How to Choose the Right Temperature Logger for Your Application
By the Termograf Team · Reading time: ~6 min
Choosing a temperature logger sounds simple — until you realize there are hundreds of models on the market, each optimized for different use cases. Do you need one probe or two? Temperature only, or humidity too? Transport or warehouse? Built-in printer or USB download?
This guide walks you through the key decision criteria so you pick the right instrument for your application — without over-spending or under-specifying.
Step 1: Define Your Application
The first and most important question is: where will the logger operate?
| Application | Key Requirements | Recommended Model |
|---|---|---|
| Pharma transport (2–8°C) | GDP compliance, printout, single zone | TG5-1T |
| Food transport (dual zone) | HACCP, two temperature ranges | TG5-2T |
| Warehouse storage | Temp + humidity, long recording | TG5-2TRH |
| Fleet (50+ vehicles) | Cost-efficient, reusable, bulk deal | TG5-1T + Dealer pricing |
Step 2: One Probe or Two?
A single-probe logger (like the TG5-1T) measures one temperature zone. This is sufficient for most pharma shipments and single-compartment vehicles. If you need to monitor two separate points — such as the front and rear of a long trailer, or a freezer compartment alongside a chilled section — a dual-probe model (TG5-2T) records both independently.
When to choose dual probes:
- Multi-compartment refrigerated trucks (e.g., frozen + chilled)
- Large cold rooms where front-to-back temperature variation matters
- Regulatory requirements that mandate two independent measurement points
Step 3: Do You Need Humidity?
Certain products — especially vaccines, some biologics, and tobacco — have humidity specifications alongside temperature. The TG5-2TRH includes a combined temperature and relative humidity probe, recording both parameters simultaneously.
If your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or regulatory framework do not mention humidity, the temperature-only models (TG5-1T or TG5-2T) will meet your needs and cost less.
Step 4: How Will You Retrieve Data?
TERMOGRAF TG5 offers three data retrieval methods:
- Built-in thermal printer — instant paper report at any location, no computer needed. Ideal for delivery checkpoints and audits.
- USB download — connect to a PC and export data as CSV or PDF via TERMOGRAF software. Best for archiving and trend analysis.
- SensorsReport (cloud) — real-time streaming to a web dashboard when a gateway is in range. Best for warehouse operations and centralized monitoring.
Most customers use the printer for daily operations and USB/cloud for long-term archiving. The printer alone satisfies GDP and HACCP inspection requirements.
Step 5: Consider Total Cost of Ownership
Single-use loggers (common in pharma) cost €15–€50 per trip and are discarded after each use. Over the course of a year, a fleet running 200 shipments spends €3,000–€10,000 on disposable devices alone.
A reusable TERMOGRAF TG5 pays for itself within a few trips. The only recurring cost is annual calibration (recommended for compliance). For fleets of 10+ units, dealer pricing reduces the per-unit cost further.
Quick Decision Tree
- Do you need humidity monitoring? → Yes: TG5-2TRH. No: continue.
- Do you need two temperature zones? → Yes: TG5-2T. No: continue.
- Single temperature zone → TG5-1T.
- Fleet of 10+ units? → Request Dealer Pricing.
- Want real-time alerts? → Add SensorsReport subscription.
Ready to upgrade your cold chain monitoring?
Explore the TERMOGRAF TG5 range and find the right model for your application.