Lower reading on lid due to condensation?

[NelliB]

My lid temp seems to show about 40 degrees lower than my digital temp. Is i it possible to get a lower reading due to condensation? I know the lid temp is not to be trusted, but I am starting to doubt my Rubicson (yeah) digital thermometre.

 

[Karl Freienmuth]

I would calibrate the lid thermometer with boiling water, if possible.
http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/boilingpoint.html

 

[MattP]

I pretty consistently get a difference of 20'ish degrees between dome and my Maverick. Most others will tell you the same.

 

[Bob Bass]

Some of the heat being generated by the hot coals is used to heat (and cook, hopefully ) whatever product you have on the grate(s).
The dome thermometer will read less than the grate temperature IF the grate thermometer is properly placed away from whatever product you are cooking.
Barring any dome thermometer calibration issues, that temperature difference will lessen as the product being cooked gets closer to the cooking temperature.

 

[PeterZ]

Bob is right (you win brother ) =)
I did a lot of temp testing in my smoker and yes the dome thermometer will run lower until the meat on top grade
gets closer to finish temp.
Make sure u callibrate your thermometer as well.

Peter