beware on switching probes

Darnoc

On a prior post about one hour ago RRP mentioned that the Ikea thermometer wold might be a great if not for only the probe.This got me to thinking so I did a test.

One pot of boiling water.

One Maverick and one Polder with original probes in the pot.Both read 212 degrees.

Reversed the probes and the Polder probe in the Maverick read 255 degrees and the Maverick probe in the Polder read 179 degrees.

At the 180 degree mark there was still a 25 degree difference between the two.

Make me think that a lot of cooks went down the drain because of people thinking (it's just a probe) guess again.Wonder if the Whiz has ever checked this out?

Chef in the Making

Conrad

Thanks for the insight as I was wondering the same thing tonight. I open the storage area where I keep my probes and was wondering if I ever needed could I substitue. Now I know that it would notbe a good idea.

The Naked Whiz

Well, I know you can't necessarily switch probes, even though the plugs might fit. If they use different types of thermocouples, of course, the base unit will get it wrong.

Darnoc

Right. You and I are aware of that but so many people on this forum think because the look the same they should work the same.NOT.

RRP

with all due respect I have tried the inter change with 8 different cabled thermometers I own - each a different brand. Some are straight simple Polder style and others $60 wireless ones. I've tested them in boiling water as well at mere ambient temperatures. Using Scotch tape I labeled each probe with an identifying letter and then made a cross reference sheet. Most work fine in the interchange or are consistently off 2 to 10 degrees. With my chart I know how to adjust my expectations.

Semolina Pilchard

I have found the same results, but the research I did on the net showed me that even though the transmitters and receivers look different they are made by the same company. My guess is Darnoc has units from different manufacturers.

RRP

I agree! There are many variables, but I'd bet dollars to donuts that the wire cabled probes really do come out of only one or two factories in Asia!
BTW in case you want to take me up on my bet, here's my stash of donuts to bet! :laugh:

Hatch

Just FYI, all Guru probes are made in house and are
T-type thermocouples.

Except for the Pit Minder. It is a thermistor.

Kenny

Jeffersonian

The type T thermocouple is an odd one, and normally reserved for low (sub-zero) temperature measurement, though it will work above zero as well. Most of what comes with Polders and other consumer-grade electronic thermometers is either a type J or K t/c. They use the same physical connection type, but industrial models will have different color connectors so they aren't confused in the field. Consumer models...well, you just have to know what you're using if you're going to swap from a different unit.