On Feb 21, 5:43�pm, Sqwertz > wrote:
> On Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:41:32 -0500, Julia Altshuler wrote:
> > Joe wrote:
> >> sorry to post off topic here but I'm experimenting on how I can make
> >> my instant read thermometer a multipurpose tool and I'd like to know
> >> if there is any substance that I can poke my thermometer in to gauge a
> >> rooms temperature. Water seems to get a little colder than the room
> >> temp as does the open air. does anyone know a substance that maintains
> >> the room temp?
>
> > Take an ordinary household glass. �Fill it with ice cubes. �Then fill it
> > with water. �The temperature of the water is now exactly 32 degrees
> > Fahrenheit. �Note the reading on your thermometer. �Determine its
> > accuracy from there.
>
> The water will not be 32F.

Yes it will, if the water is very hard it may even be slightly
lower... but it's silly to calibrate a cooking thermometer at freezing
temperature.

Also note that almost all
> thermometers that are not calibrated correctly will be off
> different amounts at different temperatures. �two thermometers
> that both read 50F may disagree by many degrees at 300F.

This part is true.

It's best to calibrate a cooking thermometer at temperatures closer to
cooking temperatures. Check an instant read thermometer with boiling
water... and if it's off a few degrees so what.