How To Calibrate Thermometer

jim2100 (jim210010) Writes:

"Tonight I noticed that the nice big round dial BBQ thermometer I bought at Wal Mart outdoors section is not the same as the oven thermometer. Is there a good way to calibrate or check a thermometer?

I am still trying to learn how to read the temp at " grate level "

If I put the probe through a hole just below the grate it is nearly 50 degrees hotter than on the grate with oven thermometer. So am having trouble learning how to properly judge or read the accurate temp. and now I noticed the two therm. are not reading the same.

Any good comments

ps: I did have a nice Pyrex digital thermometer until I laid it on the grate to get that temp reading there, and fried the probe. Now I have a fancy digital stop watch or timer."