Just Any Thermometer Won’t Do

By Joseph Parish

A visit to your local kitchen gadget store will quickly make you realize that there is more then one type of thermometer that you can purchase for your kitchen tasks. It doesn’t matter whether the thermometer that you are buying will be used in your refrigerator or in your oven as you bake that next turkey dinner, they all have their similarities as well as their differences. Thermometers are basically a tool that you use in food preparation to ensure that you prepare a safe and well cooked meal.

As you glance at the rows of various thermometers you may become a bit bewildered and confused about which one you might require. Not a problem as this article is meant to open your eyes a bit and enlighten you to the various types that are available in the department stores today.

The first one that I would like to discuss is the Oven proof Meat thermometer. This unit has an effective temperature range from 140 degrees to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You would make use of this type of thermometer when you are roasting those large thanksgiving dinners. The thermometer is simply inserted into the meat prior to placing it in the oven and it will remain in the meat for the entire time the meat is being cooked. To obtain a very accurate reading on this thermometer it should be inserted firmly into the thickest portion of your portion of meat. Keep it clear of any fat or bones.

The next thermometer that I will talk about is the Instant reading version. This unit has an effective temperature range of 0 degrees to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The time to use an instant reading thermometer is when preparing small portions of meat, fish or poultry. It is generally used at the conclusion of the cooking process and provides you with the temperature almost instantly. Be certain that you insert the shaft of the thermometer into your food at least two inches. Once again keep it from any bones or fat.

Next in line we have the candy or commonly known as the deep fat thermometer. This one has a temperature range of 200 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. As its name implies this thermometer is generally used to follow the temperatures of syrups or perhaps oils used for deep frying as well as for candy making. Most of these types of thermometers contain a clip which attaches securely to the edge of your pan. To obtain an accurate reading on this thermometer ensure that the tip is inserted at least 2 1/2 inches into any liquid that you are measuring. It should not touch either the sides nor the bottom of the pans as this will give you a false indication.

Next we have the common refrigerator thermometer. These units practical temperature range is from – 40 degrees to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. These thermometers are basically used to measure the cold temperatures associated with refrigerators and freezers. To use them merely place the thermometer on a shelf near the front of the cooler well apart from the cooling unit. Leave the unit in for approximately 6 hours making sure not to open the door. Freezers should read 0 degrees while refrigerators should maintain a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lastly we have the Oven thermometer. With its range of temperatures from 150 degrees to about 500 degrees. It is important to realize that the temperature of ovens can often vary as much as 50 degrees making this thermometer an absolute essential. The most accurate reading would be obtained by placing this thermometer at the front of the oven away from its heating elements. Preheat the oven for 15 minutes prior to measuring.

Hopefully you now have some idea as to how to decipher some of the many thermometers that you will find in the kitchen stores today.

Copyright @ 2009 Joseph Parish