Facts About Food Thermometer and Its Uses
Food thermometers play a vital role in cooking meat, fish, poultry and bread. It ensures that food is cooked well and is safe to eat. Here are important facts for you to know about food thermometer also known as meat thermometer.
Food or Meat Thermometer Defined
This is a device used to measure how hot certain foods are before served. It provides a more accurate temperature for cooks and bakers to monitor the degree of doneness of the food. It should be used properly to obtain the accuracy needed. It has a probe which should be pushed to the thickest part of the meat but avoiding the bones.
Proper Use of Food Thermometer
Food Product
| Recommended Part to Insert the Probe
| Temperature (Celsius/Fahrenheit)
|
---|---|---|
Poultry
| Thigh
| 74 degrees or 165 degrees
|
Beef, Lamb, Veal
| Find the part with the thickest meat
| Medium – 63 degrees or 145 degrees Well-done – 77 degrees or 170 degrees
|
Pork
| Find the part with the thickest meat
| 71 degrees or 160 degrees
|
Ground Meat
| Insert sideways on patties
| 71 degrees or 160 degrees Poultry - 74 degrees or 165 degrees
|
Casserole
| Find the thickest part
| 71 degrees or 160 degrees
|
Eggs
| Find the thickest part
| 74 degrees or 165 degrees
|
Seafood
| Find the thickest part
| 70 degrees or 158 degrees
|
Bread
| Insert in the dough
| Depending on your recipe requirements
|
Use the food thermometer basing on the user’s manual which came with your product. Always apply safety measures before using it and follow instructions meticulously.
Types of Food Thermometer
Dial Oven-Safe – This is the type of thermometer which can be left inserted in the food while cooking or baking.
Digital Instant Read – Can provide thermometer reading in 10 seconds. Later models such as Lavatools’ Instant Read Meat Thermometer can read in just 3-4 seconds.
Thermometer-Fork Combination – This is ideal for grilling and can be inserted at least ¼ inch deep.
Dial Instant Read – Thermometer may be used after food is cooked and cannot be left inserted while cooking.
Thermocouple – More expensive food thermometer but has a faster response time.
Disposable Temperature Indicators – Used for specific foods only and is designed to be used only once.
Pop-up – Mostly used for poultry product when nearly cooked to check the temperature before serving.
Oven with Probe Cord – This food thermometer is designed for use in ovens and can be left inserted in foods while cooking.
Maintenance of Food Thermometers
Like I mentioned earlier, always read the user’s manual first before proceeding with any action. Clean the thermometer every after use or as recommended. Do not try to experiment doing things that are noted in the manual to give your device a harm. You might also hurt yourself if you do not carefully execute all the instructions.