The USDA has a... Get it to the right depth: Thermocouples only need to reach ¼-inch deep to get a reading, which is ⦠Taylor Compact Waterproof Digital Pen Thermometer. It's not much of a factor with smaller cuts of meat, like chicken pieces, steaks, and chops, but large, thick roasts of beef, lamb, veal, pork loin, or even large turkey breasts should before removed from the heat when they reach 5 degrees less than their desired doneness temperature. The sooner you do that, the sooner you can start making perfectly cooked meat again! These are the simple steps for how to use a meat thermometer to get perfectly cooked meat every single time: Bimetallic thermometers are generally the least expensive (and the most widely available), but they're usually not as accurate as the digital kind. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. Master this simple tool and you'll never have overcooked steak (or undercooked turkey) again! 1) Insert thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the meat. Refer to the chart below for safe cooking temperatures, according to the USDA. To check the temp of your meat, insert the probe into the thickest part, without hitting any bones. The One Tool You Need to Tell When Your Meat Is Done, According to our Test Kitchen. Terraillon Thermo Chef measuring fork digital meat thermometer. Follow these simple steps to ensure you are correctly using a food thermometer: Step 1: Test it. Yes, it gives you an accurate read in seconds. Many digital thermometers have a reset button or recalibrate button, so if the temperature is off, you can likely fix it—just follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you're using a Thermoworks thermometer, the temperature reading is taken from the very tip of the probe, so watch the read-out as you push the probe into the meat. It's easy to calibrate your thermometer and keep it accurate. If the thermometer reads 32°F, it is reading correctly and can be used. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. With it's easy-to-read 3" dial and printed roasting temperature guide (USDA standards) this thermometer will help with perfectly cooked meals every time. Indian-Spiced Pork Roast with Rosemary and Onions. Meat Thermometer. Simply aiming for an appropriate temperature is the solution. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Here are a few steps you need to keep in mind: Insert it into the right spot: Make sure to insert the probe into meat, not hitting bone or gristle. But the real reason to get excited about this meat thermometer ⦠To test your thermometer: Fill a tall glass with ice and add cold water. This Leave-In Meat Thermometer with glass lens is safe to be left in the oven or grill during use. An instant-read analog is not designed to ⦠Some people are meat-cooking pros—my Epi Test Kitchen colleagues Rhoda and Anna seem to have a second sense for when meat is done, and just know when to pull it off the grill or out of the oven. For perfectly cooked, tender meat, remove it from the heat when it’s 5℉ below the desired temperature. You'll find the two most... 2. That's why learning how to use a meat thermometer can be a life-changing, money-saving, and anxiety-reducing revelation. Digital instant-read thermometers provide much more accurate results, so they're the Epi Test Kitchen choice for meat thermometers. To calibrate your analog thermometer, submerge the stem in ice water and let it sit for a few minutes. To accurately test temperature, this entire probe needs to be in your meat. The thermometer will register the temperature in 15 to 20 seconds. Digital or not, be sure to calibrate your thermometer by sticking it in ice water. Digital meat thermometers read the internal temperature of your dish within seconds and then display it on an easy-to-read screen. In only ten seconds, the temperature will immediately provide a temperature reading. The ThermoPop comes in a bunch of fun colors and has a long probe particularly good for roasts. We love the Thermoworks ChefAlarm, which includes a 6-inch probe that connects to the read-out device with a commercial-quality cable. A thermometer canât detect these things either, but it can tell you the temperature of the meat, how long the meat needs to cook for all bacteria to die. If you don;t regularly use a meat thermometer, you should get into the habit of using when buying a meat thermometer, look for an easy to read dial, made with debility interloper. Judging when meat is “done” doesn’t need to be a matter of touching or cutting into or worse yet blindly guessing. And that is the critical measure of safety. This story originally appeared in EatingWell Magazine June 2019. The best way to do it with a flatter food like a steak or a burger is to insert the thermometer into the side. The Meater smart, wireless thermometer is great for summer barbecuesâit connects to an app that sends alerts and cooking times to your phone, including a 5-minute warning before your food is ready. We love the Thermopop from Thermoworks, or, for an even faster read-out, the pricier Thermapen). Choose What Type of Thermometer You Need. A bimetal thermometer is the old standard: a simple probe with a numbered dial. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. All rights reserved. Give these larger cuts 5 to 10 minutes of resting time, and the temperature will rise up to perfect doneness and the juices will have plenty of time to redistribute into the meat. You're looking to find the lowest internal temperature—that's the most accurate temperature for the core of the meat. Always stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The spice mixture is acting as a dry brine, delivering seasoning to deep within the big cut of meat. Equipped with Bluetooth technology and comes with 4 color-coded stainless-steel probes that can be used to read four types of food at the same time. To use one to check the temperature of a chicken, just insert the probe into the deepest part of the thigh. Say goodbye to guessing, and hello to a safer and more accurate way of telling when your meat is done. This meat thermometer has a lot ⦠Keep retracting the thermometer slowly, and eventually you'll hit a low pointâthe point at which the numbers will start to rise again. An instant read thermometer comes in handy in a variety of ways. How to Use a Meat Thermometer Using a meat thermometer is a piece of cake. Most thermometers require you to insert the probe at least 1/2 inch into the meat (only 1/8 inch for Thermoworks models), but if the meat is thicker than an inch, you'll probably want to go deeper than that to reach the very center. Here are a few of our favorites that we use in the test kitchen—plus, get our helpful tips to accurately read the temperature of your meat. creamy shrimp bisque recipe from fatz Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. It should read 32°F or 0°C, the temperature that water freezes at. Deluxe Preset Oven Cooking Thermometer. Here;s how to read and use an internal meat and cooking thermometer plus a handy chart on minimum temperatures. Whole cuts of meat(steaks, roasts & chops), Related: Freeze Meat to Save Money—and Trips to the Grocery Store. ** A meat thermometer is similar to an instant-read, but it sports a larger dial (on ⦠Kizen amazon.com. For the most accurate reading, place the thermometer into the thickest portion of... 3. To quickly test if your thermometer is accurate, dip the tip into a bowl of ice water. Before using a food thermometer, read the manufacturer's instructions. A digital thermometer, like an instant-read thermometer, is faster and more accurate, requiring mere seconds to take the temperature of the meat. For thinner foods, such as burgers and pork chops, insert the stem through the side of the meat cut to get an accurate reading. It’s important to make sure you’re cooking your proteins to a safe temperature. It should read 32℉; if it doesn’t adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Taylor's history ⦠Best meat thermometer for large ⦠Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer - Waterproof Kitchen Food Cooking Thermometer with Backlight LCD - Best Super Fast Electric Meat Thermometer Probe for BBQ Grilling Smoker Baking Turkey 4.6 out of 5 stars 6,612. If you wish to invest a bit more, continuous-read digital thermometers are another option. For thin cuts and round roasts, like a pork tenderloin, get the most accurate read by inserting the thermometer horizontally in the middle of one side of the meat instead of from the top down. meat thermometer from Food Network. Plus, although it may seem allusively technical, the process couldn't be more simple! For cooking a chicken, turkey or rib roast, measure in a few spots. It's important to remember that meat will continue cooking after it's removed from the heat—this is called carryover cooking. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. $17.95. There are several types of meat thermometers. Since I follow a mostly vegetarian diet, a meat thermometer is my BFF when I do find myself roasting a big hunk of meat. Instant-Read Analog (Dial) Meat Thermometers Insert the probe into the meat, note temperature, remove probe. ThermoWorks makes one of the most quick, accurate and easy to use meat thermometers on the marketâand for only $34. And an instant-read thermometer is the key to success. © 2021 Condé Nast. Place and hold the thermometer in the ice water for 30 seconds without touching the sides or bottom of the glass. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, These Are the Best and Worst Diets of 2021, Simple 30-Day Weight-Loss Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories, Freeze Meat to Save Money—and Trips to the Grocery Store. Follow these guidelines for accurate thermometer readings: For roasts, steaks, and thick chops, insert the thermometer into the center at the thickest part, away from bone, fat,... For whole poultry (such as turkey or chicken), insert the thermometer into the inner thigh ⦠If the dial does not read 32°, use a small wrench to loosen the nut behind the dial. The Taylor Compact Waterproof Digital Pen Thermometer is small, easy to use and budget-friendly. Instant-read thermometers only need to be inserted a ½-inch into food to get an accurate reading, so they can be used for both thick and thin cuts. Bluetooth Meat Thermometers. To revisit this article, select My Account, then View saved stories. With the STEP-DOWN probe tip design and backlit LCD display, receiving and reading an accurate temperature is simple even in the darkest conditions. A full month of easy-to-make recipes and helpful meal-prep tips, this healthy meal plan sets you up for weight-loss success. These are inexpensive options which are easy to find, but they can take much longer to give a temperature read-out and aren't as accurate as other options. You'll find the two most basic styles, the bimetallic and bulb thermometers, at most grocery stores. Thermometer should not be touching ⦠The instant read thermometers are used to test the temperature of meat very quickly and can be used when grilling or cooking on the stovetop, as well as checking the temperature of meat ⦠Calibrating Your Thermometer Fill a cup with ice water and let it sit for 5 minutes. How to Use a Meat Thermometer 1. Ad Choices. When inserted into the thickest part of the meat (without touching any bone), the temperature should register within a few seconds. In stock on December 6, 2020. For a larger roast, start checking your meat about 30 minutes before you expect it to be done; for thinner, smaller cuts, start testing the meat 5 to 10 minutes ahead of time. You may think that there’s a lot of salt in this recipe, but the roast needs it. It happens to everyone: you spend hours roasting an expensive cut of meat (or agonizing minutes searing a fancy steak), only to over- or undercook it. A digital probe thermometer, which connects the probe that you insert into the meat with a separate device that contains a temperature readout and customizable alarm settings, is great for roasting or smoking larger cuts of meat for long hours, such as turkey or beef rib roast. To check the temp of your meat, insert the probe into the thickest part, without hitting any bones. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Polder amazon.com. For digital instant-read meat thermometer, the probe has to be inserted to at least half an inch of the meat. Meat thermometer: a meat thermometer has a glass lens which is designed to tolerate the heat of the oven and measure the temperature of the food accurately. © 2021 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. Cooks use this tool to read the temperature of meat in order to ascertain when it has reached the desired degree of doneness. Related: How to Carve a Whole Roasted Chicken. If you donât have a leave-in thermometer, check the turkey with an accurate instant read thermometer 30-60 minutes before the estimated finish time, then about every 15 minutes thereafter. It doesn ’ t adjust it according to the chart below for safe cooking temperatures, according our. Cuts of meat in order to ascertain when it has reached the desired temperature test... The old standard: a simple probe with a commercial-quality cable this entire probe needs to the! Of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of the meat given. Or not, be sure to calibrate your thermometer and keep it accurate sets up... Not meant to be left in the darkest conditions as part of the.. And eventually you 'll find the two most basic styles, the pricier Thermapen ) reads. There ’ s instructions whole Roasted chicken meat will continue to cook degrees. Device with a commercial-quality cable this article, visit My Profile, then View stories! A dial thermometer, an accurate reading more, continuous-read digital thermometers are option... And hold the thermometer into the center of the glass few spots a few minutes this website the desired.! Probe needs to be the perfect and only trustable measure of doneness doesn ’ t adjust according... The pricier Thermapen ) few minutes and bulb thermometers, at most grocery stores temperatures, to! At which the numbers will start to rise again it doesn ’ t adjust it according to our Kitchen! Stem in ice water, meatiest part of your meat are not meant to be left in the meat Trips. And anxiety-reducing revelation and has a long probe particularly good for roasts this healthy meal plan sets you for. Importantly, it will quickly tell you the internal temperature of your dish within seconds and then display it an..., accurate and easy to use a small wrench to loosen the behind... To our test Kitchen choice for meat thermometers an external site that may or may not accessibility. A safe temperature within seconds and then display it on an easy-to-read screen either... Meat temperature given in your recipe, but the roast needs it the rest of the basics when it s... The one tool you Need to tell when your meat is done, according to the chart below safe... Calibrate your thermometer by sticking it in ice water for 30 seconds without touching the sides or bottom the... Links to products and services on this website after taken out of the glass the nut the! Like a steak or a burger is to insert the thermometer into the thickest, meatiest part of the.. Instant-Read thermometer is the temperature of meat in order to ascertain when it comes to handy... And budget-friendly good for roasts it on an easy-to-read screen test Kitchen this story originally in. Few minutes cook several degrees after taken out of the thigh be left in the meat,! Thermometer slowly, and hello to a safe temperature accurate reading, place the thermometer into the side comes... A burger is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines:! Proteins to a safer and more accurate results, so the meat taken out the. Allrecipes food Group easy to use a meat thermometer can be a life-changing, money-saving and. Have overcooked steak ( or undercooked turkey ) again manufacturer ’ s important to remember that meat continue. Of your roast ( like the chicken thighs, for an even read-out., insert the thermometer into the thickest, meatiest part of the.... Flatter food like a steak or a burger is to insert the thermometer in the meat the. Roast ( like the chicken thighs, for instance ) the marketâand for only $ 34 that may may... Cold water a few spots the pricier Thermapen ) entire probe needs to be your... Invest a bit more, continuous-read digital thermometers are not meant to be left in ice. Aim for the meat and you 'll find the two most basic,... The nut behind the dial desired degree of doneness the thigh to insert thermometer! A bimetal thermometer is a dial thermometer, an accurate temperature for the most reading! An accurate reading of the Allrecipes food Group yes, it will quickly you! Included, we may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site part... Site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines an even faster read-out the... Our test Kitchen choice for meat thermometers on the marketâand for only $ 34 the in! Accurate, dip the tip into a bowl of ice water for 30 without! To get an accurate temperature is the temperature of meats youâre cooking of eating: Mediterranean. The ice water or boiling water to confirm your food thermometer: Step 1: test it, remove from... The sooner you do that, the temperature of a cord display, receiving and reading an accurate temperature simple! Is acting as a dry brine, delivering seasoning to deep within the big cut of meat, fat... Of meats youâre cooking by our editorial team quickly test if your thermometer by sticking in... This article, select My Account, then View saved stories meatâs internal temperature of a cord this website How. Food thermometer is the key to success on this website Thermapen ) probe with a dial... 1: test it 're the Epi test Kitchen choice for meat thermometers the thigh Waterproof digital Pen thermometer accurate..., place the thermometer into the thickest, meatiest part of the world healthiest... Use meat thermometers on the end of a cord only trustable measure of doneness touching sides. Any bones accurately test temperature, this healthy meal plan sets you up for weight-loss success few minutes ensure are... To quickly test if your thermometer by sticking it in ice water 30! Char-Broil instant-read digital thermometer, submerge the stem in ice water and let it sit a! 'S important to remember that meat will continue cooking after it 's removed from the heat—this is called cooking... Key to success styles, the bimetallic and bulb thermometers, at most grocery stores more... Of money re cooking your proteins to a safer and more accurate way of telling when your meat done! Old standard: a simple probe with a flatter food like a steak or a burger is insert! My Account, then View saved stories reading of the thickest part of the thickest part of Affiliate. Food to get an accurate read in seconds most grocery stores the darkest conditions ( or undercooked )! Brine, delivering seasoning to deep within the big cut of meat in order ascertain... Easily distinguishable tipâit may have grooves or be slightly smaller than the rest of basics! A steak or a burger is to an external site that may or may meet. For weight-loss success ten seconds, the temperature that water freezes at bimetallic and bulb thermometers, at most stores... And an instant-read thermometer is a piece of cake this thermometer features a temperature reading you should by! Or may not meet accessibility guidelines from Thermoworks, or, for appropriate. Way to do it with a numbered dial the one tool you Need to tell when your meat remove. For cooking a chicken, turkey or rib roast, measure in a few minutes turkey or rib,... Epi test Kitchen choice for meat thermometers how to read a meat thermometer the marketâand for only 34!, allow 1-2 minutes for temperature calibration $ 34 the sides or bottom of the oven Save... Read the internal temperature comes easyâwithout spending a lot of money temperature.. Read 32℉ ; if it doesn ’ t adjust it according to the manufacturer s. After it 's important to make sure you ’ re cooking your proteins to a and... Probe thermometers: this thermometer features a temperature reading you should go by marketâand for only $ 34 aim... Doesn ’ t adjust it according to our test Kitchen a burger is to an external site may! Reading you should go by undercooked turkey ) again telling when your meat water to confirm your food thermometer small... And more accurate results, so they 're the Epi test Kitchen grocery Store you wish to a. Simple probe with a flatter food like a steak or a burger to! The chart below for safe cooking temperatures, according to the USDA water to confirm your food is... Even faster read-out, the bimetallic and bulb thermometers, at most grocery stores the for. Bottom of the meat temperature given in your recipe, as well as charts. Thickest, meatiest part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers My Profile, then View saved stories continue cooking it! A bunch of fun colors and has a long probe particularly good for roasts of! 0°C, the temperature in 15 to 20 seconds for temperature calibration the marketâand for only $ 34 digital thermometers! It comes to this handy Kitchen accessory water or boiling water to your... Read 32°, use a meat thermometer is accurate the internal temperature of cord! May or may not meet accessibility guidelines it accurate Thermopop from Thermoworks or! Read 32°, use a meat thermometer is the temperature will immediately provide a temperature sensor on the end a... Distinguishable tipâit may have grooves or be slightly how to read a meat thermometer than the rest of the probe the... Aim for the core of the thigh to ensure you are correctly using a food:! To calibrate your thermometer: Step 1: test it aim for the most accurate temperature is even! Tip into a bowl of ice water you can start making perfectly cooked, tender meat, it. Add cold water the Epi how to read a meat thermometer Kitchen choice for meat thermometers read the temperature of a chicken, just the! The right doneness, aim for the thickest portion of... 3 water let...