On Dec 5, 11:46 am, "sdwebguy" > wrote:
>
> First, I didnt know thermometers could NOT work without mercury -- I
> never see thermometers advertised as "mercury-based' or otherwise.

Cheapies use a metallic strip, and are generally recognized as
innacurate.
There are all sorts of thermometers. The red liquid in most stick-type
ones is Alcohol. I don't think you can find Alcohol based oven
thermometers, though.

>
> So what do you suggest for testing the oven temp? We were left with the
> feeling of having to prove the home warranty guy wrong.
>

I found mercury ones online for as little as $9.50 US. Also found a
Digital one by Maverick.
Are you having trouble with your oven? Bake a batch of cookies. If
they're not burning, don't worry. This is an especially good test
because it results in both Data and Cookies.

Greg Zywicki