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Calibration

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Inksmyth
Inksmyth Posts: 308
edited November -1 in EggHead Forum
I calibrating my BGE thermometer several months ago. Since Thanksgiving, (the turkey ended up a crispy critter) I have been burning the Sh*%Z out of everything. Decided to recalibrate this morning just to be on the safe side. The thermo was running 35 degs to cool. Is this normal for the calibration to change. I can't figure out how. A thermo is a very simple device.

Comments

  • YankeeRob
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    The stock thermo? These are mechanical devices. If you want to extend their life bring them inside when not in use. Personally, I only trust digital thermometers. The stock ones are fun to look at though.

    -rob
  • Jeffersonian
    Jeffersonian Posts: 4,244
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    If Stike reads this we'll get another argument, but the BGE thermos are really substandard, IMHO. Even the vaunted "calibration" isn't...it only gives you some degree of certainty the unit will read properly at 212*F, not higher or lower.

    YankeeRob suggests using a digital, and that's a good idea if you're only worried about measuring sub-400* dome temps or if you have an industrial model ranged for higher temps. Most consumer-grade digitals only go to 392*F (200C). Of course, you'll have to deal with the sensor cord regardless.

    If you're looking for a good bimetal thermo, the Tel-Tru line is well thought of here. I have one, and I'd never consider going back to my BGE.
  • DCHog
    DCHog Posts: 9
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  • you are incorrect about calibration. no argument here, just "IMHO"

    what isn't my opinion, though, is that bimetallic thermometers are linear throughout their range (they are elastic), and that calibration at any one point (just as when one zeroes an elastic scale) is sufficient within an excellent tolerance unless (and it's a BIG 'unless') the unit has been damaged. damage can occur when the thermo is left in for high temps for a long time.

    unless someone has done a decent in-depth study, it's hard to assert that the BGE thermo is substandard, unless you are basing it on your one thermometer experience. if that's the case, then i'd assert they are way above standard, because thermometer's been bent for about four years and works fine. and we both'd be wrong.
  • mkc
    mkc Posts: 544
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    I'm having a similar issue with my BGE thermometer - Is the Tel-Tru website the preferred one for ordering a replacement? I figure the one that goes to 750 should be fine since I never intentionally go above 500 in my cooks, usually I stay in the 225 to 350 range for most, and 500 for pizza.
    Egging in Crossville, TN
  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    I decided to test my BGE thermo boiling water and it register approx 170. I whopping 42 degrees short. So can I then assume I was approx 40 degrees short at all of my temperatures?
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    New reply.
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat