Thermometer Blues...

[Firemoss]

Another Noob question.

I'm still in the stage of learning how to make a good cup of tea. For this I am thankful for my scale and timer. My cheap thermometer, on the other hand: I'm not sure it's accurate and it's slow and annoying to use.
There is literally no place in Yukon to buy quality Anything. Every thermometer I've found is 3xoverpriced garbage.
I'm hoping someone can recommend a quality timer I can buy online. Perhaps a stainless steel one? I saw a pic one time of someone's timer and thermometer set--all stainless steel. The thermometer fit into a pen-stand on the timer. Anyone know about that one?

[Chip]

I have used this one for several years, I like its looks and function. It is also the fastest digital timer I have used. I would buy it again.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... DEQ8gIwAQ#

There is a matching timer as well ... which I purchased much later on.

[Bob_McBob]

CDN ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer

CDN TM8 timer

I can vouch for both the products and the eBay seller. Plus, free shipping to Canada. I don't use the thermometer (I have a nicer, more expensive one), but I have several of the timers and use them at home and work. I dropped one in a bucket of water the other day, and it's as good as new after disassembling and drying it out. CDN products are used fairly widely in the food service industry.

[Firemoss]

Thanks for the options and reviews, guys.
Bob, which is the "nicer, more expensive" thermometer you use? Just trying to look at as many options as possible.

[Bob_McBob]

Thanks for the options and reviews, guys.
Bob, which is the "nicer, more expensive" thermometer you use? Just trying to look at as many options as possible.

My kitchen thermometer is a Thermapen. It's the best instant read cooking thermometer you can get, but it costs $90, so I figured you probably wouldn't be interested. I don't think getting temp readings in 2 seconds makes as much of a difference for tea making.

[Chip]

That is a dangerous site for the electronic gadget addicted.

[wyardley]

I will also just add that you shouldn't feel that a thermometer is essential. Many of us manage all right without one.

[Chip]

I will also just add that you shouldn't feel that a thermometer is essential. Many of us manage all right without one.

Whether it is essential is up to the individual, clearly. The types of teas brewed will certainly come into play as well. If you are brewing oolongs and pu-erhs, there is no need for one. If you are brewing a lot of greens, it becomes more helpful.

To me it is essential. I enjoy using one and like being able to quantify parameters ... plus I like little electronic gadgets.

[Firemoss]

I agree...that page is dangerous. Thanks, Bob.

wyardley, I also agree that a thermometer isn't essential. But it sure helps! I brew a lot of greens and I find just a few degrees can make a big difference. I also don't like to waste samples by brewing them too hot/too cold...so the thermometer really helps me get the most out of the samples, as well.
One day I might be able to 'feel' the right temp, but for now, I go with gadget.

[Bob_McBob]

I find a thermometer very useful when brewing Japanese greens. It's not just being able to choose a brewing temperature, but also being able to repeatably brew at the same temperature, change it if necessary, and communicate this all clearly with others. A scale is useful in much the same way for all types of tea.