How to choose Kitchen Thermometers?

For most of the applications 0ºF to 220ºF range dial thermometer is quite suitable in every kitchen

Thermometer Types

There are many types of thermometers are available.

The Digital Thermometers are battery operated with on/off switch. The sensor is located in the tip of the probe. The temperature is registered within 5 second after the probe is inserted in the food. These thermometers may not be oven-safe or completely immersed in water.

The laser thermometers do not have to be inserted in the food at all. The laser beam measures the temperature. They don't really measure the internal temperature, they measure the surface temperature instead.

Remote thermometers are popular to measure the internal food of the food being cooked in the oven eliminating the need to open the door and inserting the probe.

Dial thermometers

These are available in following standard temperature ranges

0ºF to 160ºF

50ºF to 550ºF

0ºF to 220ºF

-40ºF to 300ºF

120ºF to 200ºF

The 120ºF to 200ºF thermometer is also called Meat thermometer.

These thermometers have stainless steel construction with about 5" stem. The thermometer senses the temperature along the stem from tip to 2". The reading is the average temperature along this 2" area. The dial is made of tempered glass or hard plastic as a lens. These are oven-safe. I use 0ºF to 220ºF range thermometer.

Deep fry and Candy Thermometer

This is a dial type thermometer. You can use it while making syrups for your desserts, or determine the oil temperature in your deep fryer to make Samosa, Pakora, etcetera.

The standard temperature range on these thermometers is 100ºF to 400ºF.

These have stainless steel construction with 5" stem and a tempered glass dial lens.

Frothing Thermometer

This is a dial type Thermometer with temperature range from 60ºF to 220ºF. It is normally use to make frothing milk for coffee latte. The frothing temperature range is 150ºF to 170ºF. I use this thermometer to make Dahi, and reduce milk to make Khoya.

Oven Thermometer

Most of the ovens sold in United States have a built in thermostat with settable control to maintain a given temperature. Still you can buy them with a standard range of 100ºF to 600ºF.

Grill Top Thermometers

These are available in two standard ranges

100ºF to 500ºF

150ºF to 700ºF

You can use 100ºF to 500ºF range thermometer to check the temperature of your Tawa to make Roti, Dosa, Cheela etc.

Cooking-Cooling Thermometer

This is a specialized thermometer with settable alarms to cook, re-heat, and cool foods for safety. The temperature ranges from 14ºF to 392ºF

You may only need this thermometer if you are cooking in large quantities for a party.

How to check the accuracy of a thermometer?

Some dial thermometers have a calibration hex nut under the dial. You may be able to re-adjust this nut. You can use one of the following two methods.

Ice Water Method

Fill a large glass with finely crushed ice and top it with plain water. Immerse the thermometer stem a minimum 2" into the water. It should read 32 °F

Boiling Water Method

Bring water in a deep pan to a full rolling boil. Immerse the stem of a thermometer 2" into the boiling water. It should read 212 °F

Google Group | Disclaimer | What do you think!