Hands On Review: CDN DTQ450X Quick Read Thermometer – Includes Accuracy and Response Time Tests
Updated: 6/11/2024
The DTQ450X from Component Design (CDN) is a quick read digital thermometer thermometer. It is NSF listed and waterproof. Here’s an in depth hands on review of this thermometer.
Hands on Review CDN DTQ450X Quick Read Thermometer
In the package
Bottom view
Battery Door
Completely submerged. Note: The manual explicitly says not to do this. Guess what? I did it! I completely submerged this thermometer for version 1 of this review sometime around November of 2012. The thermometer has gotten plenty wet since then and is still performing like a champ. I’m not suggesting that you completely submerge yours. You should follow the manual’s instructions. I am saying, mine has held up to this type of treatment.
Check Current Price, Description and Availability:
- CDN ProAccurate® Waterproof Digital Thermometer with Protective Sheath, Easy to Read Display, 5″ Stem with Thin Tip Probe, Black Display (DTQ450X)
- CDN DTQ450X Digital Pocket Thermometer w/ 5″ Stem, -40 to 450°F – via Katom Restaurant Supply
- Two Pack: CDN DTQ450X ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer (Pack Of 2)
- Canada: CDN Proaccurate Quick-Read Thermometer
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Accuracy Tests:
I’ve experienced different boiling temperature on different days using the same equipment and testing methods. Boiling temperature is a moving target. It is based on elevation and atmospheric conditions. The day of this test, boiling point was a consistent 211.8 deg F as read by my highly accurate Thermapen.
The CDN DTQ450X reads 211.6 deg F. It’s reading to .2 deg F low. Well within it’s stated accuracy of +- 2 deg F. Practically speaking, for our needs, this is right on.
Ice water is a more reliable reference point. Here is the CDN DTQ450X head to head with the Thermapen. As you can see, the Thermapen reads right at 32 deg F. The CDN DTQ450X reads 32.9 deg F. Again, well within it’s stated 2 deg F range. This is a good result. Not great, but good. That fact that it is more accurate at the higher range bodes well for homebrewers. We’re much closer to that end of the spectrum for most of the things we’re doing.
Response Time Test:
This video shows a response time test using the CDN DTQ450X. I tried to do this with water that was around mash temperature. I’m counting the start of the test as right when the metal basket hits the water. The probe of the thermometer is submerged at 2.28 seconds into the video. It levels out at 138.3 deg F at 5.7 seconds. That’s a response time of… 3.42 seconds. For .1 deg F resolution, that’s a great response time. In fact, it’s 1.98 seconds faster than a similar test I completed on my review of ThermoWorks Thermapen.
The DTQ450X measuring grain temperature
Conclusions
I’ve used the CDN DTQ450X since October of 2012. This same unit continues to look and function well. It’s also a key component of my Brew Day Box. It displays very good accuracy and it has a very, very good response time. If you’re looking for a thermometer for homebrewing and general use this is an excellent choice that I can recommend based on experience.
What are Other’s Saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “brew” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
- CDN ProAccurate® Waterproof Digital Thermometer with Protective Sheath, Easy to Read Display, 5″ Stem with Thin Tip Probe, Black Display (DTQ450X)
- CDN DTQ450X Digital Pocket Thermometer w/ 5″ Stem, -40 to 450°F – via Katom Restaurant Supply
- Two Pack: CDN DTQ450X ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer (Pack Of 2)
- Canada: CDN Proaccurate Quick-Read Thermometer
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Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd review:cdndtq450x rs:8 tag:tpr
This is a quote from the instruction manual.
Important: DO NOT LEAVE IN HOT OVEN OR
MICROWAVE. DO NOT IMMERSE THERMOMETER
HEAD IN WATER
I have two of these and (still) think it’s a great product but you may want to be more careful with it around liquids. After hand-washing one of mine after normal use it started acting real weird the next time I went to use it. It was flipping back and forth between Celsius/Fahrenheit every couple seconds by itself, flipping back and forth between Celsius/Fahrenheit when I press the On/Off button, the display was dim and sort of flickering on and off. I put it in a bowl with some dry uncooked rice for a day to try and get the moisture out of it and it works again. Just a heads up for owners/potential buyers.
I have a similar issue with my CDN thermometer. It won’t shut off. Funny is that on their website, the cutsheet for the CDN actually says “Waterproof” as the 4th item under features (http://www.cdn-timeandtemp.com/sites/default/files/English_DTQ450Xen.pdf). I have contacted CDN as they are supposed to have a 5 year warranty on it.