Cheaper flue thermometer alternatives?

[kevk]

I have a wood stove with double-wall pipe, and I’ve been reading that I need to monitor the internal flue temperature. Apparently you’re supposed to use a special thermometer with a small probe that installs through a drilled 1/4" hole in the outer wall.

I checked Amazon and they’re like $40, which seems ridiculous for what it is. Is there a cheaper alternative or DIY option that works just as well?

 

[Todd]

Yeah they are all pretty close to $40 and they aren’t always very accurate. A lot of people here have gone to the digital Auber thermocouple probes that are much more accurate and quicker to react. But they do cost more.

 

[stoveliker]

Condar has them for $29.

Condar stovepipe probe thermometers

stovepipe probe thermometers

www.condar.com

 

[begreen]

^^*^^ If not going digital, get the Condar.

 

[stoveliker]

BTW, I once bought (cat probe) Condar thermometers on Amazon. From what was labeled as "the Condar store".
They kept shipping the wrong (length) ones. I returned 3 times.
Then I called Condar. Turns out the "Condar store" on Amazon is not Condar. They're upset about that but can't change it.
If you buy one, I suggest to directly buy from Condar (website above).
Small company, I believe in SC. Nice folks. You can even call in an order, reading your credit card number to them on the phone (at least that is what I was offered) .

 

[all night moe]

Turns out the "Condar store" on Amazon is not Condar

ScAmazon......I pretty much do 0 business with them.
I do my best to support businesses here.

 

[kevk]

^^*^^ If not going digital, get the Condar.

What about this brand?
IMPERIAL Flue-Gas Stove Pipe Probe Thermometer KAL KEM

 

[kborndale]

ScAmazon......I pretty much do 0 business with them.
I do my best to support businesses here.

I do a ton of business with Amazon. Most of the time they have the best price and many orders come the same day if not the next day. They employ an awful lot of people near me as well.

 

[reaperman1]

I have a wood stove with double-wall pipe, and I’ve been reading that I need to monitor the internal flue temperature. Apparently you’re supposed to use a special thermometer with a small probe that installs through a drilled 1/4" hole in the outer wall.

I checked Amazon and they’re like $40, which seems ridiculous for what it is. Is there a cheaper alternative or DIY option that works just as well?

You have a several thousand dollar system for heating your home. Now its time to make sure that system is being operated safely. Everyone with a wood stove in their home should also have a fire extinguisher handy. But more importantly, a probe is a device to help ensure you will never have to use your fire extinguisher.
Buy once, cry once.

Thermometer for Stove Pipe,Chimney,Outdoor Wood Boiler,w/ Alarm Thermometer for monitoring temperature on stove, chimney, or outdoor wood boiler [AT200CHIM] - $79.99 : Auber Instruments, Inc., Temperature control solutions for home and industry

This thermometer kit can be used for monitoring the temperature in stove pipes, chimneys, and outdoor wood boilers. This thermometer reads a thermocouple probe, shows the temperature on its red LED display, and makes a buzzing sound when temperature rises above the pre-set alarm temperature. For...

www.auberins.com

 

[begreen]

What about this brand?
IMPERIAL Flue-Gas Stove Pipe Probe Thermometer KAL KEM

Doe it have a guarantee or warranty? If it's not relatively accurate then it's a waste of money. I haven't tried it but had a couple like that, they were worthless.

 

[kevk]

Doe it have a guarantee or warranty? If it's not relatively accurate then it's a waste of money. I haven't tried it but had a couple like that, they were worthless.

The design looks similar to the Condar, and is also supposedly made in the US. Or are you staying stay away from the analog type and go digital?

 

[begreen]

. Or are you staying stay away from the analog type and go digital?

I have had both styles. The Condar was in place for years. It's good, but when I added a digital probe, primarily for the alarm system, I was surprised at how slow the analog thermometer was next to the digital. With the old analog probe I was often having to turn down the air earlier due to it being a lagging indicator as the fire strength grew on a fresh loading. In contrast, the digital is real-time, allowing for much better control on startups. This thread shows the difference.

Thread 'Starting a fire and running an EPA stove'

Jan 17, 2020

Questions about starting a fire and avoiding a runaway stove come up so frequently I decided to document starting our stove. This is a Pacific Energy Alderlea T6 with about a 3 cu ft firebox. The stove is connected to a straight-up, 20' interior flue. The outside ambient temperature is 34ºF. The blower was off all the time for these shots. The firewood is douglas fir at about 17% moisture content. This is a N/S loading. An E/W loading start will follow.

NOTE: as testing will show, the older Condar flue thermometer is reading low. It needs recalibration.

There are 3 instruments shown.

1. ...

• begreen
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• Forum: The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

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I upgraded my digital to include a wireless remote repeater so that I can view the stove flue temp from my office. That's been a real help.