Thermometer for monitoring grill temp

[spinsheet]

Is there a recommended thermometer for monitoring the temperature of the grill? Can I just stick one down in one of the top vent holes to keep an eye on the temp? If so, is there a specific one that I should get? I have the Weber One Touch Gold 22".

[Hogsy]

Best of both worlds with the Maverick ET-732

[pbe gummi bear]

For dial thermometers people recommend tel-tru. They come in a bunch of sizes, colors, and some can be calibrated. You can pop it through a vent hole (some people plug it through a cork to secure it) or drill a hole into the lid to mount it. For about $60 you can use the maverick ET-732 which also comes with a meat probe and a wireless transmitter for the temp. I find the dial more convenient for simple cooks vs a wired thermometer.

[Bman]

Part #70180 from eReplacements for 13 bucks shipped and a few minutes with a drill was the route I took on my OTG
.

[spinsheet]

BMan,

That looks like the route that I would like to take. I see how the wireless would be nice but I'm looking for something a bit simpler. Any advice on the best place to drill the hole? High, low, doesn't matter?

And thanks everyone for all of the advice.

Thanks!

[MacEggs]

I have used my UDS thermometer, which is easily removed on my unit. Put it in one of the vent holes.

Also a $5 grill therm. I peak at it thru the lid vent. Sometimes a flashlight is required to view it. 

The Maverick ET-73, and ET-732 are great units. I have both. Some people hate them, but, I have been lucky with mine, so far. 

[javahog2002]

Part #70180 from eReplacements for 13 bucks shipped and a few minutes with a drill was the route I took on my OTG
.

I have an ET-732 among others from my performers and the resale shop.   This Official Weber Thermo looks great.   If you want the most accurate  Tel-Tru thermometers are considered the most accurate and adjustable to calibrate.

This guys sells Tru-Tel and most other options.  Tel-Tru thermos are made in the U.S.A.
http://www.kck.com/bbq_thermometer_barbecue_grill_smoker_temperature_gauge.html

[bryanw21157]

I have used my UDS thermometer, which is easily removed on my unit. Put it in one of the vent holes.

Also a $5 grill therm. I peak at it thru the lid vent. Sometimes a flashlight is required to view it. 

The Maverick ET-73, and ET-732 are great units. I have both. Some people hate them, but, I have been lucky with mine, so far. 

Is it camera perspective or is that thermo in the top pic HUGE???

[MacEggs]

Is it camera perspective or is that thermo in the top pic HUGE

Yes. It is huge! The longer the stem meant a larger face. I was not overly thrilled with that.
Nice to look at from a distance, though. I should have went with Tel-Tru. 

[Bman]

BMan,

That looks like the route that I would like to take. Any advice on the best place to drill the hole? High, low, doesn't matter?

I just tried to mimic what Weber did on the Performer lids. 

[mike.stavlund]

Spinsheet, I also like the Weber thermometers.  Simple, cheap, plenty accurate for most uses.  If you don't have a Performer around to compare it to (not all of us have as many grills as Bman), maybe visit the Home Depot grill department with a tape measure to get a good idea of where it should go.  Starting in 2013, all One-Touch Golds have the lid thermo.

You'll actually need two holes.  Once you find the right size bit (I use a scrap of wood to make sure the thermo will fit through), put some masking tape on the target area, mark the spot, and drill the main hole.  Then pass the thermometer and bezel through the hole, set it into the proper orientation, and push the registration tab into the tape to mark the location.  Drill where the tape is dented and you're all set.