A liquid based ice protection test method tests an aircraft part that includes at least a first heating element mounted on an inside surface of an aircraft skin. The method includes bringing the aircraft skin into contact with a low temperature bath and taking one or more temperature readings of the aircraft skin. A liquid based deicing test system includes a container that holds a low temperature bath, a fixture to suspend the aircraft part within the container, and a temperature sensing device for reading temperatures on an outside surface of the aircraft part. A liquid based ice protection test method includes sealing off ends of an aircraft part, attaching at least one temperature sensing device on the aircraft part and at least partially submerging it in a low temperature bath, and obtaining temperature information from the temperature sensing device.