Stc probe

[PD]

I will be using one of the above for my fermentation cabinet ( fridge ). It comes with a standard probe with a small shiny end, which does not look waterproof at all.
As a result I will be taping it to the side of my plastic fermenter or hang it loose in fridge for use with bottles. It will be controlling a little tubular heater.
Can I buy a better type of probe that is liquid proof and can be placed inside the fermenter directly into the wort.
If so which one and where from please.

 

[sam.k]

You can get plastic covered ones as I use one in my marine aquarium.

 

[captain wassname]

A block of lard is good way to monitor fridge temp just stick the probe in.
Its a method I used to check fridge temps when I was in the catering game.This should give a temp reading which is the same as your beer.

Jim

 

[PD]

thats a novel idea.....

 

[jonnymorris]

I tape mine to the side of the FV insulated with some bubble wrap though I'm sure you could put it in the brew if you really wanted to.

 

[PD]

this is the type of probe I was thinking of. No fears if it drops into the fermenting brew and can easily be rinsed in star san or similar

http://shop.logicenergy.com/products/te ... thermistor

 

[rpt]

I also just tape mine to the side of the FV and cover with some bubble wrap. Why do you need to have it in the FV? It's another infection risk and I don't see the benefit.

 

[dennisking]

I also just tape mine to the side of the FV and cover with some bubble wrap. Why do you need to have it in the FV? It's another infection risk and I don't see the benefit.

I do the same. When I first started doing it I kept taking the wort temperature with a thermometer so I'm happy its keeping the constant temperature I want.

 

[PD]

quote...

Why do you need to have it in the FV? It's another infection risk and I don't see the benefit.

Infection risk is very low if the probe is sterile before insertion, and having it inserted into the actual liquid to be measured would give a more accurate temp of the brew...thats the benefit...

However whether such accuracy is needed I'm not sure, and for bottle conditioning is certainly not needed... however for fermentation temp control the more accurate control the better I would have thought..

Is taping to the side of the fv inside a warm fermenting cupboard sufficient ?

 

[rpt]

Infection risk is very low if the probe is sterile before insertion, and having it inserted into the actual liquid to be measured would give a more accurate temp of the brew...thats the benefit...

I doubt it would make much difference. Due to its thermal mass, the temperature of the wort won't be changing very quickly so the difference between the temperature inside the wort and on the surface of the FV will be very small.

 

[PD]

muchos gracious..... :

 

[bunkerbrewer]

rpt is completely right. Like many others I've got the STC probe taped to the side of the FV under bubble wrap.

A couple times when I've been bored I've dipped a sanitised thermometer probe into the middle of the wort - the measured temperature was only 0.1°C different from the temperature on the STC display!

 

[graysalchemy]

Mine just measures the air temp but then I use a thermometer everyday to check it is within range. It is the first few days when the temp can creep up above your intended temp. Mine went from 19 to 22 overnight, even though the temp controller was set at 20c.

 

[rpt]

If the probe only measures the air temperature then there will be a lag before the wort catches up. So it does really need to be in contact with the FV. The bubble wrap is to insulate it from air temperature changes, although whether it really makes much difference I'm not sure.

 

[PD]

well the forums saved me some more money...... :thumb:

 

[captain wassname]

Im mortified that you have not seen the clear advantages of the block of lard.
Technically it is at least equal to other solutions.
It is enviromentally friendly (no bubble wrap or sellotape)
The game is to replace it as it approaches its sellby date which makes it FREE
It is then used to make hot water pastry which is then used to make something that should be loved by all beer drinkers,that is PORK PIES. :grin: :grin:

Jim

 

[PD]

quote...
Im mortified that you have not seen the clear advantages of the block of lard

I have indeed seen the advantages of using Lard. Although what it would do for my street cred when showing friends around, I hazard to guess....

 

[graysalchemy]

Please don't get upset if people haven't seen the virtues of your method captain wassname.

Though it may well work in the catering industry there is one fundamental floor with your idea. Beer fermentation is exothermic and actually gives off heat so the temp of a block lump of lard will not be the same as a large mass of fermenting liquid.

But I agree pork pies are a must with a beer. :thumb:

 

[PD]

er floor ?...

flaw..... :party:

 

[graysalchemy]

er floor ?...

flaw..... :party:

Thats my flaw then Captain Spelling :lol: :lol: