Thermometer discrepancies HELP!


 
J

James O

New member
I have a Taylor candy thermometer that I attached to the little vent flap and the probe in the vent and have it inserted into a cork. The probe is 6 inches.
I also have the original thermometer that comes installed on the WSM.
Both were tested in boiling water and hit within 2-3 degrees of 212.
When I actually cook with it though the Taylor thermometer reads consistently 15 degrees higher then the stock one. Which one is the correct and accurate measurement?
I've read that the stock thermometer will show a temperature approx 15-20 degrees higher then the grate temp. If the taylor thermometer's longer probe is the reason for the discrepancy, wouldn't that mean the taylor should read lower since it's closer to the grate?
I'm not sure which is the correct one to go by. I'm waiting for my maverick thermometer to arrive
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Any help would be great
Thanks
 
wait for your Maverick and don't sweat it.
I have one and they are great. During my cooks though,the WSM and the Mav are right on with each other at times, But for the most part the WSM reads about 15-20 higher. jmo
 
My WSM's lid thermometer reads about 25F lower than my ET-732 pit probe at the grate, it is normal.
They are all correct for their positions in the cooker.
 
You just have to pick one and stick with it. Since you ordered a Maverick, wait for that and rely on it. After you cook for awhile, you will realize that absolute temp is not as important as the trend (temp going up or down). Once you get to the point where you can keep your WSM stable, it doesn't really matter what the temp is (within reason). Let's say your thermometer reads 250 and the temp is actually 300. No problem, your cook will just get done sooner and you'll be fine. There would be a little problem if your thermometer reads 250 and the real temp is a lot lower (say 200 - 220) because your cooks will take a really long time. However, if that happens just boost the temp and get use to that. I cook at a temp of 250 using a through the vent thermometer. My ribs take about 5 hours which seems in the ballpark of what others experience. I don't care what the actual temp is and adding another thermometer to the equation will only drive me crazy so I don't. Food turns out good and everyone's happy.

Pick one and stick with it. Relax and enjoy. If you're so inclined, grab an adult beverage - that seems to help too.
 
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