Exploding Thermometer

[koenigwi]

My glass floating thermometer exploded on its second use!

I used it the first time, no problem. I pulled the rubber cap off, washed everything, let it dry, and slipped the cap back on. This time, my water was at about 145 and I needed to get it up to 150. I let it it sit in there, not touching anything. I heard the rubber cap pop, saw it shoot up in the air, and looked in the pot to see a busted thermometer. Fortunately, it was just water.

I dodged a bullet, but can you all tell me if this was operator error or if it was a defective thermometer? I don't want to return it unless I'm pretty sure it was a defect.

 

[BrewMoo]

The only way I see it could be operator error if if the thermometer was cold and then put in real hot water.

 

[koenigwi]

It was room temperature, and I put it in 145 degree water. Is that bad?

 

[hinkensj]

Could it have been a hairline crack in the glass? I could see that causing a stress fracture.

Look into a digital thermometer like a Thermoworks. They have their top of the line Thermopen on sale this weekend. (Open box). http://www.thermoworks.com/Thermape..._campaign=Jan2017-Game-Day-Content-RoundUp-cs

 

[IslandLizard]

Those glass thermometers are junk. Slow as molasses, inaccurate, and they break.

Get one of those digital ones.

I like the CDN DTQ450. ~$18 Amazon. There are better ones but for more $$$.

 

[BrewMoo]

It was room temperature, and I put it in 145 degree water. Is that bad?

No. I don't believe that would be enough of a thermal shock to damage a thermometer.

I'd say, to break a thermometer, you'd almost have to take a frozen thermometer and place it in boiling water. They are pretty tough.

 

[PADave]

I didn't think people even used those thermometers anymore. Like said above, get a digital or a good dial thermometer. Easier to read, safer, faster readings.