How to Check If Your Digital Cooking Thermometer Is Working Properly

A digital food thermometer is an important kitchen tool used to make sure your meat dishes are cooked through to kill any harmful bacteria. But if the thermometer is not calibrated correctly, or is giving inaccurate readings, you can wind up with a ruined recipe or worse, make you and your fellow diners sick. You should check the thermometer periodically to make sure it is in working order.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Water
• Finely crushed ice
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Fill a bowl with ice and just enough water to cover the ice. Stir.

2. Place the needle of the thermometer in the water. After few seconds the thermometer should read 32 F. If it doesn't, you may need to calibrate the thermometer.

3. Find the calibration screw on the back of your thermometer while it is still immersed in the water. Turn the screw with the screwdriver until it reads 32 F.

Tips & Warnings

• If the thermometer does not stay calibrated, you may need to repair or replace your thermometer.

References

• How To Use a Cooking and Meat Thermometer