1

I'm trying to test the temperature of the hot water coming out of my hot water heater but I'm very confused.

Can I use a meat thermometer or what should I be using?

Also, just to make sure my thermometer is accurate, what should a glass of ice water show?

Improve this question
3

Your best bet would be an IR or instant read thermometer. You should test it from the closest faucet to the hot water tank, and make sure to let it run for several minutes first.

If you do use a leave-in meat thermometer, it might take several minutes to get an accurate reading.

Ice water should be close to 0C/32F (and if you add salt, it would get even colder), which I doubt your meat thermometer can measure.

120F might be considered low, but it is also safer. 140F is a pretty typical setting.

Improve this answer
3
  • Thanks! I didn't realize that IR Thermometers were pretty cheap so I ordered one.
    – SofaKng
    Mar 31 '15 at 13:59
  • IR means infra-red, not instant read... though, that too. Infra-red is a type of light everything emits in proportion to its temperature. Most famously seen in those "green" military night vision scopes. Infra-red is not green, they use green to avoid hurting the user's night vision.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Mar 26 '16 at 21:18
  • I am aware and referencing either or. They just happen to have the same initials
    – Steven
    Mar 26 '16 at 23:23

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.