How Do I Calibrate a Thermometer ?

Question

When I stick the tip in ice water it reads 40 Degrees,
Should'nt it read 0 degrees ?

Answer 1

You want more ice than cold water in a cup. Dip thermometer in and allow it to stay for several minutes. The reading should be 32 Degrees Fahrenheit. 0 degrees Celsius. If you are using the metal probe thermometer adjust the hex nut between the face and probe. Turn it counter clock wise to adjust the reading.

Answer 2

Not necessarily. Your ice water may be 40 degrees (F) If it was frozen solid it would read 0(C) or 32(F) (I don't recommend freezing your thermometer though) It could break.

Freezing temp is 0 Degrees (C)Celsius
or 32 Degrees (F)Fahrenheit respectively.
Freezing means FROZEN.
Even the freezer in your kitchen may not read 0 or 32 although they are supposed to. (things aren't always what they seem)
anyway,
The fahrenheit scale is used mainly in the USA and the Celsius scale is used in europe and Canada as well as just about the rest of the world. (We are just weird that way) Actually if you want to get scientific about it, Celsius is used by scientists EVERYWHERE! It makes more sence, is easier to use and is actually more accurate.
Are you referring to a thermometer used for taking internal body temp?
If so, Hold the thermometer firmly in your hand and SHAKE it (HARD) to bring the mercury or colored Alcohol in the thermometer down.

Please do not put it into boiling water because the reading on this type of thermometer does not go that high (212 F) is boiling and it WILL explode!
If there is mercury in it and it explodes, you will have a big problem because mercury is a deadly poison to the human body as well as animals and your home will be contaminated.

Sounds like I am right because candy thermometers and meat thermometers go back down to room temp when removed from the mixture.
Just shake it down a few times you should be all set.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

To find out how accurate the thermometer is, put it into boiling water. The temp. of boiling water is not going to vary.
When you find out where the thermometer is reading for that, you'll be able to "adjust" it accordingly. You cannot 'change' the reading of the thermometer, you'll just know where the boiling point is.

Answer 4

how about instead of ice water you use boiling. the boiling temperature of water cannot pass 212F. it cant. so if you place your thermometer in boiling water and it reads 212F your thermometer is fine. and dont shock it by sticking it in ice water or it will ruin the calibrating you just did. let it cool naturally.