Hands on Review: Inkbird IHT-1S Digital, Instant Read, Waterproof, Rechargeable Thermometer

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Michael Gom.  Read more about Michael below.

Hands on Review: Inkbird Digital Food Thermometer IHT-1S

This is a rechargeable, advertised as Waterproof IP67 and has an advertised response time of ~2 – 3 seconds.

Unboxing

FrontBackFollowing the same quality as the previous model I reviewed (IHT-1P), Inkbird packages their thermometer very well. Foam-fitted and compact.


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Inkbird Meat Thermometer IHT-1S, Instant Read Meat Thermometer Waterproof Digital Cooking Thermometer, Food Candy Thermometer for Kitchen, Food Cooking, Grill, BBQ, Smoker, Home Brewing, Coffee – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link


Empty boxAnd they include a charging cable (no AC adapter, just the usb type-c cable)Unboxed


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A Closer Look at the IHT-1S

Back view with probe folded inBack view with probe folded out. The thermometer itself is large, and has an ergonomic design to fit in your hand while using. It also has a nice lanyard loop.Here’s a close up of the base of the thermometer. This thermometer is marketed as IP67 waterproof. This screw secures the base (where the charging port is) to the rest of the body.Once the screw is loosened , you can see the added water-proofing details. The area between the body and the base has a rubberized gasket that is tethered so it doesn’t get lost.And a look at the USB type-c charging port.And the screw is a “captive” screw, it stays connected to the base so you don’t lose it.

Charging

ChargingWhile charging, a “USB” icon is displayed on screen

Auto-Rotating Display

Though this thermometer has an ergonomic design, it doesn’t mean it can only be used one way. The screen auto-rotates. It can be used in any direction, even upside down.Rotating displayRotating displayRotating display

Accuracy Tests

Similar to the previous model(IHT-1P), its is very accurate out-of-the-box. Water boils at ~201 F. 201 is accurate for my elevationIce water (~32.4 degrees, accurate enough for me!)

A Note on Resolution

Another note, the thermometer shows a higher resolution of accuracy when the temperature reads below 100 degrees. Note from the pictures above, 201 is shown for boiling, while 32.4 is shown for the ice. This was also true for the IHT-1P model i reviewed before.

This is me trying to show both thermometers reading 167, as well as the anvil reporting the same temperature at 167F. This is after recirculating so the temperature at the bottom (where the anvil temperature probe is) and the top should be very close, which they are. Related: Hands on Review: Anvil Foundry Brewing SystemAnd boiling again, just showing that both temperatures are accurate with each other and the anvil as well.

Calibrating The IHT-1S

Calibration is done the same way as on the previous model I reviewed, here is the text from that review (process is the same):

A note on calibration, the procedure is different than other thermometers I’ve used. This allows you to change it + or – within 5 degrees F of freezing or boiling, + or – 3 degrees Celsius.

So if you check it in freezing water and it reads 1 degree high (33F) you would close the probe, hold the calibration button while opening it to enter calibration mode, then press the button until +1F displays on the screen. This will tell it that it’s reading 1 degree high and adjust it accordingly. Note that I did not do this as mine was pretty accurate out of the box.

Conclusions

This thermometer is large, perhaps oversized. It doesn’t have any kind of magnet so you can’t just stick it to the fridge. It is a bit bulky, but it’s not like you’re carrying it in your pocket every day. It doesn’t feel cheap to me, and the backlight is nice and bright. The auto-rotating screen is a nice feature and the readings on it are very fast… The advertised 2-3 seconds is accurate in my testing. The backlight also turns on if it detects that you picked it up, and turns off after about 20 seconds. You can turn it back on by quickly pressing the button.

Overall I like it. It’s very fast, accurate (out of the box) and you definitely can’t lose it with it’s bright orange color. I love having a rechargeable thermometer around, replacement batteries can never be found when needed in my house. It would be nice for them to include an AC adapter for the usb charging cable. I also feel it is more waterproof due to the extensive water protection around the charging port. It may be a pain to have to go find a screwdriver in order to charge it but it really is nice and secure and the gasket should protect it in case you drop the whole thing in your brew kettle.. Or your bucket of Star San for that matter.

Check Current Price and Availability:

Inkbird Meat Thermometer IHT-1S, Instant Read Meat Thermometer Waterproof Digital Cooking Thermometer, Food Candy Thermometer for Kitchen, Food Cooking, Grill, BBQ, Smoker, Home Brewing, Coffee – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

What are Other’s Saying?   Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “brew” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related: Hands on Review: Inkbird IHT-1P Digital, Instant Read, Waterproof, Rechargeable Thermometer

Thank you to Michael for this review!

More About the Author:  I’ve been brewing for about 8 years, started out with a 5 gallon extract kit and was hooked. Jumped into all grain after about 5 or 6 batches of extract. Since then I’ve run the gauntlet of partial mashing to building a cooler mash tun to BIAB. I recently switch to an electric all-in-one system and love it, this is my preferred method now due to ease of use and time saving. I have no professional brewing experience. I prefer pale ales and IPA’s mostly. Trying my best to be a good home brewer while also being a good family man for my wife and two kids!

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Special Thanks to Inkbird for providing the unit used for evaluation in this review

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. review:iht1s tag:tpr

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