Flue Thermometer Question

[pcs2011]

From reading various posts it seems like a combination of a probe type thermometer in the flue pipe and a magnetic thermometer on the top of the stove would be a help in starting and maintaining a good burn in a wood stove.

Can someone recommend a brand and model for each?. I have read about the Condar probe. Is there others that you would recommend?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[begreen]

If you can locate the older style Condar 3-19, that would be my preference for the probe thermometer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGaTL5hys-Q

 

[pcs2011]

If you can locate the older style Condar 3-19, that would be my preference for the probe thermometer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGaTL5hys-Q

BeGreen - Thanks for the reply. Very interesting test! I'll continue to do more research..................

Pete

 

[Swedishchef]

I find that most probes are decent...However Condar seem to be the most popular. I may try a new one this winter and compare it with my cheap $10 one. Just remember: they are a guide. The best way to tell if you're burning properly: clean glass, no smoke from the chimney (once the fire is going) and when you look down your chimney there's no buildup.

Happy burning!

Andrew

 

[Wood Heat Stoves]

That is the best combination, probe in the chimney (especially if you have double wall pipe) and surface on the stove. I vote for Condar, too.

 

[Todd]

Condar probes read a little high, I like the Drolet SBI probe I bought from Fleet Farm.

http://www.fleetfarm.com/catalog/pr...rolet-magnetic-chimney-thermometer-with-probe

 

[begreen]

A little? I did ok with the Drolet surface thermometer that I picked up as a gift for my friend's Morso. Good to hear that their probe is doing well too.

 

[firefighterjake]

I like my Condar thermometers . . . I cannot say for certain how accurate my Condar probe thermometer is without having a good way to measure it . . . but the Condar magnetic thermometer on my stove matches up to my IR thermometer reading . . . or at least very close.

 

[pcs2011]

I like my Condar thermometers . . . I cannot say for certain how accurate my Condar probe thermometer is without having a good way to measure it . . . but the Condar magnetic thermometer on my stove matches up to my IR thermometer reading . . . or at least very close.

Thanks for your reply Jake.

I'm going to look at a new Jotul F500 Oslo today. How do you like yours?

Pete

 

[firefighterjake]

I like my Condar thermometers . . . I cannot say for certain how accurate my Condar probe thermometer is without having a good way to measure it . . . but the Condar magnetic thermometer on my stove matches up to my IR thermometer reading . . . or at least very close.

Thanks for your reply Jake.

I'm going to look at a new Jotul F500 Oslo today. How do you like yours?

Pete

They'll have to pry my Oslo from my cold, dead hands.

Actually, I love it . . . this will be Year 4 with the Oslo with zero issues. Heats up well and holds the heat for a decent amount of time. Near bullet-proof and it looks sharp. Occasionally, I find myself looking at those mighty pretty looking soapstone woodstoves, but then I realize that the Oslo has really met all my needs, wants and desires . . . perhaps the only thing I would have done differently is gone with the blue black "enamel" instead of the matte black paint.

Pluses include a decent size woodbox -- when I work with my buddy his firewood looks so small in length compared to my wood . . . good viewing window which many folks may not think about, but is nice . . . and a functional ash pan.

The only two negatives I've found . . . and they're pretty low on the negative side . . . a) you will want to buy a tube of graphite powder since eventually you will need to remove the doghouse around the air control to lube up the air control lever as it can get a bit sticky and b) the design is made so that this stove has a slightly annoying habit of having ash build up near the front door which will spill out on to the front ash lip if you use the front door -- a fix that is remedied by using the side door (although Jotul says you should not use the side door if you have a corner install.)

 

[pcs2011]

I like my Condar thermometers . . . I cannot say for certain how accurate my Condar probe thermometer is without having a good way to measure it . . . but the Condar magnetic thermometer on my stove matches up to my IR thermometer reading . . . or at least very close.

Thanks for your reply Jake.

I'm going to look at a new Jotul F500 Oslo today. How do you like yours?

Pete

They'll have to pry my Oslo from my cold, dead hands.

Actually, I love it . . . this will be Year 4 with the Oslo with zero issues. Heats up well and holds the heat for a decent amount of time. Near bullet-proof and it looks sharp. Occasionally, I find myself looking at those mighty pretty looking soapstone woodstoves, but then I realize that the Oslo has really met all my needs, wants and desires . . . perhaps the only thing I would have done differently is gone with the blue black "enamel" instead of the matte black paint.

Pluses include a decent size woodbox -- when I work with my buddy his firewood looks so small in length compared to my wood . . . good viewing window which many folks may not think about, but is nice . . . and a functional ash pan.

The only two negatives I've found . . . and they're pretty low on the negative side . . . a) you will want to buy a tube of graphite powder since eventually you will need to remove the doghouse around the air control to lube up the air control lever as it can get a bit sticky and b) the design is made so that this stove has a slightly annoying habit of having ash build up near the front door which will spill out on to the front ash lip if you use the front door -- a fix that is remedied by using the side door (although Jotul says you should not use the side door if you have a corner install.)

Hey Jake - Thanks for the great info re air control lever lube. I will load using side door, but for starting up will probably use front door. Don't think this will be a problem.
Going to order Oslo soon. Having installers coming to check setup (hearth, flue, etc.). I have an 8" SS liner in an existing brick/tile chimney. I think the 8" is going to be too large...but we'll see.
Thanks again for the input!!
Pete