Comark PDT300 Thermometer

The Comark PDT300 Thermometer: Use & Maintenance

Pocket and probe thermometers are essential for ensuring food safety in foodservice operations and commercial kitchens because they provide chefs with a quick, accurate way to measure the internal temperature of cooked ingredients. Comark has been a trusted manufacturer of high-quality thermometers since 1963 and offers a wide catalog of technologically advanced options for monitoring the temperatures of food and equipment. However, as one of Comark's top-selling models, the PDT300 thermometer shows that a simple digital pocket thermometer remains the go-to option for many foodservice professionals. Whether you already have these in your kitchen or are still considering your options, here's everything you need to know about using and maintaining your Comark PDT300, from calibration to battery replacement.

PDT300 Thermometer Features

As a digital pocket thermometer, the Comark PDT300 has an LCD display and 3-inch stem with a tapered 11⁄2-millimeter width that can accurately temp thin foods. The PDT300 offers operators several useful features, including:

  • Waterproof design. Great for use in humid kitchens or to verify the temperature of dishwasher cycles.
  • Antimicrobial protection. Made from materials imbued with BioCote® to resist the growth of microbes.
  • Combination sheath, handle, and clip. Probe sheath attaches to the end of the thermometer to create a handle, and a clip on the back of the sheath enables cooks to attach the thermometer to their pocket.
  • Auto power-off. Preserves battery life by automatically turning itself off when not in use for 35 minutes.
  • 360-degree temperature range. Responds within 6 seconds to measure temperatures in a range of -58 to 302 degrees Fahrenheit to 2 degrees of accuracy. (Celsius range is -50 to 150 degrees.)
  • Data hold. Pressing the D-H ("data hold") button located under the NSF logo to the right of the display will hold the current measurement so it can be recorded. Pressing it again dismisses the held reading.
  • Celsius and Fahrenheit readings. Temperature display can be switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
  • Field calibration. Thermometer can be calibrated by the end user to ensure accuracy.

How do I calibrate my Comark PDT300 thermometer?

Before using the Comark PDT300, it should undergo field calibration to ensure it can accurately measure temperatures. This is an easy process that can be done in your kitchen with an ice or water bath, effectively calibrating the thermometer at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius.

To field calibrate your PDT300 thermometer, Comark recommends following these steps:

  1. Prepare an ice water solution containing 60 percent ice and 40 percent tap water. Do not calibrate your Comark thermometer using any other methods.
  2. With the thermometer on, submerge at least 11⁄2 inches of the 3-inch stem into the ice water.
  3. Wait until the display provides a stable reading within 2 degrees of 32 (if calibrating for Fahrenheit) or within 1 degree of 0 (if calibrating for Celsius).
  4. To begin calibration, hold the D-H button for 8 seconds.
  5. When CAL has been displayed for 2 seconds, calibration is complete. Note: CAL shows on the display whenever the data hold button is held for 8 seconds, but recalibration does not take place unless the thermometer's stem is placed in ice water.
  6. Your PDT300 thermometer is calibrated and ready to use.

How do I change the PDT300 thermometer from C to F?

The temperature display can be changed from Celsius to Fahrenheit with one button. While the thermometer is off, press and hold the "ON/OFF" button (located to the left of the display) to cycle the display between Fahrenheit and Celsius. When your preferred temperature scale is shown, release the button.

How do I replace the Comark PDT300 battery?

When the digital display flashes between "LOB" and a temperature reading, your PDT300 thermometer has a low battery. To replace the battery, use a coin or similarly shaped tool to remove the battery cover located on the back of the thermometer. The PDT300 thermometer requires an AB13 replacement battery, which is sold in a pack of two.