How to Fix a Meat Temperature Probe
When a meat probe thermometer is not giving correct readings, most of the time it is an indication that its calibration is off. If you have a digital probe, you will likely have to seek professional assistance in order to recalibrate it. If it is a manual probe, you can calibrate it yourself. In either case, running a simple test will tell you whether or not the calibration of your probe is the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cup
- 2 cups of ice cubes
- Bowl
- Needlenose pliers
Instructions
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Boiling Method
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1
Put 2 cups of water into your saucepan.
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2
Bring the water to a boil on your stovetop. The water should not merely be simmering; it should be at a full, rolling boil.
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3
Insert the tip of your meat probe into the center of the water. Do not touch the bottom or sides of the pot or it will give a false reading.
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4
Read the thermometer. It should say that it is 212 degrees F, unless you are located at 3,000 feet or more above sea level. If you are located in a high altitude, your water will boil at 208 degrees F. You can trick the water into boiling at a higher temperature by adding salt to it, but that is not necessary for calibrating your thermometer.
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5
Adjust the nut underneath the face of your manual thermometer, above the probe. You can twist it using needlenose pliers. Twist it until the indicator points at 212 degrees F/100 degrees C. If you are using a digital thermometer and it does not indicate the correct temperature, talk to your local kitchen supply store to see if they can recommend someone who can recalibrate your digital meat probe thermometer.
Ice Water Method
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6
Put 2 cups of cold water into a bowl.
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7
Add 2 cups of ice cubes.
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8
Insert the tip of your meat probe into the center of the water. Do not touch the bottom or sides of the bowl or it will give a false reading.
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9
Read the thermometer. It should say that the temperature is 32 degrees F. If it does not, your probe needs calibration.
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10
Twist the nut on the back of your manual thermometer so that the indicator points to 32 degrees F/zero degrees C. If you have a digital thermometer, you should consult your local kitchen supply store to get a recommendation about someone who can calibrate your digital thermometer.
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