Forum Discussion

kmb1966's avatar
kmb1966
Explorer
Jul 03, 2019

Wireless Fridge Thermometer - Are they accurate?

I have tried a variety of wireless thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Currently using an AcuRite 00986 designed to work inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments. These things over the years have proven to be helpful and sort of drive me nuts. They are helpful to let you know there is a problem with the temperature and have 'alarms' that will go off. Hurtful because I think at times they are OFF in accuracy. Using several old fashioned thermometers and a dial frig thermometer, I have seen anywhere from 5-10 degree difference from the digital to the old fashioned thermometer. 5-10 degree difference in the refrigerator can be the difference between thinking your food has spoiled and it not really being a problem. The digital seems to always show a HIGHER temperature than the old fashioned thermometers. Anyone have any experience using these? I keep fresh batteries in these babies but I think they are just inaccurate despite the name Acurite.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • I wouldn’t want one. Even covered my battery voltage gauge so I’d quit checking it.