Thermometer Calibration Ice Bath Method

The ratio of ice to water is important when creating an ice bath and starting with ice can help you regulate that ratio more easily.

Thermometer calibration ice bath method. Make comparisons at various temperatures and record the errors. Adjust your dial thermometer as directed by the manufacturer. The advantage of this method is that an accurate thermometer will always read 32 f in a properly made ice bath regardless of altitude or atmospheric pressure. Stir the ice water and let it sit for 3 minutes.

Ice bath calibration the easiest way to test the accuracy of any thermometer is in a properly made ice bath. Hold the stem in the ice bath for 30 to 60 seconds. Ice bath calibration steps first you ll fill your clear glass to the top with ice. 1 1 calibrate thermometers by comparison with standard thermometers while immersed in stirred water or oil baths.

Place your thermometer in the ice water making sure to stick the probe at least 2 inches into the mixture but not to touch the sides or the bottom. Adjust the hex nut under the head or dial of the thermometer so that the temperature reads 32 degrees f which is the temperature of ice water. Bulb volume change ice bath ice point its 90 liquid in glass thermometer recalibration thermometer created date. Use a tall glass so you have at least a few inches to dip the thermometer in and get an accurate measurement.

However before you attempt to adjust a digital instant read thermometer check that the readings are within the manufacturers accuracy specifications. Your thermometer should read 32 f 0 c in the ice bath. Crushed ice is recommended for this step as pieces of crushed ice can sit closer together in the glass. Alternately calibrate specific points by placing in a reference temperature bath such as a mixture of crushed ice and water.

A procedure for the effective recalibration of liquid in glass thermometers author. However if you re not careful the ice bath can be off by several whole degrees.