First thermocouple purchase


 

Bill Herbert

TVWBB Member
Hey folks, looking to buy a thermocouple probe. Searching for an "isolated" thermocouple on amazon isn't terribly helpful. This one: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B076PBC7DH/tvwb-20 says its grounded. What do you all think? I don't want to spend 60 dollars on a temperature probe. Also, once I receive said probe, is it ok to put the steel probe part in boiling water for calibration and testing purposes? I've only ever used thermistor probes in the past.

Thanks!
 
I use wire thermocouples from eBay that cost a few dollars. The ones rated for 550c or higher should cover all your grill and smoker needs.

Here is a 10 pack of 2 meter, 700c (1300f) probes for less than $15. They are thin, flexible, easy to run anywhere, and they react very quickly.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/10Pieces-Min...m=122417297419&_trksid=p2056116.c100935.m2460

Here is a 5 pack for less than $8.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-2M-K-Type-Mini-Connector-Thermocouple-Temperature-Probe-Sensor-50-700-C/282124957588?hash=item41aff53794:g:jLIAAOSwdzVXpZrO

Edit: can’t get the links to paste right, but you should be able to search and find them. They come in 1m, 2m and longer lengths. Just watch the temp rating as some are only 300 or 400c.
 
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I would say those bare wire thermocouples react too quickly for stable temps though. I've done testing with them and I see a ton of fluctuation in the temperature as small whiffs of slightly hotter air passes them. It makes the pit extremely hard to control if the temperature is bouncing around by 0.2-0.5F on every reading. They are also bare wires on the end so they are not isolated, which is fine as long as nothing comes in contact with them that can conduct electricity. I've had some success wrapping the tip in a little kapton tape then placing them inside a crimped aluminum tube though.

The one you linked looks ok, although there is no way of knowing if it is isolated inside the metal tip, which would make the whole braid and everything conductive as well and be unsuitable. It can be placed in water usually, up to where the threading starts, as the tubes are watertight as long as there is no manufacturing defects.
 
Hmmm, they do react fast, but I have not had any issues holding set temperatures within a couple of degrees. Your software and the right settings handle it well and the HM doesn't make too many/too frequent servo or fan adjustments for me.
 
Hey folks, looking to buy a thermocouple probe. Searching for an "isolated" thermocouple on amazon isn't terribly helpful. This one: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B076PBC7DH/tvwb-20 says its grounded. What do you all think? I don't want to spend 60 dollars on a temperature probe. Also, once I receive said probe, is it ok to put the steel probe part in boiling water for calibration and testing purposes? I've only ever used thermistor probes in the past.

Thanks!

I just bought this same exact probe. Will giving it a run in the next week or so.
 

 

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