Monitoring fridges and freezers to ensure they are keeping a stable temperature is a critical factor in many environments. Some example applications include food production facilities, pharmaceutical refrigerators, or even within the home. Fridge thermometers are small, yet indispensable devices vital to ensuring food and vaccine safety.
Playing such a significant role, your choice of fridge thermometer is an important task. To help you choose the best fridge thermometer for your needs, Instrument Choice scientists have assembled a list of key terms, definitions and features you should consider when comparing fridge thermometers and their specification sheets.
Measurement Range
Measurement range: One of the most critical factors you'll find in a fridge thermometer specification indicates the minimum and maximum temperatures the fridge thermometer is capable of determining with accuracy.
Accuracy
Accuracy: Is the closeness of a measurement to a specific value. Specifications will express the accuracy of a device as a range, i.e., plus or minus a set amount. For fridge thermometers, accuracy may vary depending on the temperature range. You'll notice this especially with thermometers that have a broad temperature range.
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Here's an example of displayed accuracy on a specification: ± 0.5°C (-30°C to 55°C); otherwise ±1.0°C |
This example specification describes a device with a measurement range of -50°C to 70°C. So, the accuracy for temperatures between 30°C to 55°C is ± 0.5°C. For temperatures between -50°C to -31°C and 56°C to 70°C, the accuracy is ±1.0 C.
Resolution
Resolution: Refers to the devices smallest value provided on the LCD screen. For example, a fridge thermometer with a resolution of 0.01°c will read to the nearest 0.01°c.
Sensor Type
When evaluating the most suitable fridge thermometer sensor type you need to be clear on your needs and specific applications. You also need to check that the sensor cable length is suitable, not just the sensor type.
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Example: Do you need a sensor in propylene glycol solution to product against rapid temperature fluctuations, or do you require afood-grade stainless steel thermistor probe? |
Alarms
Alarms can be audible, visual, or both. It's important to note when checking specifications what type of alarm the fridge thermometer has and whether or not they are user-programmable to your individual needs.
Memory
Some fridge thermometers have memory options.
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Example: Does your fridge thermometer have the ability to recall minimum and maximum readings in the period between performing a data reset? This information is great for quick checks and daily recordings. |
Display Refresh/Display Reading Update:
Display Refresh: This is the speed at which a fridge thermometer's temperature readings update.
Conclusion
Searching for a fridge thermometer to suit your needs can be a tedious task if you are not familiar with the essential key terms, definitions and features of these products. The Instrument Choice team is invested in providing independent advice to help you find the perfect fridge thermometer for your application. That's why we assembled the specification 'decoder' you see above.
Need assistance finding the perfect fridge thermometer? Have questions about any of the terms, definitions and features we have assembled above? Contact one of the Instrument Choice scientists. We're here to help!
Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.