Rattleware 5-Inch Easy Steam Thermometer

EDIT: As commenters have mentioned, there are other ways to calibrate than the dedicated tool. Amazon actually gave me two dollars credit so I was encouraged to get the tool. I calibrated, and the thermometer works perfectly. So, I'm bumping the stars from 3 up to 5, and 5 stars to Amazon. This thermometer is a great complement to the Aeropress. /end edit. Original cranky review begins here: I guess the thermometer itself is ok. I won't know until it's calibrated. Like the similar product, the S10, this thermometer is described as "Easy to Calibrate" and as having calibration instructions. That's great, but now that I have it, the instructions say to slip the calibration tool "onto stem with hex nut recess toward themometer dial." But I have no calibration tool. Sure, now that I know that, I can return to Amazon's product page and see it listed as an accessory, but only if I click onto to the second page of accessories. And nowhere in the 6 other current reviews here is the tool mentioned. Did no one else bother to calibrate? Did all six people already have a tool? I don't think so. They didn't mention calibration at all, let alone a separate tool. So, if you want this item, perhaps you should purchase the kit which includes the tool. As for me, I guess I'll have to include the $5 tool in my next order. If I didn't have Amazon Prime, I'd be more upset.

I bought this in June of 2014. It is still working. I use it every day. It's a great size and the numbers are easy to read without my reading glasses. You don't need numbers as long as you can see the dial and the color ranges. Espresso milk should be no more than approximately 160 degrees F. Near 180 degrees may burn your lips and it changes the milk consistency. Most espresso stands heat the milk to around 180 degrees because they think it will get cold. Umm, NO!!! At that temperature I now have to wait at least 15 minutes before I can start sipping it. When steaming the milk, stop when the dial gets to the edge of the green area. The dial may register a little hotter after you stop steaming. Perfect. An analog display helps me determine how fast the milk is heating better than with digital thermometers. This is a solid thermometer. For those out there that can't drink dairy, try this soy product: http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Natural-Foods-Blenders-Containers/dp/B002FYAONM/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1421004390&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=pacific+barista+series You can get this to steam into the perfect froth, even much easier than milk. It has a great flavor for soy. My wife uses this. I use it when we run out of milk.

This works pretty well for steaming milk for latte art or cappuccino in general. I checked the accuracy with my Thermapen and it was about 5 degrees lower on multiple attempts. It was more noticeable with higher temperatures near 160. It is also noticeably slower reaching temperature than a Thermapen. These are however not comparable temperatures sensors since this Rattleware is designed to fit on the side of a milk pitcher and the Thermapen is not. These are also not in the same price range, so I don't expect the Rattleware to be as fast and accurate. If you use this Rattleware thermometer, you just have to stop steaming about 10 degrees before you reach your target. For example, if you want to heat to 150 degrees, stop steaming at 140 and you will see the temp eventually climb up to 150 because of the slight delay in sensation of temperature. It will also probably be a few degrees inaccurate.

This is the best milk steaming thermometer I have tried. I would give it 5 stars, but I wish the clip was a little longer. Still, it is the longest clip I have seen on any other thermometers I have tried. I suppose it would work a little better on a thicker pot or pan. I am using it for the thinner steaming pitchers, and it slips around just a little. Maybe it is just me. My eyes are not as good as they used to be, so I am loving the green/red shaded areas! UPDATE: 2013 and I am still using it and it works great. I would recommend it! I updated my rating to 5 stars.

Great little device. I found that I like my lattes to be around 185-190 degrees F. This device allows me to get it right there every time. I've been using this for over a year and it's kept its calibration. It does not come with the calibration tool needed so what I did was to take some needle nose pliers and turn the nut right under the head. This allowed me to adjust for the Ice Test. Comes with a side clip to attach to your frothing pitcher Great little device, no problems over a year later.

Really love this new Rattleware 5-Inch Easy Steam Thermometer. It has a big dial that is easy to read. The dial clearly marks the correct temperature for steaming milk. Despite some reviews saying that the thermometer is not accurate, mine was Right on the Money during the ice test. (See Photo). Plus it is the perfect size for a small milk pitcher. Get this terrific thermometer and get some great results steaming milk for your espresso.

I own a coffeehouse and have used these thermometers for well over 10 years, straight. They used to be amazing, solid, and reliable thermometers. Since about 2016-ish, they have been plagued by terrible quality/production issues. My last batch of 10 that I bought broke very quickly. Some 'spun' on the calibration nut, some just stopped registering temp, some had the needle spin or fall off, but they almost ALL broke within just a few weeks of using them. I used to love the Rattleware 5" thermometer but I'm now looking for a quality thermo that won't break within weeks of using it. Shame on Rattleware for putting out such a poor quality thermometer the last few years!

Works great but has a rather large diameter reader face. Only buy if you're using a large frothing container.

works great

I'm now making the perfect Lattes!

Its short and there is 10C difference in temperature. Needle is wonky and and not accurate.

Quality thermometer with a large dial. would buy again.