I want to install a flue thermometer in or on a single wall stovepipe attached to my Vogelzang Frontiersman. From the small about of looking around I’ve done, the probe style seems like it would give the most accurate temperatures. I stumbled upon 3fordasho's design for a probe using a Tel-tru thermometer, https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/51149/P66/#569771 but didn't know if probes could be used with single wall pipe. If anyone has some suggestions for a good thermometer for a wood-stove newbie, probe or not, it would be really helpful
Thermometer
- Thread starter stupidsongs2
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Single wall or Double wall, either one..................Condar is the one "I" chose, but "ChimGuard" makes a good working dependable thermometer as well, in my opinion:
"
http://www.amazon.com/GRAPHICS-3-4-...TA4O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1319182762&sr=8-4
In "our" case, we have a double-wall flue pipe, and I like the idea of a probe that reads the smoke temp internally that way.
-Soupy1957
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http://www.amazon.com/GRAPHICS-3-4-...TA4O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1319182762&sr=8-4
In "our" case, we have a double-wall flue pipe, and I like the idea of a probe that reads the smoke temp internally that way.
-Soupy1957
Go with the magnetic type. Rutlands work but I don't like the scale on them as they are an average of what you should see on the top of a stove versus a flue pipe.
Here is condar's chimgard.
Even if you buy one w/ an averaged temp range on it like a rutland, I'd use the range on this one for keeping things safe.
![[Hearth.com] Thermometer](/talk/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackscountrystore.co%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Fdetail%2Fchimgard.jpg&hash=29cdb3b241f5aa85021d8d9053b89a5b "[Hearth.com] Thermometer")
pen
Here is condar's chimgard.
Even if you buy one w/ an averaged temp range on it like a rutland, I'd use the range on this one for keeping things safe.
pen
Just remember that if you use a magnetic, the range is designed for single wall and measures the temp of the pipe, if you use a probe the ranges are completely different because it measures the gas temp itself. But most importantly remember when you read anything about temps here and anywhere else, that you need to know what kind of thermo is being used. I know it is common sense but you would be surprised how often people don't make the distinction.
I run my stack at near 800 degrees, I have a probe, if you run it at that temp and you have a magnetic gauge on a single wall pipe, you are going to have a MAJOR problem.
Shawn
I run my stack at near 800 degrees, I have a probe, if you run it at that temp and you have a magnetic gauge on a single wall pipe, you are going to have a MAJOR problem.
Shawn
With single wall pipe you can generally figure you are reading about half what the interior is. So 400 on the pipe means it is about 800 interior. We like the condar the best of all the thermometers we've tried.
Thanks a ton guys! Seems like Condar is the way to go. Does anyone know if there is a difference other them cosmetic between their ChimGard model and their other less expensive black & white models? The WoodSaver model with just the temp ranges and not an actual scale seems nice [end of page] (broken link removed to http://www.condar.com/stovepipe_meters.html) and is about $5 cheaper than the more colorful one. Is there a big advantage to having the temperature scale as well?
![[Hearth.com] Thermometer](/talk/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.condar.com%2Fproducts%2Fchimgard.jpg&hash=be11d82586eb4cf822fc14153bcf8359 "[Hearth.com] Thermometer")
vs (broken image removed)
I personally prefer the full temperature range on the unit itself. For the 5 bucks I would rather know what temp I am at than just what "range" I am in. I also don't like the "wasting fuel" range because you may be doing more than wasting fuel, you may also be over firing your stove, or worse yet working towards a chimney fire. If I were you I would go with the unit on the left.
I of course also would go with 2 of them, one for the stove top, and one for the flue itself. Especially if you are a new wood burner, the more info on your stove, as you go through the learning curve, the better.
Shawn
I of course also would go with 2 of them, one for the stove top, and one for the flue itself. Especially if you are a new wood burner, the more info on your stove, as you go through the learning curve, the better.
Shawn
Woot! They finally made one w/out numbers! I need to get me one considering what I put the poor folks at condar through last year in testing out their product claims.
Now if they would just do that with the flue probes.
pen
Now if they would just do that with the flue probes.
pen
pen said:
They did make a few changes to the looks of their probe dial and they also changed the lit for double wall pipe, no mention of single wall pipe like it use to.
stupidsongs2 said:Thanks a ton guys! Seems like Condar is the way to go. Does anyone know if there is a difference other them cosmetic between their ChimGard model and their other less expensive black & white models? The WoodSaver model with just the temp ranges and not an actual scale seems nice [end of page] (broken link removed to http://www.condar.com/stovepipe_meters.html) and is about $5 cheaper than the more colorful one. Is there a big advantage to having the temperature scale as well?
vs (broken image removed)
Looks like there is a difference of where the numbers are on each thermometer, 475 on the wood saver looks to be at about the same spot as the 600 on the chimngard. Maybe theye're wound different? I like the woodsaver better.
Personally I don't like the range marked units. They seem to confuse more people than they help. For example, toward the end of the burn the flue temp may be in the low range, but there is no risk of creosote at that point. Give me a simple dial gauge that is accurate and I am happy.
Yeah, I could see where people would be a little worried towards the end of the burn when the arrow hits the area that says CREOSOTE in big letters. I think the majority of my burn will be in the creosote zone, I barely see temps over 250 on a low cat burn. Still I can't resist a new toy, had to buy one.
![[Hearth.com] Thermometer](/talk/data/attachments/51/51211-613b4c033f409d834ced01e5e6948728.jpg?hash=6RzA-uxcNK)
BeGreen said:
Yeah, those tel tru therms look nice but are a little pricey and I don't think they have a high enough scale for wood stoves.
Todd said:
Highest I came across was 500 degrees. Would work up on the stove pipe though.
(broken link removed to http://www.transcat.com/catalog/productdetail.aspx?itemnum=DM-030-160)
~ 50 bux
pen
Ok, you guys have me concerned. I am currently using the Rutland, which I have "mounted" in the space where the air from the blower exits (Hamton HI300 Insert). Is there a better option, since technically, I cannot see my stove pipe?
I have noticed this year, due to using better wood, I have seen the stove top where the thermometer is mounted "faintly" glowing once or twice. I know this is not good, and was not intentional. What is the "Ideal" stove top temp anyway?
I have noticed this year, due to using better wood, I have seen the stove top where the thermometer is mounted "faintly" glowing once or twice. I know this is not good, and was not intentional. What is the "Ideal" stove top temp anyway?
pen said:
The make them in several ranges. The 50-750F model is appropriate for a stove.
Dual Magnet Thermometer DM
SKU: DM-014-750 - 50/750 degrees F and 10/400 degrees C
$47.74
They also have a resettable max temp marker option for this model which could be handy.
http://www.teltru.com/p-496-dual-magnet-thermometer-dm.aspx
egclassic said:
Not glowing is MUCH better. Ideal depends on the stove, the flue and the wood. Normal range is ~500-700F for most stoves.
I just bought a Condar Chimguard after my Condar stove top thermometer mysteriously broke this summer. My dealer told me to use the inner numbers to read stove top temp. That seems awfully lower than what I thought I was burning at. Went out and got another Condar stove top, so now I have two and will wait to see which one I like better.
For the sake of not starting another thread, I was just going to ask a question about thermometers, so this would be as good of place as any. I'm going to go ahead and order two magnetic chimgards, one for the stove and one for the top. Any tips as to where to mount these (i.e. on the stove mount, where is it best placed, and on the flu, how far up from the stove surface should it be placed)?
If this is a single-wall chimney I think the recommended distance is 18-24" above the stove top. I'm not sure on the stove placement, it depends on the stove. What stove is this? Can you add it to your signature in your control panel?
mgh-pa said:
There are separate thermometers for stove top and stove pipe use (the scales are different). Make sure you order one of each and not 2 of the same.
I believe the directions tell you up to 12 inches up the stove pipe.
On the stove top, the hottest place is where you want it. It's usually hottest in front of the stove pipe collar. If there is a step, put it as close to the step as possible on the lower section.
This will depend on your stove of course.
pen
Todd said:
:shut:
Thanks for the corrections Todd. I knew 12 stuck in my head, then went to the site and looked at the pic of the thermometer about 4-5 inches off the stove, quickly noted the 12 in their description to the right again and moved on without a thorough read.
That'll teach me.
Thanks again Todd
pen
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