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Old 07-10-2012, 06:15 AM   #1
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Thermometers for fridge & freezer

I'm wondering what thermometer(s) people use to monitor their fridge and freezer. I think maybe I need to buy something (imagine that).

In our Windjammer, I've just been using the remote/transmitting device from an indoor/outdoor unit to monitor the fridge. When I have a question about the freezer, I just move the remote to the freezer.

Maybe I should not need to monitor remotely (i.e., without opening the door), but during the recent heatwave it seemed counterproductive to open the door to check the temp of the struggling fridge.
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Old 07-10-2012, 07:40 AM   #2
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I just use the same type of thermometer. I think if the fridge is cold enough (35 to 40°), then the freezer should be cold enough, also.

Come to think of it, I have never checked the freezer temperature. Now you got me wondering.
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Old 07-10-2012, 07:45 AM   #3
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I think you are right about that. My freezer consistently runs between 0 to 10 degrees F if when the fridge is in the 30's, and it still freezes water (makes ice cubes) with no apparent problem when the fridge is struggling in the high 40's.
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Old 07-10-2012, 07:56 AM   #4
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There are wireless thermometers made for bar-b-q pits/smokers that work very well. You can see the actual temp while on the road via remote. You can even set parameters to alarm below and above whatever temperatures you choose. Then you will know when the milk is cold enough for the oreo's.
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Old 07-10-2012, 08:05 AM   #5
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Thanks, redfinaddict, I'll have to run search and take a look at those. The unit I'm using lets me monitor on the road (from the TV) too, which I like.
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Old 07-10-2012, 08:19 AM   #6
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When I had my Trailmanor (fold down camper), I had the receiving unit of a cheap remote thermometer in the cab with me to keep tabs on the fridge. I worked well, even with the aluminum skinned Trailmanor.

I don't do that now....it is too easy to just walk in the trailer during pit stops to check on the temperature.
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Old 07-10-2012, 08:21 AM   #7
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We just use the thermometers that hang form the shelf in the fridge. I occasionally check them when getting things from fridge or freezer, never had a problem.
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Old 07-10-2012, 08:33 AM   #8
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Thanks D&J, that would probably be a good and inexpensive thing to add, even if only to supplement or double-check my "remote" unit. I am in my first summer of TT ownership and was caught off-guard by the struggles our fridge experienced during last week's hot spell (and did not, therefore, really want to open the door to get any food out, let alone to check the temp!).
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Old 07-10-2012, 08:44 AM   #9
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Have one that hangs from the wire shelves in mine
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Old 07-10-2012, 08:51 AM   #10
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I use a Chaney wireless refrigerator monitor with alarm. Pretty nice unit and pretty cheap. You can tell the temp of the fridge or freezer at a glance. About $25.00

Here's a link to one on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Chaney-Instrum.../dp/B000P55SN4
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Old 07-10-2012, 09:30 AM   #11
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I got this wireless temperature station and it has worked amazingly well.

http://www.amazon.com/La-Crosse-Tech...rature+station

It comes with a remote sensor and a wired probe. I put the sensor in the fridge and the probe in the freezer (the wire is attached but doesn't really get in the way.) The main unit then sits on the kitchen counter. I now get 3 temperatures all with the press of the button; the inside of the trailer, the fridge and the freezer. The batteries have lasted over a year. I am very pleased with the results.
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Old 07-10-2012, 11:11 AM   #12
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Lots of good advice...

I especially like that unit, punkaccountant, and may give it a shot. Time to go shopping!
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Old 07-10-2012, 11:45 AM   #13
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I also use the low tech version of hanging thermometers with one in the freezer and one in the fridge. I used to move the thermometer from the freezer to the fridge as needed but now like being able to check the temp in either section whenever the door is open to get something.

A couple trips ago I had a problem with ice cream melting and ice cube trays not freezing while the fridge held the proper temp. Maybe the freezer door wasn't shut completely?
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Old 07-10-2012, 12:17 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Terier View Post
A couple trips ago I had a problem with ice cream melting and ice cube trays not freezing while the fridge held the proper temp. Maybe the freezer door wasn't shut completely?
That has happened to me several times. If I don't place my ice bucket exactly so, it hits the door shelf and the door doesn't close all of the way.
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Old 07-10-2012, 12:31 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Terier View Post
I also use the low tech version of hanging thermometers with one in the freezer and one in the fridge. I used to move the thermometer from the freezer to the fridge as needed but now like being able to check the temp in either section whenever the door is open to get something.

A couple trips ago I had a problem with ice cream melting and ice cube trays not freezing while the fridge held the proper temp. Maybe the freezer door wasn't shut completely?
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtnguy View Post
That has happened to me several times. If I don't place my ice bucket exactly so, it hits the door shelf and the door doesn't close all of the way.
That would make sense.

With two thermometers I was easily able to see the fridge was working fine while the freezer was somewhat questionable instead of waiting to see what temp the thermometer displays.

[Using 1 thermometer works but having 2 is easier]
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Old 07-10-2012, 01:45 PM   #16
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I used a probe cooking thermometer this past week. The cord was long enough to sit on top of the fridge while keeping the door closed.
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