What Is the Best Thermometer for Your Cooking Needs?

When cooking meat — red, poultry, or seafood — there comes the point when we need to make sure that the food is fully cooked and safe to consume. We usually do it by cutting into the meat or sticking a fork in it. Doing this and eyeballing it does work many times, but you can’t always be absolutely sure. You can’t just start cutting into steaks you’ve made for guests now, can you? 

This is where cooking thermometers come in and they’re of various types. While some are simple, others are digital and non-contact, allowing you to monitor your food from afar. Once you buy one of these babies, you won’t look back!

DIFFERENT TYPES OF THERMOMETERS FOR KITCHEN-USE

There are multiple types of kitchen thermometers out there, ranging from digital to read dials and disposable ones. Here’s an overview of each one:

• Oven probe thermometers

These thermometers come with a leave-in probe that you may leave inside the oven, and insert into the meat. The remote digital display will show you the temperature and alert you when the meat reaches a certain temperature.

• Thermistors or digital instant-read thermometers

These are known either as thermistors or instant-read probes. You can use them for quickly taking a temperature reading on cooked foods.   

• Non-contact infrared thermometers

These thermometers are unique because they can evaluate the temperature without coming into contact with the food. If you’re organizing a feast or buffet, you need a non-contact infrared thermometer to make sure everything is warmed or properly cooked.  

• Thermocouple thermometers

These thermometers have a better response time than thermistors. The best part? A thermocouple thermometer features interchangeable probes that can be used on both cold and hot foods. 

• Oven thermometers (Dial)

These thermometers have a dial gauge and have the ability to handle extremely hot temperatures. So as you may have already guessed, they’re designed to be placed inside the oven as your food cooks!

• Instant read dial thermometers

If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to digital instant-read thermometers, you can purchase this instant-read dial thermometer.

• Floating thermometers

Floating thermometer? That’s right! You can place it into your boiling hot pot of soup and the probe below will sense the temperature.

• Deep fry thermometers

Fryer oil should be kept at a certain temperature for the best results. If you’re looking to cut cooking costs, this is what you need.

• Disposable thermometers

They’re ideal when you’re grilling a steak. You may just insert one into the steak and it’ll indicate the temperature by changing its color. There is no risk of contamination since they are made for one-time use!

TIPS FOR BUYING AN IDEAL KITCHEN THERMOMETER

If you’re still a bit confused about what to get, here’s what you may look for:

• Look for features like self-cleaning and antimicrobial to reduce the chances of contamination.
• Don’t settle for the first one you love. Evaluate your needs properly.
• See what size would work best for the kind of food you normally cook.

USAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF FOOD THERMOMETERS

The most effective way to kill bacteria on your food thermometer is using hot water and soap. Make sure you thoroughly clean your thermometer before and after each use. Infrared and digital thermometers must always be kept free of moisture, dirt, smoke, and debris. Always read instructions from your thermometer manufacturer just to be sure.   

THE BOTTOM LINE

So make sure you’re mindful of the aforementioned factors. Choose an appropriate type of thermometer and tread accordingly.