Accuracy

If you are experiencing temperature discrepancies with your probes, make sure that you have the correct Probe Configuration for your probe type.

The accuracy of your FireBoard probes can be determined by performing an ice bath test or a boiling water test. It is critical that both tests are conducted properly; the ice bath test is somewhat easier to achieve consistent results.

Before doing any calibration tests, set your FireBoard’s Smart Temp Filter to off.

• Open the FireBoard App.
• Tap Settings.
• Tap your FireBoard.
• Tap Advanced Settings.
• Tap the button next to “Smart Temp Filter”.

The Smart Temp Filter is designed to filter out bad readings from bad connections or sudden temperature jumps. In the case of ice bath or boiling water tests, the quick change to freezing or boiling temperatures would, in some cases, be filtered out.

Accuracy Test

In lieu of an expensive temperature controlled liquid bath, an ice water bath can be used to provide a zero point (0°C) temperature reference. Although this is generally inexpensive, it could be tough to establish a true zero point reference. Difficulties include:

• Obtaining a proper mixture of ice to cool the water to zero
• Making sure foreign objects (soap, residue from other liquids, etc) don’t enter the bath, potentially distorting the zero point
• Mixing the bath to minimize temperature variations
• Keeping the probes in the same location in the bath to ensure they are reading the same temperature
• Reading the middle of the ice water bath, avoiding the sides or edges of the container

Ice Bath Test

1. Fill a container with ice, preferably crushed. It is critical to have plenty of ice! Add water until the container is nearly full.
2. Allow the water/ice mixture to settle for a couple of minutes, then insert the probe.
3. While holding the end of the probe, gently stir the mixture with the probe; make sure the tip of the probe is in the middle of the ice/water container.
4. Your probe should register within ±1.2°F of 32°F (±0.7°C of 0°C).

Boiling Water Test

1. Fill a deep pot with water and place on a stove burner set to high. Let the water come to a strong, rolling boil.
2. Insert the probe so that the tip is near the center of the mass of boiling water.
3. Gently stir the water with the probe. Make sure the tip of the probe does not contact any surface of the container.
4. Your probe should register within ±1.2°F (±0.7°C) of the boiling point for your area.

Temperature Differences

For some users, it can be startling to see the difference in your FireBoard temperature readings versus the temperature setting on your controller or the factory installed temperature gauge. Many people find that the accurate spot reading the FireBoard provides can vary greatly when compared to how you previously monitored the temperature.

We test on many types of smokers, such as pellet fed, kamado style, offsets, and kettles, and one thing they all have in common is that temperature is very dynamic inside of the cooking chamber. It’s not uncommon to find a ±50°F variance inside that mass of air; some chambers are more efficient than others.