Customer Reviews

Magnetic Stove Thermometer

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Works great and installs in a second. You must have this tool to keep your woodstove burning at the optimum temperature to prevent creosote build up.

I've had several of these, and they lose all accuracy (and they seem to start with precious little) after a season, and even within one. I have put two side by side on my stove and they'll differ by 200 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm going to try a different brand.

We purchased three different wood stove thermometers, (we have two wood stoves): 1. First we purchased this "Rutland" at our local ACE hardware. This thermometer seems accurate but is difficult to read without getting very close, because of the colors. 2. Then we purchased a "Meeco Red Devil" thermometer from Menards. This thermometer had an attractive white background that was very easy to read without getting very close when we bought it. However, after using this "Meeco" product for a few days, the attractive white background turned a light tan/brown that is difficult to read without getting very close. Also this "Red Devil" thermometer showed about 100 degrees hotter than the "Rutland" thermometer. 3. Finally we purchased the "Inferno" thermometer from Amazon.com. We found that "Inferno" registered the same as the "Rutland" thermometer but is much easier to read from an comfortable distance away. The Inferno has kept its original attractive colors. We recommend the "Inferno" as the best choice.

Compared it with a laser IR reader. Up to 75F off as true 575F read 650F. Complete junk nothing more to say.

The price was right so I bought this as a way of measuring my flu gas temperatures. I have a steel stove and if it gets too hot there is a danger of it warping, not to mention it wastes wood when you heat the stove like Dantes Inferno.

The install was easy. It just sticks like a magnet to the stove pipe 6 inches above the stove. After installing the stove and building the hearth it was nice to have a 60 second project.

PERFORMANCE

Unfortunately the thermometer does not work with any degree of accuracy. When the stove is cold the needle rests anywhere between 100 degrees and 200 degrees. When the stove is first lit the needle wont budge for a good 15 minutes- long after its too hot to touch the stove.

Just the other day I happened to glancing at the thermometer and I saw the needle jump from 300 to 500 degrees like a clock ticking off the second hand. 200 degrees in 1 second... I don't think so.

The overall construction of the thermometer is questionable. The springs and needle are totally exposed and have no protective covering. I am now looking for a good quality alternative to the Rutland Stove thermometer that will give me reliable measurements.

I gave it 3 stars because in all fairness I have only used one of these. Maybe others would work better despite the apparent poor construction.

Very "cool" thermometer. Pardon the pun, but it is essential for monitoring the fire rate of your wood stove. Easy to read and understand. Made of heavy duty steel. The magnet which holds the thermometer to your stove pipe is very strong. This is important since a magnet looses some of its "stick" as the temperature rises. Well defined burning range indicator. Fast temperature change indication. Very good buy.