need a second opinion.
- Thread starter BIG BOB
- Start date
UWFSAE
New member
Well, calibrating your Maverick is easy to do. Water boils at 212F so you can easily check it that way ... if nothing else it's good for some peace of mind.
You can pick up an inexpensive instant-read thermometer (less than $20 bucks); this is great to use with foods like ribs where a meat probe is difficult or impractical. The chamber probe should show variance based on the thermostat cycling the heating element on and off.
Ultimately, once you've got good pull back on the bones you're fine; 145 is the magic number for food safety and if you're seeing caramelization at the 2 hour mark you're likely okay ...
You can pick up an inexpensive instant-read thermometer (less than $20 bucks); this is great to use with foods like ribs where a meat probe is difficult or impractical. The chamber probe should show variance based on the thermostat cycling the heating element on and off.
Ultimately, once you've got good pull back on the bones you're fine; 145 is the magic number for food safety and if you're seeing caramelization at the 2 hour mark you're likely okay ...
DivotMaker
New member
BIG BOB said:
It's easy to come across a situation that makes us want to hit the panic button! I had it happen yesterday with the butt I smoked - didn't hit the stall until 185! Turned out to be great; I was just a little freaked out because that had never happened before. Live and learn - next time, I'll know. That's what makes our hobby fun!
Spresso
New member
good it worked out...
sometimes the probes do show you the wrong temperature or a temp of a hot/cold pocket in the meat.
the probe the PP I just did was registering a constant rising temp. it slowly reached 201 when I said ok pretty soon i'll remove it when all of a sudden the Maverick was showing 185 and not budging for 15 minutes.
not sure what happened. maybe some fat or juices leaked in there....puzzling.
I pulled the meat anyways and was definitely ready....
very nice PP.
Yeah if you are worried then get a instant read temp probe on the cheap. will give you a quick second opinion
sometimes the probes do show you the wrong temperature or a temp of a hot/cold pocket in the meat.
the probe the PP I just did was registering a constant rising temp. it slowly reached 201 when I said ok pretty soon i'll remove it when all of a sudden the Maverick was showing 185 and not budging for 15 minutes.
not sure what happened. maybe some fat or juices leaked in there....puzzling.
I pulled the meat anyways and was definitely ready....
very nice PP.
Yeah if you are worried then get a instant read temp probe on the cheap. will give you a quick second opinion
UWFSAE
New member
Big Bob, I did a review on Thermoworks InstaReads here: http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=780.0
These InstaRead thermometers are as useful in their own way as the Maverick remote units ... they're worth every penny and more. If you buy through the manufacturer they will save you a bit of money on two (and yes, you may actually need/use two to prevent cross contamination).
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt301wa.html
These InstaRead thermometers are as useful in their own way as the Maverick remote units ... they're worth every penny and more. If you buy through the manufacturer they will save you a bit of money on two (and yes, you may actually need/use two to prevent cross contamination).
http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt301wa.html
Spresso
New member
Had I not own 2 very fast and accurate digital instant thermometers, I would definitely get one of the thermapen models.
I don't know how but I lucked out a few years ago and found a thermometer at one of those discount stores that sells surplus merchandise.
I got one. tested it at home. The first one was accurate to .2-.3 F You could check body temp with that.
Then quickly went out and get a second unit , just in case.
I paid a grand total of 4.99.....
I don't know how but I lucked out a few years ago and found a thermometer at one of those discount stores that sells surplus merchandise.
I got one. tested it at home. The first one was accurate to .2-.3 F You could check body temp with that.
Then quickly went out and get a second unit , just in case.
I paid a grand total of 4.99.....
DivotMaker
New member
A backup thermo is always a good idea! I thought my Maverick was freaking out one day, so I plugged in my Acu-rite single probe to check - both read identical! If nothing else, it's peace of mind with all this electronic stuff we deal with now! ;D
