better with liquids than others.

[mtsoxfan]

I have one, but only use it for Shi$$ and giggles. The one I have is not good at reading temps on shiney objects like SS or clearer liquids. On my darker brews, it gets pretty darn close to my digital. Personally, I would not trust it. Go digital or go home...

[Gymrat]

The problem with infrared thermometers is they only measure the surface. That is pretty much useless in brewing. You need to know what is going on inside the mash or the wort.

[BigPapaG]

I have a similar one...

As others have said, it's not so good for wort temps (lthough if it's murky and you stir well and read the top of the liquid it's close...)

I do use it to get a relative temp on the outside of my carboys during fermentation...

It's at least as good as the stickon thermostrips... I think a bit better.

Also good for solid surface temps, temps at up to an 8' distance, surface temp of foods (although a real thermometer is advised here)...

I have also used it when I thought my dog was sick, to read his butt temp... Don't judge... I love my dog but that's as close as I want to get to his nethers...

[Bluejaye]

I do use it to get a relative temp on the outside of my carboys during fermentation...

It's at least as good as the stickon thermostrips... I think a bit better.

Thanks. This is pretty much the only reason I want it, to adjust the Johnson Controller during fermentation to keep the temperature during active fermentation in optimal range. So if it's as good as the stickon thermometers, it's good enough.