How to Calibrate Your Grill Thermometer
The thermometer that came with your grill is almost certainly inaccurate. Most built-in dome thermometers read 25-75°F off, which is the difference between perfect brisket and dried-out shoe leather. Here's how to test and calibrate yours.
Last Updated
First Published
Tools & Materials
- Boiling water
- Ice water
- Cup or bowl
- Adjustable wrench or pliers (for analog dials)
Step by Step
Boil water for the high test
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. At sea level, boiling water is 212°F. If you're at altitude, subtract roughly 2°F per 1,000 feet of elevation.
Insert your thermometer probe
Place the thermometer probe into the boiling water without touching the sides or bottom of the pot. Wait 30 seconds for the reading to stabilize. Note the temperature shown.
Test with ice water
Fill a cup with ice and add cold water. Stir for 30 seconds, then insert the probe. It should read 32°F. Note any deviation.
Calculate the offset
If your thermometer reads 220°F in boiling water, it's reading 8°F high. If it reads 28°F in ice water, it's reading 4°F low. Average the offsets to get your correction factor.
Adjust or compensate
Analog dial thermometers often have a calibration nut on the back — turn it with pliers to zero the reading. Digital probes may have a calibration function in their app. If neither option exists, simply remember your offset and adjust mentally.
Consider upgrading
If your built-in thermometer is off by more than 15°F and can't be calibrated, install an aftermarket thermometer or use a leave-in digital probe like a ThermoWorks Smoke or MEATER.
Warnings
- Be careful with boiling water — steam burns are serious.
- Never trust a single thermometer. Verify with at least two devices for important cooks.
- Dome-mounted thermometers read air temperature at the top of the dome, which can be 25-50°F higher than grate level.
How Often?
Check calibration at the start of every grilling season, and any time your results seem inconsistent.
Tools & Products You'll Need
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE $105
The gold standard reference thermometer
ThermoWorks Smoke Dual-Channel $99
Permanent grate-level temperature monitoring
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to calibrate your grill thermometer?
What tools do I need?
How often should I do this?
What safety issues should I watch for?
Can a beginner do this?
Keep Reading
You might also like
How to Fix Low Flame on a Gas Grill
The 5-minute regulator reset that fixes 90% of low-flame issues.
ReadHow to Grill Fish Without It Sticking
The 7 rules that turn fish from a grill-grate disaster into a restaurant-quality presentation.
Read
Weber Kettle vs. Weber Smokey Mountain
Both are Weber legends. One is a versatile grill that can smoke; the other is a dedicated smoker that can't grill. Here's which one belongs in your backyard.
Read
Coyote C-Series 28-Inch
The most stylish built-in grill under $2,000. Ceramic infrared burners, signature interior lighting, and a hood that actually closes square.
Read