Tips for using kitchen thermometers

 Tips for using kitchen thermometers

The success of your dishes depends largely on the temperature you use to prepare the food.

If you want to cook like a professional and prepare memorable dishes, it will not be enough for you to use the best ingredients and follow the advice of the great chefs; additionally you must learn to control the temperature of what you prepare. Indeed, the difference between a juicy turkey and a dry one, to cite an example, is not only in the time that each has spent in an oven, but to how many degrees they have been cooked. Fortunately, it is possible to master this aspect of the technique by employing a number of special kitchen thermometers .

- Tips for using kitchen thermometers and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

The reason for an oven thermometer

All recipes are meticulous about how hot the oven should be before and during the time required to cook a certain dish. Even though the vast majority of stoves incorporate a mechanism to set the temperature, many times (more than you imagine) it loses its calibration, so it is essential to acquire a device that allows you to know for sure the degree of heat.

The oven thermometers are inexpensive and even come in different forms, it is best to pick one that will hinder not manipulate the plate easily; he prefers, then, one that can be hung to one side. In the case of meats (veal, poultry and even fish) it is also convenient to know the internal temperature of the piece during cooking , to prevent it from drying out too much. For this there are also inexpensive stick thermometers.

Be careful with liquids

But also, when you cook directly over a fire, it is important to know the temperature. For some frying, it is necessary to know exactly how many degrees the oil is, for example, to prevent the food from burning on the outside and being raw on the inside.

In the same way, when you prepare caramel , it is essential to control that the sugar goes through the different heat levels; otherwise, it may solidify very quickly or burn. Luckily, there is a thermometer on the market that is used for both cases, that you can easily submerge in the liquid and that usually remains hooked to one of the walls of the pot or pan.

All in one

A digital probe thermometer can be used in any circumstance.
If you find it difficult to use so many utensils for the same function (measure the temperature), you can purchase a digital thermometer with probe , which has the characteristic that you can use it both in the oven and to pierce a piece of meat or to immerse it in a liquid hot.

As chef María Llamas points out, although it has a higher price, it is at the same time more resistant and reliable.

How to choose (and use) a kitchen thermometer

 How to choose (and use) a kitchen thermometer

To learn how to use a thermometer in the kitchen, it is not necessary to be a professional chef, just to know that measuring the temperature of food will lead to more accurate dishes and a more precise and tasty cuisine.
There are many types of thermometers on the market and to use one, the first rule of thumb is to learn the standard cooking temperatures of food: if it is red meat at 50 ° C, if it is fish or white meat 62 ° C, if it is oil for frying between 170 ° C and 180 ° C and so on. The second rule is to understand what we have to do. Let's see.

- How to choose (and use) a kitchen thermometer and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

Types of thermometers
In general, thermometers are divided into contact, which works by insertion, and infrared, which is generally used at a professional level. For those who enjoy cooking, the former are more interesting and, in general, there are 4 types: for roasts, probe, fry and caramel.

The roast thermometer , whether digital or analog, has a skewer that allows you to get to the center of the preparation. It can be heat resistant, and therefore always left in the oven, or also for quick control of cooking. If you want to use it to find out where the roast is (the general reference temperature is 72 ° C), you will have to poke it towards the center in the thickest part of the meat and wait about twenty seconds for an accurate reading. It is very economical and versatile, and can also be used to measure, for example, the temperature of a pastry cream (82 ° C) or that of the butter of a hollandaise sauce (40-45 ° C).

Then there is the probe thermometer , which also has a needle, but is connected to a cable and can also be used inside the oven on: it remains pricked in the food and with a beep it warns that the temperature reached is correct. Because it is capable of measuring a wide range of temperatures, generally from sub-zero temperatures to 300 ° C, it is useful for many preparations ranging from leavened to caramel, from jams to potato chips (although there is also a special product for frying) , and even meat on the barbecue. The only thing to consider is buying a valid product, perhaps spending a little extra money.

If, instead, the problem is the caramel, there is the classic sugar thermometer , a bit old: it measures about a foot, it is made of glass and can generally be hooked to the edge of the pot. And it will be needed if you want to choose between a light caramel (with a temperature between 160 and 170 ° C) or a dark one (between 165 and 177 ° C), but it can also be used to control the correct temperature of the green tea water (75 -80 ° C), syrups or milk used to make creams.


One more tip
If you are not familiar with this product as a kitchen aid, the advice is to buy a meat thermometer: it is easy to use (especially if it is digital) and easier to store.
On the other hand, if you are already used to cooking and plan to use it in a wider range, it may be better to opt for a probe product.

Whatever the choice, remember a general rule of thumb though: after use, wash and dry it properly, to prevent rust from forming. Because a thermometer is only useful when it is accurate.

The best kitchen thermometers

 The best kitchen thermometers

Looking for a reliable and durable kitchen thermometer? Bingo! Don't be fooled, here are the best of the year. Digital and analog, for all kinds of uses.

I have had several kitchen thermometers to monitor the cooking of food. I use them in the typical barbecue with friends, to control the temperature of the oil before frying or to see the exact point of the caramel (among many other uses).

- The best kitchen thermometers and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

But my experience with these utensils has NOT always been positive .

I start with the bad.

The thermometer you should NEVER buy
It sounds weird that before starting I tell you which one you should NOT buy under any circumstances, right?

A couple of years ago I bought the Chinese thermometer in the picture below. It is sold under different brand names through Amazon. My experience with this thermometer has been abysmal . It only cost me € 4 including shipping, but it ended up in the trash.

It turned off and on during measurement. The materials were of very low quality. I was not able to measure the temperature even on the first day of use.

Disastrous, it has reminded me again that cheap is expensive.

Digital kitchen thermometers
Now yes, these are the best cooking thermometers I've been lucky enough to try to date.

The best thermometer for liquids
WMF Profi Plus is perfect for controlling the temperature of liquids (water, oil, milk, caramel…). The best kitchen thermometer I've ever had, or the one I liked the most, perhaps because of its simplicity and manageability.

The quality of WMF is always one notch above average. Profi Plus has a Cromargan 18/10 stainless steel body, it is durable and reliable.

The measuring range of this digital kitchen thermometer ranges from -40ºC to 200ºC. It takes 5 or 6 seconds to display the temperature and has a deviation of only 1ºC. It works with three “button-type” batteries (1.5V LR44).

It cannot be used with the oven closed. You can measure the temperature of meat and fish, but always out of the oven. It is a very versatile and recommended option. Ideal for pastries, liquids, quick measurements of meats, etc.

The best probe thermometer
If you are looking for a specific model to control roasts, breads, cakes or cakes, it is best to bet on an oven thermometer.

I recommend the one that markets the Lacor brand.

It allows measurements from 0º to 300ºC . Its operation is simple, you just have to insert the probe inside the food and take the cable outside. You will know the temperature at all times without having to open the oven.

You can select the "target temperature", set an alarm, and forget about it until the thermometer alert sounds.

It is also valid for measuring the temperature of hot liquids, creams and other preparations . Easy and comfortable It works with two AA batteries and has an accuracy of + - 1ºC.

The best cheap alternative is the ThermoPro TP04 ( available on Amazon ). Less quality of materials than Lacor and only measures up to 250ºC. If you bet on ThermoPro buy the stainless steel version.

The best laser thermometer for cooking
An option that gains followers year after year: the laser kitchen thermometer.

It allows controlling the temperature of many solid foods (from -50ºC to 350ºC), with liquids it works worse.

The main advantage of the laser thermometer is that you don't need to get too close to food. You can also easily control the temperature of the pan or barbecue before grilling meat, vegetables or fish.

Its biggest drawback is precision. The model that I recommend works with a margin of +/- 2ºC, too much in many preparations. And it only measures the outside temperature, it does not serve to check where the inside of the meat is.

Recommended for barbecues.

Analog kitchen thermometers (without batteries)
From digital kitchen thermometers we went to analog, without batteries.

Best meat and roast thermometer
The advantage of these models is that you can put them in the oven (they support baking up to 250ºC). Their main drawback is that they only measure the temperature inside the food and reach just over 100ºC, therefore they are not used to measure liquids at high temperatures.

The most recommended is the WMF roast thermometer. Its simple illustrations allow you to see, at a quick glance, the temperature of the meat. Zero complications. Pinch it and place it facing outwards.

Best oven thermometer
Why control the actual oven temperature?

Unfortunately the ovens are very inaccurate showing the temperature. This is not a problem for baking meat, but it is a problem for making bread, biscuits, cakes and other delicate preparations.

Measuring the interior temperature is easy and within everyone's reach. Put an analog thermometer inside and forget about the rest. No batteries, cheap and hassle-free.

I recommend the best-selling model, Master Class brand. It can be placed on the base or on a side flange of the oven. It measures from 50 to 300ºC.

Kitchen Thermometer: Which is the Best of 2020?

 Kitchen Thermometer: Which is the Best of 2020?

Welcome back, cooks! You find yourself on the hunt for a kitchen thermometer, right? It does not matter if you have come here because you already knew them or if it is the first time you hear about them, the truth is that you have been right. Today we will tell you all about these wonderful culinary complements.

Despite the fact that, until relatively recently, we only found thermometers in the kitchens of professionals, more and more households have been made with one of them. And it is that these small devices can offer us many advantages. Do you want to know them? Keep reading!

- Kitchen Thermometer: Which is the Best of 2020 and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

The most important
If you have already embarked on the exciting world of cooking, you will know that getting the desired "point" in food is not an easy task. However, to achieve this, a kitchen thermometer can become your best ally.
And not only for meats, fish or roasts, the truth is that a kitchen thermometer will also be very practical for preparing whipped cream, hot chocolate or caramel. What would the kitchen be if we didn't innovate?
Fortunately, there are many kitchen thermometers. But, if we want to get the one that best suits our needs, it is highly recommended to take into account purchasing factors such as temperature ranges, materials or functions.

The best kitchen thermometers on the market: our recommendations
We know that buying a kitchen thermometer is not something you do on a daily basis. Therefore, the recommendations will be more than welcome so that, finally, we choose the one that we will get the most out of. Here we show you ours, based on the best thermometers on the market. Check out!

• The favorite kitchen thermometer of online users
• The best kitchen thermometer for meat
• Best oven thermometer
• The most sophisticated kitchen thermometer

The favorite kitchen thermometer of online users
- Bonsenkitchen Digital Kitchen Thermometer for Meat Barbecue Food Liquids Oil, Food Thermomete
It is not surprising that users have rated it as their favorite, since it is a very complete kitchen thermometer that, in addition, has a very compact size. The response time of this thermometer is three or four seconds, so you will have information at the moment.

It features an LCD display and a long, sensitive probe tip to detect well even the deepest temperature of food. Its temperature range goes from -50 ºC to 300 ºC.

The best kitchen thermometer for meat
- Meat Thermometer, Digital Kitchen Thermometer Instant Read Probe Food Thermometer, BBQ, Liquid
This instant-read meat thermometer takes a temperature that only needs two to three seconds and is accurate to +/- 1 degrees, with a wide range from -50 ℃ to 300 ℃. What's more, what makes this kitchen thermometer ideal for barbecues is its design with a bottle opener function. Novel, right?

Its sensitive probe is made of food-grade stainless steel and rotates 240 ºC for greater comfort of use. It is waterproof, which also makes it easy to clean.

Best oven thermometer
- SPICE - Thermometer probe Stainless Steel Oven Temperature indicator Read immediately
If you are looking to control the oven temperature, this is the ideal kitchen thermometer for you. It is made of stainless steel and has a perfect design to hang or rest on the oven.

Its use is very intuitive and allows a simple display of temperature in real time. The measurement is done in both degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit.

The most sophisticated kitchen thermometer
- Helect (Not for Humans) Non-Contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer, Temperature Gun -50 ℃ to 550 ℃
Do you want to go one step further? Then you must know the kitchen thermometers with laser technology. This thermometer works by infrared and can be used for both domestic and industrial use. Its red laser aims precisely at food and offers a temperature range between -50ºC and 550ºC (also measured in Fahrenheit).

In addition, it is capable of storing the collected data and its operation is very easy and intuitive thanks to its large LCD screen. Its ergonomic handle guarantees safety during use.


Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Kitchen Thermometers

You have already been able to get more or less an idea of ​​everything that kitchen thermometers can offer you with the models that we have just shown you. However, it is very possible that you still have doubts in the inkwell. It is time to ask all those questions, we are here to answer them.

What are the advantages of having a kitchen thermometer?
We know that incorporating a new appliance into our kitchen doesn't always seem like a good idea. Especially because, in many cases, we doubt its true usefulness. In the case of kitchen thermometers, their multiple advantages give us a clear answer in this regard. So much so that, with a culinary thermometer we can:

• Cook each recipe to its exact point without having to look at other less reliable factors such as appearance or aroma.
• Control the temperature when we cook large quantities, since in these cases it is possible that the heat is not distributed evenly.
• Make sure we are cooking to a safe temperature. By this we mean that the food has reached the ideal temperature at which microorganisms that can be harmful to health are destroyed ( 1 ) .
• Achieve energy savings by not spending the cooking time of each recipe.

What types of kitchen thermometer are there?

• Far from what we may think at first, there is a wide variety of types of kitchen thermometers. Each of them has its own characteristics and knowing them gives us the possibility to choose the one that will best satisfy our needs for use. Thus, we can distinguish between:
• Analog kitchen thermometers: Although they are not used much today, we can still find them. They work in an analog way and are less accurate than digital ones.
• Thermocouple (thermocouple) kitchen thermometers: they are the fastest in measuring temperature. They have two fine wires at the tip of the probe that indicate the temperature.
• Thermistor-type kitchen thermometers: in this case, the measurement takes place through a sensor with thermal resistance.
• Oven thermometer (with or without cable): they allow us to control the temperature of the oven without having to open it. They can also be used on pans.
• Two-Prong Kitchen Thermometers - With a very fork-like design, these thermometers feature a temperature sensor on both ends. They are very practical and easy to use.
• Laser kitchen thermometers: they have an infrared light that is what performs the measurement. They are very fast and accurate.
• Disposable kitchen thermometers: the most innovative. They are designed to notify us when the food has reached its exact point. They are placed when we are finishing cooking, since they cannot be left embedded for long.

How does a kitchen thermometer work?
The operation of kitchen thermometers is very simple, especially since more and more intuitive and faster models are being created. Even so, we must take into account two fundamental aspects. On the one hand, the calibration. To calibrate one of these meters, simply place it in boiling water and make sure that it shows 100 ºC.
On the other hand, it is essential that we place it in the right place so that the measurement is as accurate as possible. Depending on the model that we are going to use, we will have to place it in a different way. We show it to you in the following table:

Kitchen thermometer type    How is it placed?

Thermocouple thermometer    It is enough to introduce it less than one centimeter in the food
Thermistor type thermometer    It must be introduced a little more than one centimeter in the food
Oven thermometer    (Depending on the model) you have to introduce it a little more than one centimeter in the food. Some stay out and measure the temperature of the oven, not the food
Thermometer with two tips    It is enough to introduce it less than one centimeter in the food. Of course, always in the thickest part
Laser thermometers    Simply place them at a safe distance from food and the infrared light will perform the measurement

What maintenance does a kitchen thermometer need?
Kitchen thermometers are very durable and sturdy devices. In addition, they do not need any particular maintenance beyond the proper care of each use. The most important thing in this regard is to always keep the thermometer clean. Not so much for the durability of the thermometer, but for our own safety.
Of course, it is essential to always wash the thermometers after each use. To do this, it will be enough to clean the entire surface with plenty of soap and water. It is important that, except for the models that specify it, do not submerge it completely in water, as it could damage it.

Did you know that most of the pathogenic organisms are eliminated at a temperature between 60ºC and 73.9ºC?

Any tips to get more out of my kitchen thermometer?
As you use the kitchen thermometer, you will realize that it is a very practical accessory. In addition, if you want to get the most out of it, you can take into account the following tips:
Think carefully about the use that you are going to give the thermometer and make sure that the one you are going to use is suitable for it.
Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. In addition to using it correctly, it may have a function that suits you and you do not know.
If the model allows, calibrate it regularly to ensure the most accurate measurement possible.
Check well both the point temperature of the food you are cooking and the correct placement of the thermometer.
Always keep the thermometer in the best hygienic conditions.

Purchase criteria
Now that you are sure that it is a good idea to get one of these kitchen thermometers, you should choose the one that best suits your needs. To help you with the choice, we have created this section in which we explain the main purchase criteria for these devices. Take note!

Temperature range and precision
materials
Specific uses
Temperature reading speed
Extra features

Temperature range and precision
For a kitchen thermometer to be really useful and practical, it must have a suitable temperature range for the use you are going to give it. Although most models have very wide temperature ranges (from -50 ºC to 550 ºC, for example), it is important that we check it.

materials
As it could not be otherwise, and more so if it is a device that we are going to use in contact with food, materials play a fundamental role.In addition, in the case of kitchen thermometers, we need quality materials to achieve the most reliable and accurate measurement possible.

In this sense, we must differentiate between thermometers that are in contact with food and those that are not (laser thermometers):

Type of thermometers    materials
Digital thermometers in contact with food    The part in contact with food is usually metallic (tempered aluminum or food grade stainless steel).
The remaining part is usually made of hard plastic, a very resistant and light material for a more comfortable use.

Remote thermometers    In this case, they are made entirely of hard plastic, as they should not be in contact with food.
There are more "traditional" models that are a thermometer with a metal holder that hangs inside the oven.


Specific uses
Also, as we have repeated several times during the guide, it is important that we think for what type of recipes we are going to use the thermometer. Depending on this, it will be more convenient to use one type or another. For example:

• For meat, it is important to choose a model that has the longest metal probe (about 10 centimeters), so that we can measure the interior temperature without difficulty.
• For pastries (for tempering chocolate, for example), analog thermometers with a mercury core are ideal.
• For frying, it is best to choose a thermometer that has a hook that we can easily place on the edge of the fryer or pan and control the temperature of the oil at all times.
• For the oven, we can choose between the models that calculate the temperature of the cavity or the food itself.
• Maite pelayo

Food safety expert
"Like other kitchen utensils, food thermometers can be vehicles for cross contamination, so they must be sanitized between uses."

Temperature reading speed
Another important factor is the speed at which the thermometer will give us the information we are looking for. It may sound silly, but finding the exact spot in a recipe is a matter of seconds. Therefore, the faster the thermometer, the better we can measure the temperature in real time. The speed also depends on the type.

Kitchen thermometer type    Reading speed
Thermocouple thermometer    Between 2 and 5 seconds
Thermistor type thermometer    Around 10 seconds
Oven thermometer    Around 10 seconds
Thermometer with two tips    Between 2 and 10 seconds
Laser thermometers    Less than 2 seconds

Extra features
Last but not least, we must pay attention to the extra functions. In this case, we refer to those characteristics of each model that will allow us to use the thermometer in a more comfortable way. For example, some laser thermometers can store data on collected temperatures.

Summary
No more chasing the exact point of our recipes! Now, thanks to kitchen thermometers, we will have temperature control in the palm of our hand. These devices are capable of measuring the temperature of food in real time and at a blazing speed.

Once you try them, you won't be able to live without them anymore, they are really practical. Of course, do not forget to take into account the use that you are going to give it, the temperature ranges and other purchase factors to choose the one that suits you best. What are you waiting for to enjoy authentic chef dishes?

If you found our guide to kitchen thermometers useful, share it on social media and leave us a comment. What is the first thing you will cook with your new thermometer?

Using the meat thermometer

 Using the meat thermometer

• You can find meat thermometers in the household utensils section of most grocery stores, department stores, and specialty stores. Buy a thermometer, it's a worthwhile investment in precaution.

- Using the meat thermometer and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

• An instant-read thermometer can be digital or dial-read and comes in a storage case. Read the package information. Instant read thermometers have plastic heads and should not be baked while the turkey is cooking. However, it will record the temperature of the food within 15 seconds when the metal tip is inserted into the indentation of the thermometer; hence its name "instant read." Always clean the tip of the thermometer before storing it in the case.
• Standard meat thermometers are metal and designed to withstand oven temperatures. The detection area is from a pint to a half inch past the slit. This area senses the temperature of the food. Examine the thermometer and become familiar with the dial setting.
• Positioning the thermometer in the turkey is not difficult. Always place the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh because dark thigh meat takes longer to cook than other parts of the turkey.
• Place the tip of the thermometer at the thickest part of the thigh but away from the bone. The area of ​​the thigh closest to the turkey's body is the thickest part of the thigh. While you are washing the turkey, find the best place to position the thermometer.
• Gently turn the thermometer head or dial so you can easily read the temperature without removing the turkey from the oven. As the turkey roasts, the thermometer may move position, don't worry, just reposition the thermometer. The turkey is done when the thermometer temperature reaches 180ºF.
• Oven thermometers mark the temperature inside the oven. Such thermometers are also useful for measuring the temperature inside a grill. If the oven thermometer shows a lower temperature than the selected one, adjust the oven temperature.
• Check the accuracy of the thermometer (especially if the thermometer is old) by placing it for 10 minutes in a large cup with 50% water and 50% ice half melted. The thermometer should read 32ºF. A thermometer is considered accurate if it reads within two degrees or so of the temperature.
• To correct the temperature, use a small wrench to turn the adjusting nut until the thermometer reads 32ºF. To correct a digital thermometer, simply change the battery.

Using thermometers in the kitchen

 Using thermometers in the kitchen

In food safety, controlling temperature is a priority that can only be applied correctly if the needs of each food group are known.

Temperature is not a subjective value. Its exact knowledge serves to avoid risk ranges in which microorganisms could multiply in a dangerous way or to ensure intense levels of sanitation capable of eliminating them. In order to know it precisely, it will be necessary to have special thermometers for kitchens, common tools in professional kitchens (mandatory for HACCP systems ), but which are not always used in households.

- Using thermometers in the kitchen and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

The intense temperatures that food is subjected to during cooking should be sufficient to kill microorganisms. Often times, it is recommended to cook the tortillas "well set" or to fry the chicken "well done". However, these expressions are very subjective and are based on personal sensory appreciations since, although for some a certain way may be sufficient, it will not be so for others. On the other hand, studies show that the change in color and texture of a food is not a sign of confidence to assess the intensity of heat applied . A hamburger can acquire a characteristic brown color when cooked without reaching safe temperatures.
On the contrary, the desire to cook it completely and reach safe temperatures, even inside, can lead to an excessive application of heat, with the consequent loss of juiciness, tenderness, nutrients, and even, with the risk of developing so significant processing contaminants (harmful chemicals that result from the application of intense heat on food). The temperature at which a food is kept, either hot or cold once cooked, is also of special interest to avoid post-cooked microbial growth. Only the exact knowledge of the temperature of a food through a thermometer will be a reliable element when assessing its safety.

Different thermometers for the same goal
Currently, there is a great variety of thermometers for food and kitchens, depending on the level of technology and precision, which will be chosen according to their use and needs. Digital food thermometers, where the final temperature can be read on a display, are practical, fast and accurate. Due to their quick temperature reading, they are ideal for large pieces, where this parameter must be verified in several places. They have a more or less fine probe, very suitable for thin foods, which is inserted into the product. Some digital thermometers use a sensor with thermal resistance to measure temperature.

Digital thermometers are not designed to remain in food during cooking, so they should be used shortly before the end of the estimated cook time to verify the final temperatures reached. Corded oven thermometers allow you to check food temperatures without opening the oven door. The base unit, provided with a digital display, is connected to a probe by a long electrical cable. The probe is inserted into the food and the cable runs from the oven to the base unit where the reading is recorded.
Fork thermometers are an ingenious tool that combines both functions. It is a kitchen fork in one of whose teeth a temperature sensor is inserted. It appears in numbers on a digital display or by a lighted indicator on the handle, which indicates whether the food has reached a level of raw, medium or well cooked. It is very useful when grilling, as it accurately and quickly measures the internal temperature of the food, even when the food is very thin. They are not designed to remain in food while cooking in the oven or on the grill and should be used to measure the temperature of food towards the end of the cook time.

Circular indicator food thermometers have a double coil spring made of two different metals, which is why they are also known as bimetallic. The spring, which is connected to the temperature gauge, expands in the heat. This type of thermometer measures the temperature at the tip and along the entire probe, up to a length of about 5 centimeters. The resulting temperature is the average of the temperatures measured across the sensitive area. They can measure the degrees in foods of great size (roasts) or of depth (casseroles of cooked or broth). They can be of two kinds: oven proof, designed to stay in the food while it cooks, and instant read.

Temperature indicators
Single-use temperature indicators are very hygienic. Being disposable, they do not require cleaning or maintenance and, in addition, they can determine very quickly if the food has reached a suitable temperature. These indicators are made of special materials that are sensitive to heat, but suitable for food use. When it is inserted into the food and it reaches the right temperature, the device changes color. They are designed for specific ranges and it is important that these indicators are used only with foods indicated by the manufacturer. They cannot be left inserted into food during cooking , so they must be used towards the end of the time calculated for it.
A very curious type of temperature indicator is the ejector, common in the United States for roasting the traditional turkey on Thanksgiving Day. It is one of the oldest, since its use dates back to 1965. These devices are made of a synthetic compound, approved for use with food, inside which there is a stainless steel spring and an organic detonator material. Once the organic material dissolves as a consequence of the high temperature for which it has been predetermined, the stainless steel spring releases the probe and allows it to be ejected outwards. Although quite accurate, it is recommended to measure the temperature in other parts of the food with a special thermometer for these.

Thermometer hygiene
Like other kitchen utensils , food thermometers can be vehicles for cross contamination, so they must be sanitized between use. Most cannot be submerged in water and must be washed by hand with hot soapy water, with particular emphasis on cleaning the tube (part that goes into the food). In either case, the manufacturer's instructions for use and maintenance of the thermometer should be followed. Some types can be calibrated, that is, the thermometer can be adjusted as precisely as possible to the correct size.
There are two methods of calibrating food thermometers. One consists of immersion in ice water to calibrate at 0ºC and the other in boiling water, calibrated at 100ºC. The probe is inserted long enough for it to warm up. For greater precision, distilled water should be used. Many food thermometers have a calibration nut, under the head, that can be adjusted. Others, however, cannot be calibrated.

The right temperature
Most food thermometers give an accurate temperature reading with a margin of error of less than 0.5 ° C. However, the reading will be correct only if it is placed in the appropriate place on the food. In most cases, the food thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the food, without touching bone, fat, or cartilage. In a chicken or turkey, it will need to be inserted at the top of the thigh. In a piece of meat, in the center, and in a hamburger or other thin food, the probe should pass through it horizontally, that is, parallel to the surface. In the case of wanting to measure the temperature of a large and irregular piece, it will be necessary to take it in several places.

In addition to knowing the cooking temperatures, thermometers are used in the kitchen to control refrigeration and freezing temperatures . Most of the electrical appliances for this purpose have built-in devices of this type (mandatory in industrial kitchens). If not, a suitable thermometer, in most cases bimetallic spring, should be placed in the refrigerator and freezer to check the temperature of the same. This can be very useful in the event of overloading the appliance or when there are power outages.

Check that the refrigeration temperature is below 5ºC (some refrigerators have a 0ºC compartment for better preservation of fresh food) and that the freezer is less than 18ºC below zero for proper maintenance of frozen food. Outside of these ranges, food will not be stored properly.

What kitchen thermometer to buy? Prices and models

 What kitchen thermometer to buy? Prices and models

A kitchen thermometer is a very practical utensil that controls the exact doneness of a food for you. Without it it is very difficult to get meats and roasts to the point. And it is very useful for making caramel or whipped cream, fried, undone chocolate. Indispensable for precision recipes and new cooking. Before investing in a kitchen thermometer, learn more about the kitchen thermometers on the market.

- What kitchen thermometer to buy? Prices and models and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

It is enough that you begin to cook a minimum so that you understand the importance of having a kitchen thermometer at home . Without it you cannot (or it is very difficult) to get meats and roasts to the point. And it is very useful for making caramel or whipped cream (because you know if the cream is cold enough), fried, melted chocolate…. Here we explain how to choose the most suitable kitchen thermometer for your needs , that is good and resistant.

3 reasons to buy a good kitchen thermometer
precision : by measuring the internal temperature of the food we have greater cooking precision: we avoid it being dry or hard
food safety : we completely eliminate the bacteria that the food may contain
savings : we cook just the time necessary, we save energy

Control the cooking temperature with your kitchen thermometer
Most recipes indicate the cooking time. However, each oven works differently and you must be aware of when the recipe is cooked, by the aroma, the view and the experience. With a kitchen thermometer, you can be accurate . It is the cooking temperature that indicates that what is cooked is to the point, and specifically its interior temperature . The difference between a juicy chicken and a dry one is in the baking time and in how many degrees it has been cooked! It is also essential to ensure that it reaches a cooking point that destroys harmful microorganisms .

“Most pathogens are destroyed at temperatures between 140 and 165ºF (60 and 73.9ºC). A hamburger that is cooked to an internal temperature of 160ºF (71.11ºC), when measured with a food thermometer, is properly cooked, whatever its color. United States Department of Agriculture

What type of thermometers will you find?

Meat thermometer
The meat ones . The simplest ones, they stick inside the meat with their long skewer while it is in the oven and it signals when the roast is done, depending on the type of meat. You have to look at it to see when it reaches the desired point. As it measures the inside of meat, its measurement values ​​are lower, so it is only useful for meat or cooking at low temperatures.

Digital kitchen thermometer
A digital kitchen thermometer is very accurate and is suitable for everything, pastries, meat and fish, liquids, oil, wine, chocolate ... They have a wide temperature range. But they CANNOT be left in the oven or used, some, in boiling water .

THE BEST: GEFU
The Gefu wireless digital thermometer is for you if:

• digital display, all very simple
• the display indicates the cooking temperature for each type of meat
• you leave the probe in the meat and you can be 20 meters away
• alarm once it reaches the chosen temperature

Kitchen oven thermometer
Thermometers for oven with probe . More advanced, it is the most indicated if you use the oven or the pot a lot , and cook stews and roasts, breads and cakes. The probe is inserted inside the food and the cable is taken out to control the temperature without opening the oven . They include an alarm that warns when the desired temperature is reached. Also suitable for liquids and other hot preparations, for barbecues, grills and deep fryers. They usually include programmable cooking and orientation tables.

The OXO oven thermometer
Among the options of kitchen thermometers for the oven, we find OXO's proposal as the one with the best price-quality ratio: a well-built thermometer that can be easily supported in the oven or hooked on the rack, with a temperature range suitable for all types of cooking and with the OXO guarantee.

Kitchen laser thermometer
The laser thermometers . They only measure the surface temperature of the food, so they are more useful to know the temperature of the oven or to make something crisp.  The infrared ones . They measure the temperature without coming into contact with the food, only bringing it closer to it. Especially useful for creams and liquids such as soups, chocolate, syrups, jam, oil .

Professional kitchen thermometers, better opinion of your customers
We call professional kitchen thermometer those that can give us a higher level of precision and that are suitable for working in a professional kitchen environment, suitable for washing, juicing, etc. In the kitchen sector, the German brand Testo is the most recognized and the one that achieves the highest score among its users. You can buy Testo thermometers here .

The OXO probe thermometer
An excellent quality option is the OXO probe thermometer. It has very good performance at a price less than half that of the Testo thermometer. As notable features we can mention its rotating screen to vary the viewing angle and a temperature range of 30 to 150 ºC.

What are the best brands of kitchen thermometers?
As you have read in the previous paragraphs, the brand of kitchen thermometers with the best reputation is the German Testo , although its cost is much higher than the rest. If you are looking for mid-priced kitchen thermometers, Gefu or Oxo brands follow in quality. Finally, if you are looking for cheap kitchen thermometers, because you are not so concerned about their precision, you can look at those of the Habor or Etekcity brands,

How to use a kitchen thermometer
For a thermometer to correctly report temperature, it must be placed inside the food . Specifically, in the thickest part, without touching bone, fat or cartilage. And even better, when the end of the cooking time is approaching and the piece has reached a stable temperature.

Some thermometers allow calibration . Simply put it in boiling water and check that it reads 100º C / 212 ° F, or calibrate it until it does. It is important to remember that water boils at a lower temperature in higher elevations.

They should be washed by hand after each use with hot soapy water, taking care never to put the measuring part in water. It is convenient to keep the pointed ones in their case, so as not to prick yourself with it when looking for it in the drawer.

Specific thermometers that can be useful to you
Without a doubt, one of the thermometers most used by pastry lovers is the Nordic Ware one , because it is very practical. You insert it in the center of the Bundt Cake and wait 2 or 3 seconds ... If the tip turns a deep red color, the cake is ready. Without complications. You ensure its perfect cooking, also of muffins, muffins and cupcakes. And it is very economical.

Confectionery thermometer . It is the most suitable for the preparation of sugar syrups, sweets, jams and syrups, in which water and sugar are mixed, which thickens as the temperature rises. It is a very precise thermometer that indicates the right point at which to stop cooking and thus prevent the sugar from crystallizing.