Thermometer Placement on Insert Question

[Stax]

I'm curious that I'm not getting an accurate read from my magnetic thermometer. I originally placed it where the manual states to place it (1st pic). Here's what I experienced. In that location (w/ approximately 4-5 medium sized splits), at most it would reach 250-275. When I shot the firebrick inside or a charcoaling, glowing split, I'd get like 530 on the IR thermometer. Last night, I moved the magnetic down near the handles (2nd pic). It read a higher temperature (maybe like 350) but nowhere near the consistent 530 in the box.

I do realize that magnetic thermometer perform best on single wall flue pipe, but that really isn't possible with my unit and situation. Suggestions, feedback?

 

[budman]

Stax,Take your front grill off and place t-stat on top left or right side of fire box and u can see it
thru the grill.

 

[Stax]

Bud...was thinking of doing that, but got even a lower temp on the IR gun in those areas. IR gun is on point. Is that where you have yours placed?

 

[budman]

Yup that is right on the top of fire box and the best place for it on this stove
that I found.

 

[egclassic]

Yup that is right on the top of fire box and the best place for it on this stove
that I found.

That is where I have mine now.
When I had mine mounted to the door, like in the pics, the temps were not even close to right.
Since it lays flat and is hard to see the digits, I scribed marks in the side of the thermometer at the beginning of the "Burn Zone" and at the beginning of the "overfire zone". I can then see where the needle is pointing easier.

 

[Stax]

Bud...rain a moderately sized fire this morning with the t-stat in the location you suggested. Definitely got more accurate readings but when I shot right next to it with the IR gun, the t-stat was some 30-40 degrees off. Making progress.

With the face off I also removed my panels to check stove connector seal and shoot the stove connector and liner for flue temps. Because the stove connector (double walled) is also sort an adapter for my liner (insulated with an exterior liner) those temps were signficantly lower. Looks like I'm keeping the t-stat where you suggested. Thanks.

 

[jatoxico]

Stax,Take your front grill off and place t-stat on top left or right side of fire box and u can see it
thru the grill.

+1. Different insert but have mine in a similar spot. I can't get a good IR reading in the vent because of the angle, think it needs to be more straight on to be accurate. The thermometer in the vent seems to read well though 450-500 or more under similar conditions to the one you describe. Guess you could relate the door temp to the box knowing it's much cooler but I'd rather get the top temp.
I shoot the IR at the flue all the time to check that, reads pretty close to the top temp.
Have the same Rutland thermometer you have and mine is fairly accurate.

 

[flyingpig]

Here is mine...