http://www.cookthermometers.com/what-is-the-correct-way-to-calibrate-a-thermometer-with-ice-water.php Just another WordPress weblog Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:10:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://www.cookthermometers.com/what-is-the-correct-way-to-calibrate-a-thermometer-with-ice-water.php/comment-page-1#comment-219 WILL Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:06:59 +0000 http://www.cookthermometers.com/what-is-the-correct-way-to-calibrate-a-thermometer-with-ice-water.php#comment-219 The method described previously is OK, but not "any liquid". If you have a sweetened beverage like iced tea or lemonade, the sugar will change the freeze/melt point. So will salt or any other soluble substance. Your most accurate fluid would be distilled water, but tap water will get you close enough for average work. Once the thermometer has been in the ice water for a couple of minutes, it should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius. With a digital thermometer, follow the manufacturer's directions to calibrate it. With an analog device, hold the calibrating nut under the dial with a small wrench or pliers, and turn the bezel (outer ring of the dial) until the needle points to 32 - KEEP the end of the thermometer probe in the ice water while calibrating, or it will warm up & you'll waste your time. The method described previously is OK, but not "any liquid". If you have a sweetened beverage like iced tea or lemonade, the sugar will change the freeze/melt point. So will salt or any other soluble substance. Your most accurate fluid would be distilled water, but tap water will get you close enough for average work. Once the thermometer has been in the ice water for a couple of minutes, it should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius. With a digital thermometer, follow the manufacturer's directions to calibrate it. With an analog device, hold the calibrating nut under the dial with a small wrench or pliers, and turn the bezel (outer ring of the dial) until the needle points to 32 – KEEP the end of the thermometer probe in the ice water while calibrating, or it will warm up & you'll waste your time.

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