Wireless Fridge Thermometer - Are they accurate?

I wouldn’t want one. Even covered my battery voltage gauge so I’d quit checking it.

Accuracy all depends on the quality of the non-contact sensor whereas an analog temp sensor depends on a bi-metallic strip. My Accurite seems pretty close but then all one needs to be concerned with is how close to freezing is the compartment.

SidecarFlip wrote:
Accuracy all depends on the quality of the non-contact sensor whereas an analog temp sensor depends on a bi-metallic strip. My Accurite seems pretty close but then all one needs to be concerned with is how close to freezing is the compartment.

:h

OP isn't talking about IR guns here (no contact) and most old school analog "bi-metallic" thermometers now days are pretty cheaply built and not very plentiful to find.

OP is talking about using a WIRELESS (two pieces, a remote transmitter which goes in the fridge and the display unit which can sit on a counter and no wires connecting the two parts) thermometer to monitor the inside temps of a fridge.

I am not a fan of wireless thermometers for this purpose, the constant near freezing to sub freezing temps found in fridge/freezers quickly zaps the life out of the batteries in the remote sensor.

This can cause inaccuracies in readings and tends to zap battery life considerably.

I prefer to use indoor/outdoor WIRED type which have a wired remote probe. I simply slip the remote wire in between the door seal in a spot which will not interfere with getting things in and out of the fridge (think HINGE SIDE of the door).

Then tie or stick probe to one of the shelves.

The batteries are now outside of the fridge and are not affected by the near freezing or sub freezing temps inside the fridge..

Wired are also much more reliable, should not have any issue finding wired types for $5-$20.. AMAZON SEARCH FOR WIRED THERMOMETER

The thermal mass of a sensor versus a glass bulb thermometer is going to be very different. Because of this, one will more quickly respond to change than the other. Hopefully in a steady state condition they will be within maybe 5 degrees of each other.

We've used an AcuRite dual sensor refrigerator/freezer wireless thermometer in two motorhomes so far and been very pleased with the performance. The sensor batteries last 6-8 months and the display batteries 10-12 months.

AcuRite 00986 Refrigerator Thermometer

Most thermometers have a listed +/- percent of accuracy on the box or the instruction sheet. "No guarantee", just an estimate. Try a professional instrument company, they guarantee accuracy.

Accuracy is not as important as repeat-ability. I have found my Acurite wireless thermometer is very consistent with a dial thermometer that I have in the fridge. They almost always are within 2 degrees of each other.
So if you find the wireless reports 2 degrees high or low just take that into account when you take a reading.
I use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries(good for -40 f) in my sensors and even in the freezer I get about two years service.

I've used remote thermometers from La Crosse for quite a while and they seem to work fairly well. I have a 2 channel that reads inside, outside and fridge temps.

The wireless ones (Well the quality ones) are more likely to be accurate but you need to know how to calibrate them This can best be done at 32 degrees but depending on how accrate you want them you will need DISTILLED water and of course a water proof "Sleeve" for the transmitter.

one indication of accuracy is to put the two units (indoor and remote) side by side.

Been using Ambient Weather WS-10 Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 8 channel Thermo-Hygrometer for a couple of years. We have one sensor in freezer, refrig, under one slide in the shade, one in storage compartment and one in container with water filter. I use Lithium batteries in all units and they have excellent life span. System comes with three sensors and display console. Worth looking at.

Jim