Calibrating An Instant-Read Thermometer

An instant-read thermometer is indispensable in the kitchen and at the grill. Unfortunately, they’re often wrong. I discovered that recently when I slightly overcooked a small rack of lamb. Something had knocked my thermometer out of alignment, causing it be be off by a whopping 12 degrees. Luckily, it only takes a minute to recalibrate.

Fill a glass about halfway full of ice and top it off with cold water. Let it sit for a minute or two. When it starts to condensate, stick the instant-read thermometer into the ice water, making sure the tip isn’t touching an ice cube. It should read about 32°. However much it’s off, that’s the amount by which you need to recalibrate. Grab the hexagonal nut behind the gauge with a pair of pliers and hold it steady. With your other hand, turn the face of the thermometer until you’ve made up the difference. That’s pretty easy, right?

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