built in thermometers lie.

[planedude]

My built in thermometer is off by 25 degrees lower than indicated. best get probes to be accurate with temps.

[PNWsmoke]

You can try to calibrate it to digital probe. Should be a little nut or similar on backside maybe

[FireMan]

Ya they do, cuz!
Welcome, eat good & have fun!

[RichieB]

Welcome from Western Massachusetts. And yes, digital thermometer is a must. We all have a few.

[Panhead John]

You definitely need digital thermometers. My OJ Bronco is off anywhere from 25*-50*. Most cookers’ factory thermometers are way off and most of them aren’t even at grate level, which is where you want to know the temps anyway.

[HawkerXP]

Welcome to the Pit and thanks for sharing that info!

[Stuey1515]

Yep, they are purely decorative, can't tell you the last time I even looked at mine.
A good digital thermometer will change your BBQ world, that and a log of your cooks as you go.

[Huskee]

Indeed. Check out this article, in particular the yellow-highlighted paragraph under the What you need to know about thermometers heading: https://amazingribs.com/ratings-revi...mometers-work/