Any thoughts or suggestions for a good flue thermometer? I have looked at magnetic type and at the pilot hole type which says if used in a horizontal position you need to adjust your reading by 6% ect..... Some show the "ideal range" at 275-475 degrees, others say 250-900?
I like my magnetic. Different styles are going to read different, the trick is just getting to know yours and try to keep it in the range that you think it should burn at.
I have burned wood for many years and never even thought I needed a thermometer. I call tell where it needs to be for a clean burn. Just thought it would be interesting to check the specs
I match mine with my infrared every month or so. I think it's typically a little closer in the summer months
No infrared but a good idea. Had one that I trusted pretty good bit the kids sprung it over the summer.
I did the same for many years. However, I do like my thermometers. Now, knowing from experience what and when, I now have a temp correlation. So now I go by my temps. It is a little more precise than my simple observations of the past. But make no mistake about it. Temps are relative to the stove, chimney, draft, etc. etc. But when you figure that all out, the thermometers then become a precise measure of what you need to do and when. That has been my experience over 45 years of burning wood in old non EPA and modern EPA stoves. Happy burning my friend.
Temperature inside flue is not even. Middle of flue pipe will show highest temperature. Magnetic and other bi-metal thermometers are affected by airflow. I recommend low cost digital thermometers with a type K thermocouple probe. Easy to see temperature and can also be used for alarms etc.
