Best Way To Measure Temperature

[MoreBeerEh]

The recipe I got says to heat 2 gallons of water up to 155 degrees F. What is the best way to measure that? I have that big thermometer that came with the kit. Do I use that?

[BeerBelly]

Yes use it. It should be a floating thermometer. I dont leave mine in the pot but dip it in to check it. Dont forget to take hydrometer readings, when you have questions later everyone will ask for OG and FG.

[Brownbeard]

SWMBO got me a digital thermometer for christmas. I am looking forward to giving it a try.

[MoreBeerEh]

I've actually got one of those things that you use on the grill to flip meat and stuff but it is a digital thermometer as well. You know, the 2 prong fork thing. I could use that too.

[Fast_Eddy]

You have to stir/mix a liquid that is being directionally heated to get a true metric of the temperature. I've taken to giving a liquid a good stir and taking the temp in the edge parts of the swirl.

[Beerconnoisseur]

Originally posted by BeerBelly
Yes use it. It should be a floating thermometer. I dont leave mine in the pot but dip it in to check it. Dont forget to take hydrometer readings, when you have questions later everyone will ask for OG and FG.

Gravity readings will be affected by temperature, so record the temp when you take the gravity reading, so you can find the correct SG using ProMash, or other brewing calculators.

[MoreBeerEh]

Ok. I'm really confused now. What exactly does the hydrometer measure? If I keep it at 155 deg, is that all? When I said big thermometer, I meant the hydrometer so all I have is the thermometer for grilling which will give me a reading of the temp. What do I need to look for on the hydrometer?

[Jughead]

John Palmer has an online reference for new brewers. Check out the section on hydrometers:

http://www.howtobrew.com/appendices/appendixA.html