If you’re a fan of barbecuing, then you’ve probably heard of the Big Green Egg. This ceramic grill is becoming more and more popular every day, and for good reason – it cooks meat perfectly every time.
One of the features that makes the Big Green Egg so great is its built-in thermometer. But how accurate is it?
In this article, we will discuss the accuracy of the Big Green Egg thermometer and show you how to calibrate it for perfectly cooked meats every time!
What is a Big Green Egg?
The Big Green Egg is a ceramic grill that was first introduced in 1974. It’s made of high-quality ceramics and has a natural lump charcoal filter system that allows for even heat distribution.
The best part about the Big Green Egg is its patented insulation, which keeps the temperature inside the grill consistent —no matter what you’re cooking!
Why is the Thermometer So Important?
The thermometer on the Big Green Egg is important because it allows you to accurately measure the temperature inside the grill. This is essential for cooking meat perfectly every time.
The thermometer can also be used to calibrate the grill, which is necessary if you want to achieve an accurate temperature reading.
If your thermometer reads too high, you’ll have longer cooking times or undercooked meats (which is rarely fun). Conversely, if the thermometer reads too low, you’re going to end up frustrated with charred, overcooked meats —which can be costly depending on the cut!
To ensure your meals are cooked properly every time, it’s crucial that your thermometer reads accurately, especially if you’re trying your hand at specific recipes.
How Accurate is the Thermometer?
The accuracy of the Big Green Egg thermometer has been tested by multiple sources, and it has been found to be very accurate. In fact, it’s one of the most accurate thermometers on the market!
That doesn’t mean it’s always perfect though. Manufacturer and human error occur everywhere, and despite Big Green Egg’s consistently excellent quality, it’s always a good idea to spot-check.
The thermometer on the Big Green Egg is extremely accurate, but it’s always a good idea to calibrate it before use. This can be done easily by following these simple steps:
Start by Removing the Thermometer
Removing the thermometer on a Big Green Egg is fairly simple. Look inside the grill lid, and you’ll notice that the thermometer is held in place by a single clamp.
All you have to do is gently squeeze the sides of the clamp together, and the thermometer will come loose. From there, you can calibrate the thermometer.
How to Calibrate a Big Green Egg Thermometer
First, make sure your thermometer is at room temperature, and that it is clean. If you leave residue on the surface of the thermometer, it will give an inaccurate reading. Also be sure to remove the rubber gasket off the back of the thermometer.
Then, fill a pot with water and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a boil and insert the tip of the thermometer into the pot.
Make sure that only the tip of the sensor is submerged in the water. You can accomplish this by laying a pair of metal tongs or wooden chopsticks across the opening of the pot, and resting the thermometer on top of them.
It should only take a second once the tip is submerged, and it should read 212 degrees Fahrenheit if you are at sea level. If you’re above sea level, you’ll have to look up what temperature water boils at in your specific location and adjust accordingly.
If your thermometer doesn’t read as it should, you will need to calibrate your egg’s thermometer. To do this, all you have to do is locate the nut on the back of the thermometer and use a pair of pliers to turn it in the proper direction.
If your thermometer reading is too high, then you will need to turn the nut clockwise. Make sure to make adjustments in small increments, as it’s very sensitive.
Factors That Affect the Thermometer Reading
There are many factors that can affect the temperature reading on your thermometer, but the most common are weather changes such as going from winter to spring, and vice versa. These can throw the temperature reading off significantly, so it’s important to calibrate it before cooking if you’re using a new grill, or if it’s been a while since your last grilling session.
Leaving your grill outside (even if covered) or in a shed leaves the thermometer vulnerable to these weather changes, but don’t worry if it gets thrown off a little bit —you can almost always recalibrate it to read accurately again!
Signs That Your Big Green Egg Thermometer Isn’t Accurate
The first and most obvious way to tell if your Big Green Egg thermometer isn’t accurate is by the cooking times of your food. If you find that your meats are taking longer or shorter to cook than usual, it’s likely that your thermometer needs to be calibrated.
Another way to tell is by the temperature reading itself. If it fluctuates more than a few degrees Fahrenheit (one degree Celsius), then it may need to be recalibrated.
If your food comes out burned, but the temperature was reading low, then there’s something wrong with the thermometer reading. Likewise, if your food is undercooked, the temperature reading may be too high and calibration is necessary.
It’s always a good idea to have an extra thermometer on hand, just in case something happens to your primary one. They’re not expensive, and it’s always better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! That way, you can still ensure perfectly cooked meals without any issues.
Final Thoughts
The Big Green Egg thermometer is a great tool to have on hand while cooking, but it’s important to calibrate it before each use. Factors such as weather changes can cause the thermometer to be inaccurate, so it’s best to double-check its accuracy before every cookout.
If your thermometer isn’t reading accurately, there are ways to recalibrate it so that you can still get perfectly cooked food every time!
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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