Multiple thermometers - which readings to trust?

For those who are using more than one digital thermometer for ambient temps, do you find if compared side by side, they will have a different range of readings? As a test I decided to see how consistent mine were but found a 2 (sometimes 3) degree difference between my Acurite models. For example, one model I'm using is measuring my warm ambient temp as 86 but another model is saying 84.

In a situation like that, would you rather go by the model that's reading the higher or lower reading?

IMO, as long as you have a reasonable range in the temperatures and there is nothing drastically different you are pretty safe. 5F - 6F differences are acceptable. When I am incubating eggs I always use two or three thermometers. You also have to take into consideration the placement of the probes and how far apart they are.

It may also have to do with probe placement and ambient factors near the probe.

I have three thermometers and an IR temp gun and even though two are the same model, they can all be a little off from each other. I blame it on the fact I am a cheapskate not going to pay hundreds of dollars for a thermometer just to get it perfectly accurate ;)

I'm having the same issue w/ my humidity readings and the variance is significant. I have digital unit w/ a probe reading in the 88-90 range and an Accurite unit (w/ no probe) sitting in the same area as the other unit and it reads 78-80.

Good to know I have some flexibility with temp ranges! If placement and location of sensors are already accounted for and the temps still show a difference, would if be safer to go by the lower or higher reading? In my case I'm aiming to have my warm ambient temp at 86 which according to one is where it's at. It the other is saying 84 which means would mean it's a little cooler than I'd want.


Would you say it's fine and just assume that the temp averages at 85 so no need to adjust?