From candy to wine, there’s a kitchen thermometer for all kinds of food preparation. Kitchen thermometers are inexpensive and can save you a lot of guesswork, especially when preparing meat.
Thermometers for Checking Meat Temperature
Cooking meat to the correct temperature greatly reduces the possibility of food-borne illness. You’ll keep your family healthy and safe, while making a perfect meal. You can choose from classic dial thermometers or fancier digital models.
Many of the digital oven thermometers let you set the desired temperature and alert you when it’s reached. You never have to open the oven because this thermometer is inserted into the meat and kept there while cooking. Models like the Polder Original Cooking All in One Timer/Thermometer also feature timers. Some even have pre-programmed settings, so you don’t have to know the exact temperature, simply select “chicken” or “pork.”
For temperature accuracy, consumerreports.com recommends the Polder THM-360 and the Taylor Weekend Warrior 806. According to the site, the Polder THM-360 is best to insert before cooking and the Taylor Weekend Warrior 806 is good for checking temperature while the meat’s cooking-it’s instant read.
Oven Thermometers
If you want to make sure your oven reaches the right temperature, place a thermometer next to food while cooking. This will give you the most precise reading of cooking temperature. The Taylor Oven Thermometer is one trusted model.
Thermometers for Grilling
A fork thermometer can help you grill meat to perfection. You can also use a fork thermometer for checking the temperature of meats while they’re cooking in the oven.
Thermometer for Refrigerators
Consider adding a refrigerator thermometer to the inside of your fridge. You’ll be able to make sure that leftovers are kept at the right temperature. There are many top brands to choose from including Taylor, Sunbeam, Oxo and KitchenAid. You can also get one that alerts you when the temperatures in your refrigerator and freezer get too warm. These models include the CDN Audio Visual Refrigerator Freezer Alarm and the Orka Fridge and Freezer Thermometer.
Candy and Deep Fry Thermometers
Candy making is a science and getting a sugary mixture to the right temperature is essential. The same goes for deep frying foods. Most thermometers for these tasks are dial read, but you can get the Maverick CT-03 Digital Oil & Candy Thermometer. It’s a popular choice on Amazon.com. When the desired temperature is reached, the Maverick beeps for convenience. Choose a candy/oil thermometer with an adjustable clip that secures the thermometer to pan.
Wine Thermometers
Never serve wine at the wrong temperature again. Crateandbarrel.com sells a cuff-shaped model that wraps around most wine bottles. It features a reference guide that lists the ideal temperature for various wines. The wine enthusiast should check out the SnapShot Wine Thermometer from Nuvovino.com. It uses infrared technology to read the temperature of the wine instead of the bottle.
Helpful Tips
Be careful when washing your thermometer. It might not be waterproof. Check the owner’s manual for washing instructions.