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9:07 am
November 11, 2010
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I have broken 2 already. One (Taylor) I dropped on the tile floor a couple times and cracked the housing, so the cover doesn't stay on. Another, I dropped in the milk. My remaining one is analog, which is okay, but it doesn't always stay clipped onto the pan. (I'm not really that fussy, I promise.)
I'm looking at this one: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi…..fiascofarm
What kind do you use/like? I'm ready to have one good one.
1:31 pm
October 31, 2010
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Hi, MJ!
I used a digital like the one you show on amazon but it would only work about 5 weeks then quit. I returned it and got another and had the same result. I LOVED the idea of the digital and using the one with the probe & wire was VERY CONVENIENT but, alas, I've had pretty bad luck so far….. 
(Please note, however, that it was a different brand name than the one on Amazon, but looks like it could have been the same mfr. as it is pretty identical in function.)
I may try again, but so far the only reliable one I've used is the long stem (non-digital) from NEC.
I also have a floating dairy thermometer which I don't like as you have to lift it out of the vat to see the temp – and you can only use for liquid as it is submerged and floats.
If you DO try this one, please update me in about 2 months and let me know if it's still working!!!! 
2:57 pm
November 11, 2010
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The recommendation I read was from Fias Co. Farm so I was fairly hopeful. I think I'll read some reviews before taking the plunge. I just like the digital better than my dial-read long stem from NEC. And seriously, it never stays clipped on the pot! It always falls off/out when I stir and I get frustrated by that.
Thanks for your input. That's exactly what I wanted to know!
7:29 pm
October 31, 2010
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Yes…I have the same problem with the dial (NEC) thermometer as well. That's why I was really enjoying the digital probe one – in addition to the fact that I could set the base up on a shelf over the sink, put the probe in the pot, and set a temperature alarm so that it let me know when I reached target temp. I LOVED it…when it was working. But when it quit, there was no hope. It would do strange things like flash the temperature at 90, then 30, then 140 then 90…you get the idea. At first I hoped it was the battery but that wasn't it. …and it was the same fate for both of them.
I really do have hope for finding one that won't go bad so quickly so perhaps the Fias Co people have used this one with more luck. Have you tried emailing her to ask what her experience has been with it?
Maybe the key is finding one that is truly water proof on the probe part. I was reading some of those reviews on Amazon and several people said that was the problem they had – that the cord on the probe would allow liquids to get into it.
Not sure if that was what was happening on mine or not.
2:57 am
November 11, 2010
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Fias Co. Farm writes that she is still using the Polder, although she has had to replace the probe. I notice the probes sell for about $10 on Amazon, so I guess that must be fairly common? Why can't someone invent the perfect thermometer? I notice that one of the styles comes with a pot clip, but it looks like your pot would have to be full in order for that to work because the actual probe part is fairly short?
DS7 wants to be an inventor. I think I'll try to get him off the light saber idea and onto thermometers! 
Although, they do make laser thermometers…
5:15 am
May 7, 2011
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Mamajoseph, I have/use a Podler thermometer that I bought and kitchen specialty shop for about $20. A pot with a lip such as a pressure cooker pot can make it a challenge to use the probe clip. The probe on mine can also be used in the oven.
8:49 am
October 31, 2010
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My husb made a little clip to slide on the side of the pot to hold the probe. It was fashioned from an already-made stainless steel clip. He bent one side of the clip out to a 45 degree angle and drilled a small hole in it just large enough for the probe to fit through.
I slide the clip onto the pot, then put the probe through the hole. I'm not at home right now, but I'll take a photo for you so you can see it. VERY HANDY and not a lot of work to make. I'm sure you have something around there (or could find something in town) that you could adapt.
8:53 am
May 14, 2005
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I use the NEC clip thermometer for hard cheeses. I have to be using a taller pot because it's a long thermometer. When I'm using a smaller/shorter pot for soft cheeses, mozzarella, etc, I just use a digital thermometer from Wal-Mart that I hold. It doesn't take that long, so I don't mind–for most soft cheeses, it's just get it up to temp, turn it off, put the starter in, and you're done, so holding the thermometer is no big deal. I love my clip-on for hard cheeses, though, because that's a longer process.
1:50 am
November 11, 2010
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Well, I finally got my new Polder probe thermometer (with a bonus pot clip) and I love it for pasteurizing my milk! It has a temperature alarm, so I don't have to stand and watch the pot. It also has a timer function. I have also used it for cheese making and it works great for that, too. I think the key to longevity for this type is to make sure you don't get the wire wet, but only the metal probe. Amazon sells replacement wire/probe assemblies, so that part obviously can go bad, but it really has been a big help. 
1:20 pm
October 31, 2010
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I know I LOVE mine when it's working! I have another theory as to why they keep going out. It is possible that my hands have been wet when I've set the temperature or timer alarms and some water may have dripped down into the base. I'm starting on my 3rd one (just bought it last week) and I'm going to try to be sure my hands are good and dry before touching the base. 
3:05 pm
November 11, 2010
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Yes, the real test is time. We'll see how in love I am with this great gadget 6 months from now.
6:53 pm
May 3, 2011
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I've had a bunch of these digital probe thermometers, I can't live without them. The Polder linked to at Amazon that Fias Co Molly recommended is the only Polder I have that still works, and it is also the first one I got. It was cheaper then. I have had to replace the probe once I think. I use it now to monitor the temperature in my "cave". About four or five other Polders, and a couple of Taylors and the CDN one broke right away. Lately I have been having good luck with the Thermoworks one – http://www.amazon.com/Original…..;sr=1-2. The probe on it has a plastic protective sleeve where the probe meets the cable, which may help keep liquid out of it. The replacement probes for it do not have that. So far it has not broken and the probe also hasn't given out. I am so dependent on these that I keep a spare on hand. I've been making cheese almost every day and need it for every single one. I use it to be sure the temperature in the ice water I chill the milk in is cold enough. I had no luck at all with the needle ones, they were all very different than each other and than the digital ones. And hard to read. I've given up on expecting them to last all that long.
9:08 am
November 11, 2010
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Welcome Jan! If you are making cheese every day, we certainly need to hear more from you! Please start a new topic titled "Cheeses I make". Would love to hear what you are doing!
12:06 pm
October 31, 2010
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Jan – thanks for writing your experience with the thermometers. Could you keep us posted on how that new brand works for you? I'm interested in your comparison between it and the Polder.
Also – just read your post on the "Cheeses I Make" topic. When I have time I'll join in over there!
7:32 pm
October 31, 2010
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I notice that the ThermoWorks thermometer looks like it has an "on-off" switch, but it doesn't look like the Polder does. It your Polder always on using battery all the time?
3:51 pm
November 11, 2010
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The Polder I bought does have an on/off switch on the back of it. I am lazy 
and have been leaving it on. It only uses one AAA battery and I have rechargeable ones. Plus, the curious side of me wants to know how long the battery will last if left "on". I mean, I have a digital timer that I've had for years whose display is always on and I've never replaced the battery. I don't figure its that significant. I will add that the pot clip is very handy as well.
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