TWO THERMOMETERS, SAME CALIBRATION?


 
S

Sal DeTraglia

TVWBB Member
Hi guys:

I've just bought two new thermometers in preparation for my first smoke this coming Friday. One is a Taylor probe thermometer (Polder-like), and the other is an Insta-Read candy thermometer (dial-type).

I tested both by submerging them into a pot of water boiling on my stove. Both thermometers read 205 degrees.

205 degrees? Admittedly, I don't have a scientific mind...but I find this confusing. Shouldn't they have read 212?

Seems unlikely that two different thermometers are wrongly calibrated by the exact same amount.

Any thoughts on this?

Sal
 
At the average altitude of your region, water should boil at around 208°F. Your thermometers may not be that far off.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sal DeTraglia:
Hi guys:

I've just bought two new thermometers in preparation for my first smoke this coming Friday. One is a Taylor probe thermometer (Polder-like), and the other is an Insta-Read candy thermometer (dial-type).

I tested both by submerging them into a pot of water boiling on my stove. Both thermometers read 205 degrees.

205 degrees? Admittedly, I don't have a scientific mind...but I find this confusing. Shouldn't they have read 212?

Seems unlikely that two different thermometers are wrongly calibrated by the exact same amount.

Any thoughts on this?

Sal </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Depending on altitude water will boil at different temps. It boils at 212º at sea level. Do a second test. Fill a glass with ice. Then water just to the top. Stir occasionally. After a couple minutes test them. Should be 32º
 
Hi again:

I tried Jon's test, and the thermometer read 33 degrees.

Then...I discovered this website, which calculates the boiling point of water by elevation.

Madrid's elevation is 1,998 feet. Guess what the boiling point is: 208 degrees. Bravo, Doug!

Thanks for your help, guys. This gives me a bit more peace of mind for Friday's adventure. It's not just my first smoke on the WSM, but my first crack at charcoal.

Sal
 
You didn't have to go all the way over there ~ There's one here, too.
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Boiling Point Calculator
 
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