How to Calibrate a Grill Thermometer

Calibrate your thermometer to help grill safe, perfectly cooked meat.

Grilling your meat to the perfect temperature can make the difference between a tough, chewy, overly done steak and one that is tender, juicy and perfectly pink (or red) in the center. In the case of pork, undercooking your meat on the grill can even lead to trichinosis--a disease that occurs when a worm that you consumed in undercooked pork burrows into your muscles. Calibrate your grill thermometer regularly to ensure that it accurately reflects your meat's temperature.

Things You'll Need

• Crushed ice
• Glass
• Water
• Wrench (optional)
• Saucepan
• Gloves

Instructions

Cold Water Method

1. Pack a glass with crushed ice until it's full.

2. Add cold water to fill the gaps between the ice. Stir briefly, then allow it to settle for a few minutes so the water will cool.

3. Put your thermometer into the glass of icy water. Fully submerge the sensitive part of the thermometer without allowing it to touch the sides or bottom of the glass. Wait until the temperature has stopped dropping, then check the thermometer. If it says 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius, your grill thermometer is properly calibrated.

4. Adjust your grill thermometer until it reads 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius while submerged in the ice water. The method you must use to adjust your thermometer varies by brand and style, but may involve pressing a button or turning a nut with a wrench.

Hot Water Method

1. Pour several inches of water into your saucepan and put it on the stove. Cook it over high heat until the water boils rapidly.

2. Put on a pair of gloves. These will help protect your hands from the boiling water.

3. Put your thermometer into the saucepan of boiling water. Fully submerge the sensitive part of the thermometer without allowing it to touch the sides or bottom of the saucepan. Wait until the temperature on the thermometer has stopped rising, then check it. If it says 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius, your grill thermometer is properly calibrated.

4. Adjust your grill thermometer until it reads 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius while submerged in the boiling water. The method you must use to adjust your thermometer varies by brand and style, but may involve pressing a button or turning a nut with a wrench.

References

• Global Healing Center: The Health Effects of Harmful Organisms
• Barbeclues.com: How to Calibrate a Meat or Grill Thermometer

Resources

• The Global Gourmet: Meat Thermometers