Customer Reviews

Mantis 201101 Compost Bin Thermometer

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This thermometer is the perfect size for my 3'x 3' compost bin. It adjusts so quickly. When I first inserted the thermometer into my compost pile, I could watch the temperature indicator instantly rise from 60 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a great tool for those of you that want to know the heat of the center of your pile at a glance.

The dial includes both Fahrenheit and Celcius scales.

I ordered this from amazon as I do purchase frequently and usually have good results. Not so with this item. It was used once, maybe twice, when it stopped working: the needle wouldn't move off of 140F. With some experimenting, I found that when the probe was twisted, the needle would move proportionately. Somehow I don't think that's supposed to work in that fashion.
There are other compost thermometers out there; I think amazon may want to consider carrying the REOTemp brand insted of this.

simple thermometer that gives you feedback on piles activity.
I mix a 4' x 4' pile of shredded leaves, layered with fresh green grass clippings. Pre-mix temperature 80 degrees; after 24 hrs 100 degrees; after 48 hrs 125 degrees; at three days pile maxes out at 135 to 145 degrees, then gradually decreases over time as bacteria settle down. This thermometer lets you know how well things are working a lot more accurately than the "stick your hand in the pile method". You do not need a thermometer to make good compost....nor do you need a compost bin, or controlled mixing of green and brown material....but it may make it more precise and interesting.

Pretty basic. Works as expected. I was pleasantly surprised to find it can measure the soil temperature as well as the compost temperature so I only need one thermometer :)

I opted to purchase this despite some negative reviews from Amazon customers and I must say I'm disappointed with this thermometer. Mine worked fine for a week and then broke ... it now says the temperature outside (not in my compost pile) is 135 degrees. For the price, I needed something sturdier. I will try a new brand.

Bought this a few months ago because my compost pile was steaming and I wanted to know the temp.

When it 1st arrived, I felt it was built cheaply. Then again, most things these days aren't built like they once were. But it's held up well.

It's been in my pile since day one and there's not a sign of rust or moister in the gauge.

So far so good, but I still feel it's over priced for a thermometer.

This thermometer worked well for a while then got stuck at 80 deg. I think the shaft twisted slightly apart from the face part as I pulled it out of one of my compost piles.

Mantis Compost Thermometer #201101These are tricky to handle; if you so much as twist the dial getting the thermometer out of the package it won't work very well, if at all. Instead, hold the thermometer by the probe. I use 2 of these in the barn to measure the temps on my hay bales and when handled correctly, they give very accurate temperature readings.

Unfortunately mine broke fairly quickly. The needle stopped measuring (it was stuck to the axle).

Next time I get a product half the price if it's going to be disposable.

It's just a long thermometer that should be priced at $10-15. So far it seems reliable. I bought the Mantis composter and really feel it was over priced too, but I wanted twin bins that spin and were off the ground.