Hi,
I used a data logging thermometer from
ThermoWorks. The model number is 1305 and they're overstocked and on sale now for $350.
The unit will accept 2 k-type probes and can record up to 6000 temperature readings at a configurable interval (you can specify min:sec of the interval). Data is uploaded to a PC via serial cable using a software application that's included. Data pulls easily into Microsoft Excel for charting. It even has an output that can be wired to trigger an alarm or control a device based on temperature.
Now, let me make this point. By including that chart in my recent article on
Chuck Roll, I was not trying to suggest that everyone needs to go out and buy one of these things. In fact, often times I think we get too wound-up about temperature. Perhaps I contribute to this by putting tables of temperature readings in the articles I write. When I do that, all I'm trying to do is illustrate how the WSM performs, and I don't think it's necessary for the average person to measure cooker temperature every 15 minutes, like I sometimes do. Maybe I don't make that clear enough in the articles I write.
For me, I felt that I could justify the purchase of this data logging thermometer because it would allow me to better illustrate to readers how the cooker performs temperature-wise, even overnight when I can't be watching the cooker. I can also use it to conduct some well-documented temperature "experiments", for example measuring differences between using water vs. sand, top vs. bottom grates temps, etc.
Sorry for the long post, I just don't want anyone thinking that I'm trying to promote data logging thermometers as something that everyone should own.
Regards.
Chris
