A noob Boiling question

[The Cat]

I have a Buffalo boiler and am doing an extract brew with grain steeping this weekend. I tried it out today just with water and got up to just about 98.5 c with what looked like some decent boiling action on the water. Left it going for 10 mins and it stayed pretty much identical so quite hopeful of it being able to do an hour when I need it.

Am I being too picky expecting the thermometer to get to 100 or does it not really matter much - it is a not very expensive meat thermometer and I suppose it is quite likely there could be some variance - does it sound good enough to go for it Saturday? I've got an Old Speckled Hen clone extract kit itching to be drinkable for Christmas.

Cheers as always.

 

[Buffers brewery]

It's your thermometer. If the water is boiling it's not going to get any hotter.

 

[VW911]

Pure water boils at 100 degrees. With your added grain etc., the boiling point will be much lower...

 

[The Cat]

Sounds like it's working ok then cheers - little things like this can make me overthink things for ages

 

[Buffers brewery]

Sorry to disagree with you @VW911 but wort is effectively a sugar solution that boils at more than 100C.

 

[The Cat]

Sorry to disagree with you @VW911 but wort is effectively a sugar solution that boils at more than 100C.

That's what I read earlier that prompted the question really - I'm just gonna dive in Saturday and see how it goes anyway. I know loads of people have used kettles like this so I am probably asking a question that doesn't need asking cheers though.

 

[The Baron]

Deffo Thermometer

 

[Buffers brewery]

I only use a thermometer for checking mash and pitching temperatures. The boil is the boil, just let it do it's thing.
I use one of these but there are loads to choose from.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/tpi-312c-immersion-tip-pocket-thermometer/82574

 

[Jim Brewster]

Just to note depending on where you are, the boiling point of water will drop below 100C with elevation above sea level. Not significant for most places but could be a few degrees if you're somewhere high such as the Lake District.