thermometer hole in the lid of a 5 gal rubbermaid

[JayH]

I am thinking of drilling a very small hole in the lid of my mash tun. The hole would be pretty much exactly the diameter of my dial thermometer so it would take some slight force to slide it in. It would be an extremely nice cheap method for monitoring my mash? Any issues any one can think of other than the obvious heat loss possiblilty and maybe a steam/condensation issue? I don't think either of those potential issues would really amount to much problem.

Jay

[Bugeater]

I don't really see the point in doing the hole in the first place. On my cooler/mash tun I lose less than 2° during a 60 minute mash and 3° on a 90 minute mash. I stir thoroughly at the beginning until the temp is stable and then put the lid on. I may stir once half way through the mash, if I remember, and leave it alone until the mash is done.

On the surface it sounds like a good idea, but there is no need. I too, thought about this when I first started all grain, but once I learned to relax and not obsess about it everything was fine without it.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[BrewPilot]

The only thing I can think of is that you're thermometer will have to be long enough to reach the middle of your mash. I've drilled two holes in my 10 gallon Rubbermaid to no ill effect...

[JayH]

Probably right Wayne......maybe I was just looking for something to do....

Jay