Thermopen accuracy

Brian0527

I broke down and bought a thermopen but now I'm questioning its accuracy. Anyone else have issues with it?

Example..I grilled a steak and had found a reference that said med-med well would be in the 145 degree range so when I checked and the thermopen said 148 I pulled my steak off and cut into it. I could still hear it mooing and see it bleeding.

Does your thermopen start out near 0? mine is always in the 70 degree range when I first open it.

Thanks. Maybe my meat temp reference is just invalid.

Fidel

Are you opening your thermapen in a deep freeze or in a room that is, well, room temperature?

Check the thermapen in ice water (it should read 32-33*) and in boiling water (it should read 210-212*).

If it is wrong then call Thermoworks.

Did you check temp of the meat in the center or near the outer surface?

fishlessman

if its zero degrees in the room your in, it should read zero. heres a good chart, modify it to your liking
http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/doneness_chart.htm

Sooner Egg

I have never had a problem with its accuracy, I use it on everything and it's always been right on for the temp I've been trying to achieve

AZRP

I have two of them and never had any problems. I pull my steaks off at 125 and let them rest 10 minutes, perfect medium rare. -RP

fieroguy

Brian - If, after following Fidel's recommendations you discover that the temps are off, you can calibrate your Thermapen. If you need instructions, send me an email.

tjv

not sure about everyone else, but it took me a little time to get the hang of using it, especially on steaks less than 1 inch thick. I always seem to double guess myself on probe depth and push a little further. Next thing, I'm closer to coming out the bottom side of the steak than hitting the middle. So, my readings were always higher than actual.

Now when possible I come from the side or insert in steps from the top. I've also found it helps to set the beer down too.....no double tasking while temperature reading.......t

Grandpas Grub

 
If the Thermapen is in warranty Thermoworks will calibrate if the unit needs it.

When sending Brian instructions make sure you send the Thermoworks instructions, they need to be followed according to Amber at Thermoworks.

GG

fieroguy

I will be forwarding the Thermoworks instructions

The Naked Whiz

When I am wondering how deep the probe is, I take a reading and then slowly back it out. If it gets cooler and then hotter, I know I was in too deep. Alternatively you can just insert it say, halfway up the thin part of the probe to take an initial reading and then slowly press it in and watch the results. It will get cooler then warmer again.

emilluca

Boiling water 212 check it.

NoVA Bill

Thanks, I just copied it and saved it my BBQ folder.

Serial Griller

when you open your thermopen it will read the ambient air temperature ..say around room temp.
Where do you live and what altitude?
Thermopen's website has a temperature calculator.
You type in your altitude and barometric presure and it calulates what temperature your water boils.
I live at 6625ft.Our water boils at 201-202 depending on the barometric pressure.
Fill a small tupperware container with 75% crushed ice and 25% cold water. Put your thermometer in the ice and swish it around.It should read 31-32' no mater what altitude.
What color is your thermopen? Remember the yellow ones are the fastest! :laugh:
Smokinjack

mojo

My Thermapen consistently reads higher when I'm measuring the temperature of the meat while it's still on the Egg. For an accurate temperature reading, I have to remove the meat from the egg, then check the temp. Is this abnormal?

Brian0527

Thank you all very much for your answers and wake up call.

I just completed the Ice Water and Boiling Water tests mentioned and my Thermopen is right on target. I just need to learn how to check the meat better.

I Love My Egg!