Review on 🌡️ Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller Outlet Smoker Thermostat, 2-Stage, 1100W, Sensor for Reptile, Beer Brewing, Kegs, Fridge, Cured Meat, and Breeding by Aaron Collins

I've used it twice. Owned for a month. I only use a heating outlet with 45 watt heating foil to keep wine/beer warm in the cold house during the main fermentation in winter. When I first used it I had no problems. The Inbird probe is contained in a protective sleeve; I also checked the temperature of Thermapen. They typically agreed on a maximum deviation of 1 degree associated with the location of the probes. The second time I tested it with thermofoam too and at a pumping temperature which in this case was 78 degrees they agreed. However, a few days later (today) I checked the temperature of my wine with the thermope and found (horrified!) that it read 90F. Inkbird reported that it was just under 83 and the heat was in full swing. (My setting was 83F). The maximum temperature range for this yeast is 86F. But my wine should be 90F! I don't know when the device failed. But I did notice that the heater was on (red light on) more than I thought it should be. I just tested it again with two other thermometers including my thermopen. Seems to be OK. (All readings are within a degree or two, easily attributed to being in warm water which I used to test). The bottom line is: Inkbird is not to be trusted. Wine and beer making typically cannot tolerate 7 degrees of "mood swings" when temperature is controlled. I've been lucky. I don't think I lost my 6 gallon batch (transferred today and the fading was expected) but I will no longer trust this unit until I can determine that it was a read error (and thus a trying to make my wine) was an accident . So disappointing. I've wanted an Inkbird for a long time. Next time I will most likely use my analog controller as a backup. Bugs aside, this is a great device. I really like being able to see temperature readings on the device. Too bad it's inaccurate!