The temperature of your stovepipe flue is usually higher than at the top of the chimney (250ºF) because the exhaust gases cool as they move up the chimney. The rate of cooling depends on factors such as length of chimney, whether the chimney is indoors or outdoors, and chimney material.

Most people agree that placing the thermometer at eye-level ensures your damper isn’t interfered with. The selection of where to place the thermometer depends on whether you have a double or single wall stove. In case of the later, it’s advisable to place the thermometer atop the stove while in the former 18” to 2 feet up from the stove.

Normally the first magnetic thermometer is placed on the metal flue of the woodstove. The pipes’ base is attached 2 to three feet away, to measure the exit gases for accurate readings.  Distance is kept due to the likelihood of high temperature resulting in a reduction of the magnetism of the thermometer and subsequent fall.

The second thermometer is placed on top of the stove or firebox. This gives internal temperature readings including the combustion chamber. A lower location of the thermometer gives higher readings due to the proximity with the heating in the combustion chamber.

Doe a test run by lighting a fire in the combustion chamber to confirm how the thermometers work.

Woodburning stove optimum burning temperature

Mostly dials are color-coded depending with the corresponding temperature range. An example is a range of 100 to 260 degrees F means a cold fire and likelihood of creosote formation inside of the flue.

The best temperature range is between 270 to 460 degrees considered optimum for your stove functionality and heat emitted.

480 degrees is considered too hot. Usually, this accompanied by metal fatigue in the stove and flue.

Depending on the color range, make adjustments on the air intakes to the more moderate optimum flue temperature 280 to 460 degrees range.

Stovetop vs. Stovepipe Thermometer Placement

The positioning of the thermometers both top and internal gives different values. So if you are using wooden stove thermometers which value is more reliable? Stovetop temperature is unreliable due to its constant fluctuation due to its reliance on rising gases(which cool down as time passes). However, overburns are aptly captured by the internal stove pipe and quickly reflected.

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There is a general consensus on the usage of wooden stove thermometers to ensure you get better heating. In addition to this, it is important to know how to take readings and place the thermometers to get reliable heat values.

Which is why you need a wood stove thermometer; to help to handle these issues. Not just for regulating the heating aspect, but also so that you can be able to cook with the stove. The thermometer will let you know if you need to reduce the coal or firewood to regulate the fire and thus decrease the temperature. Keep reading this article if you want to find the best wood stove thermometers in the market at the moment.

Top 5 Wood Stove Thermometers in 2021

Condar Inferno Stove Top Meter (3-30) thermometer

This thermometer has a durable genuine porcelain enamel that makes it cold to the touch preventing it from burning your fingers. The readings are easy to see, and it has a steel case for durability. It has a magnet that attaches the thermometer to the stove surface. It measures temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit. It is made specifically, for stovetop use.

Features

• Genuine porcelain enamel
• Rugged steel case
• Small wire handle

Pros

• Easy to use
• Made from durable material
• Has a handle for easy removal

Cons

• Cannot read high temperatures accurately

GALAFIRE Magnetic Stove Thermometer

A magnet on the back of the thermometer makes this quality wood stove thermometer stick to the stove surface. The magnetic stove thermometer can be placed on the stovetop or side, and a single wall flue pipe. It can measure temperatures between 100-800°F(40-425°C). It has a stainless steel exterior, and its diameter is 63mm.

It is extremely light to ensure it stays put and it monitors stove efficiency enabling you to avoid the stove fan getting damaged by overheat.

Features

• Aluminum dial
• Brass pointer
• Metal handle
• Bimetal thermometer sensor

Pros

• Easy to use
• Gives accurate readings
• Made for a durable material

Cons

• The maximum temperature reading is 400⁰C

GALAFIRE 2PCS Stove Thermometer Magnetic Oven Thermometer

Galafire wood burning stove thermometer has a temperature range of between 100-800°F(40-425°C). Do not attach the thermometer directly on grilles. It can be placed on a stovetop or side. The stove has a stainless outer casing, aluminum dial, a brass pointer, a back with a magnet, a metal handle, and a bimetal thermometer sensor.

The magnet enables the thermometer to stay put up to a temperature of 800°F. It is also rustproof from any steam produced from your stovetop.

Features

• Stainless material
• Aluminum dial
• Brass pointer
• Magnet
• Metal handle
• Bimetal thermometer

Pros

• Easy to use
• Conserves firewood
• Can read up to 425°C

Cons

• The small fonts might be hard to read

Midwest Hearth Wood Stove Thermometer

The midwest hearth wood stove thermometer is calibrated to read the temperature on a single wall chimney flue pipe. It has a magnet on its backside that easily attaches to your metal chimney pipe. The magnet will hold up to a temperature of 800°f. It has a porcelain enamel finish with a quality finish to compliment your beautiful stove as well as stay cool to the touch.

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The thermometer is easy to read, and it optimizes your wood stove’s efficiency, prevents overheating, minimizes creosote. It also comes with a flip-up handle for quick removal or repositioning of the thermometer using its built-in handle.

Features

• Magnetic attachment
• Porcelain enamel finish
• Flip-up handle

Pros

• Easily attach to your metal chimney pipe
• Minimizes creosote
• Quickly remove

Cons

• Does not give accurate temperature readings

Youlanda Oven Wood Temperature Thermometer

By using a bimetal thermometer sensor, the thermometer can detect temperature changes and enable you to minimize the usage of wood. Which is beneficial in the long run. You are also able to use your stove optimally and prevent tar buildup due to creosote creation.

The thermometer gives near-instant readings. And you can place it on the stovetop or side.

Features

• Strong magnet
• Aluminum dial
• Bimetal thermometer sensor

Pros

• Optimize stove efficiency
• Easy to read
• Conserve wood and avoid excess creosote

Cons

• Readings jump making it impossible to get an accurate number

 Conclusion

When looking for the best wood stove thermometer, look for one that does not need you to drill a hole in your wood stove to install it. With the influx of magnetized options, there is no need for you to get one that needs drilling. You can still get a pretty accurate reading with a magnetic version. As long as you do not use it for extremely high temperatures as the magnet will become demagnetized.

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Also, make sure that it has a high-temperature range if you intend to use it for extreme temperature measurements. The bottom line is, find a wood stove thermometer that will suit your wooden stove design and your budget. Look for online reviews before settling for a thermometer.