Looking for a Cheap Temperature Data Logger? Instrument Choice has you covered.

A temperature data logger is a small and typically portable sensor designed to measure and record the temperature of the surrounding environment.

Temperature data loggers are becoming increasingly useful in a range of industries from food to pharmaceutical manufacture. Temperature logger use is often integrated into company quality management systems and good manufacturing practices. The most common applications for temperature data loggers are monitoring of cold chain processes, monitoring of refrigeration and indoor or outdoor environmental monitoring.

Cheap, yet rich in features there’s an extensive range of temperature data loggers available from the Instrument Choice store. This article will explore what cheap temperature data loggers are available and introduce 5 great examples of loggers available.

What are temperature data loggers?

In practice, temperature loggers all perform the same function, they measure temperature. The differences between competing models comes down to such features, as memory capacity, connectivity, logging interval, accuracy and working temperature range.

If a temperature data logger is cheap, it doesn’t mean they lack features or functionality. Budget-friendly models can include:

• LCD screens so you can quickly reference temperature and access alarms
• Free software
• Bluetooth compatibility; and
• Impressive memory capacity - to retain data points.

Uses for cheap temperature data loggers

There is a wide range of uses for cheap temperature data loggers. The most common are:

1. Cold chain monitoring – Monitoring temperature during the transport of food and non-food goods is extremely important to ensure the quality and safety of products.A cheap data logger will validate that consistent, expected temperatures have been achieved during shipping to ensure products are delivered to customers in the same condition they left the manufacturer, and that health and safety requirements are met.
2. Fridge/freezer monitoring – Tracking the conditions of a fridge or freezer will highlight any temperature fluctuations which may degrade a stored product. Cheap temperature data loggers are commonly used in pharmaceutical, laboratory and commercial kitchen refrigerators.
3. Measuring and recording internal or ambient environmental conditions. Labs, offices, warehouses, or anywhere that conditions need to be consistent or recorded are ideal applications for temperature data loggers.

Five cheap temperature data loggers 

Here’s five of the best models our scientists have been able to source. Is there anything here that may meet your requirements?

1.Mini USB Temperature Data Logger

Don’t let the price fool you! The mini USB temperature logger, with its easy-to-read LCD screen is accurate and reliable.

Boasting a sensational battery life, the cheap, mini USB Temperature Data Logger is often used to record temperature data over very long periods. Accessing logged data is easy; simply plug-in the device via a USB and start exploring using the free software that’s compatible with both Mac and Windows. 

Temperature Range: -30°c to 60°c

Accuracy: ±1°C

Logging Interval: 10-seconds to 24-hour adjustable on free software.

Memory: 16,000 data points

Connectivity: USB

2. Multi-use USB Temperature Data Logger - IC-RC-5

Tough and impact resistant for multiple food cold chain applications, this IP67 rated logger will handle any conditions your delivery process throws its way.

The Elitech RC-5 USB temperature data features a plug-and-play USB port interface. It allows for faster access to data collected in any cold chain management process. Applications include pharmaceuticals, food, life sciences, cooler boxes, medical cabinets, fresh food cabinets, freezers or laboratories

Temperature Range: -30°c to 70°c

Accuracy: ±0.5 between -20°c + 40°c. ±1 outside of this range.

Logging Interval: 10-seconds to 24-hour adjustable on free software.

Memory: 32,000 data points

Connectivity: USB

3. Multi-use USB Temperature Data Logger with External Sensor - IC-RC-5-Plus

The Elitech RC-5 + USB temperature recorder offers automated pdf report generation, two types of alarms (single and cumulative), password protection, wide measurement range, and large memory capacity . Appropriate for cold chain management in pharmaceuticals, food transport, life sciences, freezers and laboratories. 

Temperature Range: -30°c to 70°c (Internal Sensor), -40°c to 85°c (External Sensor)  

Accuracy: ±0.5°C (-20 to 40°c), ±1 outside of this range. 

Logging Interval: 10-seconds to 24-hour adjustable on free software. 

Memory: 32,000 data points

Connectivity: USB

4. Low-Cost Temperature USB Data Logger - IC-EL-USB-LITE

This ultra-compact and uncomplicated cheap temperature data logger comes pre-set with a fixed logging rate. Simply configure the device using the free software provided, set in place and start collecting data.

Although it isn’t supplied with an LCD screen to review your current or min/max temperatures, it does have a simple red/green alarm status you can view at the click of a button on the logger.

Temperature Range: -10°c to 50°c

Accuracy: ±2.5°C

Logging Interval: 30 minutes fixed

Memory: 4,000 data points

Connectivity: USB

5. HOBO MX100 Bluetooth Temperature Data Logger

If you want exceptional value-for-money, then the HOBO MX100 might be the instrument for you. It’s IP67 rated and suitable for indoor monitoring applications and uses low energy wireless Bluetooth technology to transmit collected data straight to your set up if in range of any phone, tablet or PC. Any alarms and data can be viewed via the free HOBOmobile app.

For temperature alarms you can be alerted in real-time by a combination of LED light on the sensor and notifications from the mobile app.

Temperature Range: -30°c to 70°c

Accuracy: ± 0.5 C between -5 to 50°c. ±1 outside of this range.

Logging Interval: 1 second to 18 hours adjustable on the application

Memory: 30,000 measurements

Connectivity: Bluetooth

Conclusion

Keeping goods safe and in perfect condition, or maintaining a stable, healthy environment is simple and inexpensive with the help of a cheap temperature data logger. Invest a little time to explore the huge range of low cost, reliable and easy-to-use temperature data loggers that are available on Instrument Choice website. Each is supplied with different temperature ranges, levels of accuracy, memory capacity, logging intervals and connectivity options, which means you’ll find something to suit your needs.

Need help choosing the best for your application? Have some questions about cheap temperature data loggers? Our scientists are here to help. Contact us on 1300 737 871 or email [email protected]