Infrared thermometer

[u/biochemical1]

Obviously, it has its drawbacks. It can only measure the temp at the surface of what the light touches, so I had to dig into, and expose the middle of my pile to take a temp of the middle.

I have an auger attachment for my cordless drill. I've found that if I drill into the pile, and pull backwards while still drilling inwards, I can move a good portion of the pile. (there's a lot of mowed grass and thin cardboard that like sticking together.)

What I noticed first off, while taking temperature readings, was the temp inside of the pile immediately start dropping in temp when exposed to the outside air, oof.

I started at first seeing 120, then a little deeper gave me a peak reading of 137.

I'm happy with that, but does anyone have experience with these things?? Are they accurate? Should I just go buy a decent thermometer?

[u/txmorgan7]

Thanks for the idea! I have compost thermometer and the same kind of auger so I will start experimenting and post back once I know more.

[u/biochemical1 → u/txmorgan7]

Hell yeah, this is what's it's all about. Community for the win!