There are five things to consider when buying a thermometer. They are calibration, short-term stability (repeatability), long-term stability (drift), usage, and display accuracy. Following is a look at the importance of proper calibration.
One of the most important contributors to the accuracy of your reference thermometer is the way it was calibrated. All calibrations are not equal.
Calibrations by fixed points are generally better than calibrations by comparison. Calibrations limited to a narrow temperature range are better than calibrations done over a needlessly wide range. In addition, calibrations by people who know what they're doing are better than calibrations by people who don't.
Your calibration should describe the method used, state the uncertainty or test the uncertainty ratio of the calibration. It should include a report that meets your quality standards and demonstrates traceability to a national laboratory, and be done by an accredited lab or company you trust.
The uncertainty of your probe's own calibration is the first element of accuracy to consider.
Source: Hart Scientific
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