Do I need a flu thermometer? If so, where should the probe be installed?

[bobanne]

Hi, I'm getting ready to install a new Ashford 30 by Blaze King and I've read some threads that recommend a flue thermometer.

I'm looking at the AT200CHIM with TC-K-BR probe. I'm not sure how or where to install it, I don't want to compromise the chimney integrity.

Also, I know it is a small price compared to the total cost, but with an extra foot of pipe here, a brace there, etc.... things are starting to feel out of control. So, is this a good investment for a modern catalytic stove with built in thermostat?

@begreen @Highbeam @stoveliker @BKVP

 

[stoveliker]

I have a simple analog non-electrical probe thermometer.
Best is 18" above the stove. Drill a small hole in the stove pipe and that's it.

(Freestanding stove, insert is more difficult and easier with the Auber.)

The alarm function on the Auber is nice for people that are easily distracted. Or just for folks who like data etc...

 

[bobanne]

I have a simple analog non-electrical probe thermometer.
Best is 18" above the stove. Drill a small hole in the stove pipe and that's it.

(Freestanding stove, insert is more difficult and easier with the Auber.)

The alarm function on the Auber is nice for people that are easily distracted. Or just for folks who like data etc...

Does the probe sufficiently fill the hole as to not interfere with chimney? Or do you put some high temp silicone around it?

 

[bholler]

Does the probe sufficiently fill the hole as to not interfere with chimney? Or do you put some high temp silicone around it?

If you drill the hole the proper size yes it is filled by the probe well

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Does the probe sufficiently fill the hole as to not interfere with chimney? Or do you put some high temp silicone around it?

Also the negative pressure from the draft of the chimney will keep smoke from seeping out the small hole.

 

[Tron]

I went with an analog thermometer as well. The Auber is nice if you need the alarm, but it's not very wife-friendly.
You'll have the probe sticking out of the flue and really nowhere to hide the cable.

No issues with flue integrity or smoke seeping out of the mount.

 

[stoveliker]

Does the probe sufficiently fill the hole as to not interfere with chimney? Or do you put some high temp silicone around it?

The probe comes with a sleeve. Drill the right size hole and it fits snugly so as not to suck in air that would kill part of the draft.
There will also be a magnet around the probe that keeps it from slowly vibrating out (if you open/close the door of the stove etc.)

No silicone needed.

 

[bobanne]

Thanks again everyone for your knowledge and responses. Much appreciated.

 

[EbS-P]

Anyone with little kids is probably going to be distracted enough to warrant the the AT200

 

[Highbeam]

On my BK in the house I have the condar mechanical "fluegard" probe flue meter and it's been excellent though a bit hard to read from across the room. Looks decent, very useful, power outage okay. No wires to trip over or for dogs to chew.

In my shop on the noncat I have the auber electrical probe. Definitely looks more "laboratory" like and less likely to win wife points in the home but the output is woderful. Very fast/responsive, easy to read across the room, has that extra safety alarm but no use when the power is out which honestly is very rare. Don't trip over the power cord or the thermocouple wire.

The flue holes for both are easy to drill, fit correctly, and never had smoke or creosote leak out. Just remember to remove the probes before sweeping the chimney.