The Best Cooking Thermometer Cooks Illustrated, Buyer’s guide

The best thermometer for cooking depends on the specific application and your preferences. However, some popular options include:

1. Instant-Read Thermometer: Provides quick and accurate temperature readings and is suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks, including grilling, roasting, and baking.
2. Probe Thermometer: Features a long probe for inserting into thick cuts of meat or deep pots and offers precise temperature readings over an extended period.
3. Infrared Thermometer: Measures surface temperatures without contact and is ideal for checking the temperature of griddles, pans, and other cooking surfaces.
4. Thermocouple Thermometer: Offers rapid response times and high accuracy, making it suitable for professional chefs and precision cooking applications.

Consider factors such as temperature range, response time, accuracy, and ease of use when choosing the best thermometer for your cooking needs.

What food thermometer do chefs use?

Chefs often use digital probe thermometers for cooking tasks that require precise temperature control, such as roasting meats, baking bread, and tempering chocolate. These thermometers feature a long probe that can be inserted into thick cuts of meat or deep pots to monitor the internal temperature accurately. Some chefs also use instant-read thermometers for quick temperature checks during cooking and grilling.

What kind of thermometer do they use on America's Test Kitchen?

America's Test Kitchen, a popular cooking show and culinary publication, uses a variety of thermometers for their recipe testing and cooking demonstrations. While they may use different types of thermometers depending on the specific application, they often recommend digital instant-read thermometers for their accuracy, ease of use, and versatility in a wide range of cooking tasks.

What is the difference between instant read and meat thermometer?

The main difference between an instant-read thermometer and a meat thermometer lies in their design and intended use:

1. Instant-Read Thermometer: This type of thermometer provides quick and accurate temperature readings within a few seconds, allowing you to check the temperature of food rapidly. Instant-read thermometers are suitable for various cooking tasks, including grilling, roasting, baking, and candy making.

2. Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer, also known as a probe thermometer, features a long probe that can be inserted into thick cuts of meat to monitor the internal temperature accurately. Meat thermometers are designed for use during cooking, allowing you to check the doneness of meat without opening the oven or grill repeatedly.

While both types of thermometers serve similar purposes, instant-read thermometers are more versatile and provide quicker temperature readings, while meat thermometers are specifically designed for monitoring the temperature of meat during cooking.

How accurate is the instant-read thermometer?

Instant-read thermometers are generally quite accurate, providing precise temperature readings within a few seconds. However, the accuracy may vary depending on the quality of the thermometer and how it is calibrated. High-quality instant-read thermometers typically have a margin of error of around ±1°F (±0.5°C) or less, making them suitable for most cooking applications. It's essential to calibrate your instant-read thermometer regularly to ensure accurate temperature readings and replace the batteries as needed to maintain reliable performance.

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