Using the HOTBIN Thermometers

Using the HOTBIN Thermometers

Each HOTBIN is supplied with two thermometers, both of which measure the temperature in Celsius (°c) and Fahrenheit (°f). There is a thermometer fixed in the lid and an additional thermometer for measuring the internal temperature of the waste in the HOTBIN.


Why the Lid Thermometer Can Be Misleading

The lid thermometer measures the temperature of the steam leaving the HOTBIN. If there is a large void of empty space inside the HOTBIN, heat will be lost as it rises from the top of the waste inside and reaches the lid thermometer. Unfortunately unless the HOTBIN is more than half full the lid gauge will provide a variance in temperature of at least 10°c, rising to as much as 20-30°c during the winter months.

Using the Internal Thermometer

For an accurate internal measurement, simply place the thermometer into the hottest most active layer of waste, typically the top 5-10cm. Try not to leave the thermometer in the HOTBIN as its easy to forget about it when adding waste - you’ll soon find it buried!

When you are ready to take an internal measurement simply lift the lid of the HOTBIN, pop the thermometer in and shut the lid. Leave the thermometer inside for at least a minute to ensure an accurate reading before removing.

Take care not to leave the lid open for long as this will let out the heat and if you are stuck for somewhere to store the thermometer, why not pop it inside the cam strap on the side of the HOTBIN?

How To Use the Lid Thermometer in the Early Days

When starting your HOTBIN use the lid thermometer as a rough gauge to measure if there has been a general increase in temperature since you last visited. We would advise using the internal thermometer until the depth of the waste inside is higher than the top of the hatch, this is when the lid temperature can be relied upon more accurately.
 

Why Don’t You Supply a Digital Thermometer?

Digital thermometers vary greatly and the type you choose to purchase is usually down to personal choice. The waterproof/condensation proof units cannot always be relied upon and for that reason we have chosen to go with the more traditional type of thermometer.