My probe thermometer is not reading correctly. What can I do?
In order to check your thermometer accuracy, you first need to submerge it into a substance of known temperature, such as boiling water or an ice slurry (see above). If it is outside that temperature, the standard accuracy of a thermometer is plus or minus 2° Fahrenheit. If the temperature is outside that range, it may have been dropped which can effect the accuracy. Depending on your type of thermometer, you may be able to recalibrate your thermometer. See the explanation above.
I have dashes on my digital weather station?
The dashes meant that the wireless remote has lost contact with the base thermometer. If possible, bring the remote thermometer next to the base and hit the transmit button to set up the wireless connection again.
If this does not work, you may have to reset both the remote and the base thermometer. To reset the base, you need to remove the batteries and then reinsert. This will also clear out the base unit for time, calendar, etc., if your product has these features. If the dashes are frequent, you may need to relocate your remote closer to the base, and make sure there are no metal obstructions that can hinder the radio frequency.
Can I use my remote for my digital weather thermometer in below zero temperatures?
Yes, you can if you do two things:
Use lithium batteries and attach the additional cord that is included with your remote. That will help the thermometer read the lower temperatures. The LCD (if on your unit) may be blank, but the temperature may still read on your base unit.
The readout on my remote digital thermometer is blank?
The first thing to check is to look at the remote and see if the red light is blinking. This means the unit is transmitting. It may take up to 2 min, 30 sec for the red light to flash.
The other issue may be the temperature is too low for the LCD. Please see the above on operating the unit in low temperature conditions.
The third option is that the batteries may need to be replaced. Some units have a low battery indicator on the base, others may not.
How far do I have to insert my food thermometer in my food?
For digital food thermometers, the temperature sensor is located under ¼” from the base of the tip of the stem/probe. This area needs to be inserted as close to the center of the food as possible.
On analogs/mechanical/bi therms/instant read/meat thermometers, the temperature sensor is approximately 1.5” long so the tip of the stem/probe needs to be inserted at least 1.5” into the food, as close to the center as possible. If measuring a hamburger, steak or chicken breast, hold the food horizontal and insert the thermometer into the side of the meat, not through the top. In some units, you may see a small “dimple” in the stem/probe. That is the amount of the stem/probe that needs to be inserted into the food, as close to the center as possible.
Can I leave my food thermometer in the food while it is cooking?
There are only two types of thermometers that are designed to stay in the food during the cooking process:
- Meat thermometer: a meat thermometer has a glass lens which is designed to tolerate the heat of the oven and measure the temperature of the food accurately.
- Programmable remote probe thermometers: this thermometer features a temperature sensor on the end of a cord. The cord winds out the oven door and reads the temperature of the food on a base unit that sits next to the oven.
Any other thermometer is not particularly designed to be kept in the oven during the cooking process.
I dropped my thermometer – is it OK?
In most cases, your thermometer should be OK. It is recommended that you check the calibration of the thermometer (explained above) if you feel that it is not reading accurately.
My thermometer dropped in the water – is it OK?
In most cases, with an analog/mechanical thermometer, water will not affect the accuracy of the unit. Please be sure to let it dry before using the thermometer again. If the thermometer was hot when dropped into the water, the thermometer will cool in the water too quickly and this will pull water under the dial. If this happens, we recommend replacing the thermometer.
If the thermometer is digital, and is not specified as water proof, water will stop the unit from working. You can try to dry the thermometer out by removing the battery while the unit is “drying out” for a few days. If the thermometer does not work after that, it will need to be replaced. If the thermometer does work, we recommend testing the calibration of the unit before use.
What is the best way to clean/sterilize my thermometer?
The best way to clean your thermometer is to clean the stem with warm, soapy water, without immersing the thermometer in water. It is best to put soap on a cloth and wash the thermometer clean.
What is “calibration?”
Calibration is resetting your thermometer to read accurately at a known temperature. If the unit is set at that known temperature, it will be accurate throughout the range.
I broke my thermometer, will it be OK?
If it is a glass tube, it will not be functional and should be replaced.
Is there mercury in my thermometer?
If you purchased your thermometer in 2003 or later, there will be no mercury in your Taylor consumer thermometer. Taylor thermometers use a liquid that is not harmful to the skin, but should not be ingested.
How do I clean my oven after a thermometer breaks in oven?
Remove all parts of the oven (racks, etc) and the thermometer pieces carefully. Clean the oven with a mild soapy solution.
There is a white residue in my oven after leaving a thermometer in during the cleaning cycle. How do I clean it? Can I use the thermometer again?
The thermometer can be used again and you will need to use an oven cleaning product on the white film on the sides. The film on the inside surface will not affect the performance of the oven or the food being cooked inside.
A thermometer broke in my food...what do I do?
If it is a glass tube thermometer, the food will need to be discarded.
If it is an analog bimetal, the food will be OK, but be sure to get all the broken pieces of the thermometer out of food, and it is recommended to cut around the food and discard the part that is affected.
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