+1 on the Apera, consistent readings, cheap sensor replacement (you WILL have to replace the sensor on any pH meter eventually) and easy to calibrate. I had a cheap o milwaukee and an Omega before now & the Apera is clearly superior, IMHO.
Firmly in the acidify sparge water camp. I made a chart of alkalinity vs pH at various titrations and plug the corresponding alkalinity value into Bru'n Water. IOW if I'm making a lager, I'll target pH 5.4 because I know that'll get me around 15-20 ppm. I use 85% phosphoric acid & prefer to rely...
If it's a Spike like pictured, the sample port is not the place you want to transfer from. I've had my sample port clog many times and I just wiggle the valve till I get a drizzle & go from there. Like Mongoose said tho, the place to transfer from is the racking valve on the slope of the...
I wrap mine in an old sleeping bag, My experience is that it helps somewhat for step mashing. I use the same sleeping bag for my conical-this is in an unheated garage in NE Ohio, all seasons.
Edited to add: 120v RIMS Rocket, 10 gal Spike mash tun