How-to guide
How to check a meat thermometer with ice water
An ice-water check should read 32°F (0°C) when the sensing area is immersed correctly.
U.S. home food-safety guidance.Check the source and scope
What to do
- Fill a large glass with ice, add drinking water, stir, and immerse the required sensing depth without touching the sides or bottom.
- Wait at least 30 seconds and read the display while the stem remains immersed. Record its reading and the difference from 32°F.
- Adjust only if the manufacturer permits it; otherwise follow its correction or replacement guidance.
Conditions and limits
- Check probe depth and model instructions before concluding it is inaccurate.
- Boiling-water checks vary with altitude and are not needed for this basic ice-point check.
Source and scope
Primary reference: USDA FSIS Food Thermometers. Equipment-specific steps and quality suggestions are practical guidance; check the appliance or product instructions for your model. How this site uses sources.