Using a Bimetallic Stemmed Thermometer in a Home Kitchen

These thermometers usually measure temperatures from 0°F to 220°F. Check the metal stem for a notch or slight indentation as an indicator of how far into the food the thermometer must be placed to take an adequate reading.  

• Use a clean, calibrated thermometer. 
• Insert the thermometer into the food, ½ inch past the indicator notch or about 2 inches. ¹ 
• Take reading when the dial stops moving. If it is not to temperature, continue cooking and take the reading again. 
• Clean the thermometer stem before storing. Don’t submerge the entire thermometer into the water while cleaning; this can damage the dial. 

Do not leave this type of thermometer in the food while it is cooking.  

Bimetallic Stemmed Thermometer

Using a thermometer is the best method of determining if a food is adequately cooked. However, a thermometer is of no use if it is not measuring the temperature of food accurately. You should calibrate your thermometer any time it’s been dropped, if it does not appear to be taking accurate readings, and on a regular basis. The easiest way to calibrate a thermometer is by using the Ice Point Method. 

1. Fill a container with crushed ice and cold water.  Let it set for about 1 minute. 
2. Place the thermometer's stem or probe into the ice water to ½ inch past the indicator notch, making sure it doesn't touch the sides or bottom of the container. 
3. Hold the thermometer for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the reading stops. It should read 32°F. 
4. If the thermometer is a dial thermometer and doesn’t read 32°F, use a wrench to hold the calibration nut below the dial head and adjust the dial until the needle points to 32°F. Do this step while keeping the thermometer stem submerged in water. 
5. If the thermometer is a digital thermometer, press the reset button and adjust it to read 32°F. Not all digital thermometers can be recalibrated. In that case, adjust your readings. For example, chicken is cooked to 165°F, if your thermometer reads 2°F warmer, cook the chicken until your thermometer reads 167°F. Otherwise, replace the thermometer. 

You should check your thermometer's package instructions for specific calibration instructions. Thermometers should be calibrated regularly to ensure accurate temperature readings. 

VIDEO: How to Calibrate a Dial-stem Thermometer, Colorado Cooperative Extension: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN6MW-WSKzw   

Table Source: Cook to a Safe Minimum Internal Temperature, FoodSafety.gov, https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-internal-temperatures   

¹The sensing area in digital thermometers is in the tip. Follow manufacturers’ directions on how to use a digital thermometer.