Test Kitchen video tip: Is my thermometer accurate? How to check and fix

Whether you use it to tell when a roast is done or to make sure the frying oil heats to just the right temperature, a dial (instant-read) or digital thermometer eliminates part of the guesswork for the cook.

Indispensable as it may be, a thermometer is only as good as its accuracy. Calibration is key. For quick tips on dial and digital thermometers, check out these tips:

For dial thermometers:

• Calibrate the thermometer before it is first used, whenever it’s been dropped and once a month (especially if it’s stored in a drawer where it might get jostled).
• To calibrate using ice water, place the thermometer stem in a bowl or glass of ice water, careful that the sensor (the tiny dimple along the side) is completely submerged. Let it sit for a few minutes, then read the dial. It should register about 32 degrees. If it doesn’t, use a wrench (or the stem case -- many have adjusters built in) to hold the hex screw behind the dial firmly, then twist the dial until it registers the proper temperature.
• To calibrate using boiling water, place the thermometer stem in a saucepan of boiling water, careful that the sensor (dimple) is completely submerged. Let it sit for a minute or so, then read the dial -- it should register about 212 degrees. If not, use a wrench (or the stem case) to hold the hex screw behind the dial firmly, then twist the dial until it registers the proper temperature. Remember that the boiling point of water decreases as elevation increases (about 2 degrees for every 1,000 feet).

For digital thermometers:

• Test every six months or so (depending on frequency of use) to make sure the thermometer works properly, using either the ice water or boiling water method.
• Many digital thermometers have reset buttons. If the accuracy is off, adjust the thermometer to the proper temperature using this button.
• Many digital thermometers have detachable probes attached by wire to the main body. These probes are relatively inexpensive to replace, and can be found at most cooking supply stores.
• Replace the batteries as needed.

Cooking is fun — at least it should be! No matter how long you’ve been in the kitchen, there is always something new to learn, whether it’s a simple twist on an old technique, or a handy tip to save time and energy. In this series of short videos, I demonstrate a variety of kitchen tips, ranging from how to hold a chef’s knife for maximum control to using a spoon to peel fresh ginger. If you have any gadgets, kitchen tips or questions you’d like me to explore, leave a comment or shoot me an email at noelle.carter@latimes.com.