A Comprehensive Guide on Thermometer Function and Features

If you’re following a recipe, most will indicate the recommended cooking temperature. This is because it exemplifies the importance of temperature in cooking. You must achieve the correct temperature to ensure food quality and safety. To become a better cook, you can start by understanding the role of temperature in cooking. 

Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell if the food is done correctly by sight or smell alone. In the kitchen, you need a reliable tool, such as a thermometer. Discover more about thermometer function and the features you can use to achieve the correct doneness of the food.

Part 1. Understanding Thermometer Function

Is a thermometer a must-have tool in the kitchen? The short answer is yes. 

A food thermometer is essential kitchen equipment because it serves many purposes. Many professional kitchens keep them handy at all times because they offer several benefits.

Ensure Food Safety

Restaurants and food businesses adhere to strict regulations to ensure food safety. Therefore, specific controls must be implemented to ensure customers can be served safely and that food is cooked correctly.

Food safety is the top priority for every food business owner. You want to ensure you follow the proper guidelines for food temperature from cooking to serving. Otherwise, food can become exposed to bacteria and pathogens that could cause foodborne illnesses. 

Professional restaurants and chefs follow strict food safety regulations, and temperature monitoring is critical. Therefore, you need a thermometer for food safety checks and for temperature control or monitoring.

Preserve Food Quality

Another primary temperature function is to preserve food quality during preparation and during service to customers. Two factors directly affect the quality of food: ingredient quality and temperature.

You must invest in quality ingredients to ensure you get quality results when cooking. You also need to take note of the proper temperature for the cooking process and the final product. Certain types of food taste better when served at a specific temperature. A food thermometer is a handy tool that allows you to monitor and maintain the ideal temperature for food.

Inventory Management

Even before you cook and serve food, the temperature is already a critical aspect of food preparation. Restaurants and food businesses invest heavily in inventory management. Certain food items must be stored at a specific temperature to ensure safety and preserve quality. 

For example, meat should be kept frozen at all times before cooking. It could be hazardous if it rises above the freezing point, as the meat will be exposed to pathogens at that temperature. On the other hand, freezing meat kills harmful bacteria in raw meat. 

Food businesses invest plenty of resources in managing their inventory. Therefore, you should protect your profitability with a reliable food thermometer. 

Tip: Click here to learn about the importance of temperature, if interested.

Part 2. Types of Thermometer & Their Functions

Kitchen thermometers come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, knowing and exploring your options is essential to picking the right tool for the job.

Here is an overview of the different types of thermometers.

Digital Instant Read Thermometer

A digital, instant-read thermometer can take temperature readings in seconds. The reading is shown on a digital display for convenience. It is ideal for meat and other foods. However, it is delicate, so it cannot be used in the oven or for cooking.

Dial Instant Read Thermometer

This food thermometer can provide accurate temperature readings in seconds. For example, you can use it to check the temperature of roasts, soups, and steaks. It requires you to insert a probe into the food, and it will show the temperature on a dial. 

Dial Oven-Safe

As the name implies, this thermometer is designed to be placed inside the meat while cooking in the oven. Therefore, it is ideal for monitoring the internal temperature of the food as it cooks to avoid overcooking (or undercooking). 

Thermometer-Fork Combination

This thermometer is designed to look and function like a fork. Insert the fork into the meat or food, and the temperature will be displayed. It is a great way to check the food’s temperature before serving it at the table. 

Pop-Up Thermometers

This thermometer is designed for one-time use only. They can provide temperature readings in ten seconds or less. It is ideally used in mobile kitchens or for quickly checking food temperature. 

Part 4. How to Use a Food Thermometer

Maximizing the functionality of the thermometer, regardless of its type, boils down to knowing how to use it correctly. Therefore, reading the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific thermometer is essential to ensure you get an accurate reading.

• Always test your thermometer before using it. Testing ensures that the thermometer is accurate and you can get the correct temperature reading.
• Calibrate your thermometer regularly. Calibrating is recommended if you’ve had your thermometer for a while.
• Know the proper placement of the thermometer probe. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat to read the temperature of the thermal center. Avoid inserting it too close to the bones or fat, as it could give inaccurate readings.
• Wait a few seconds for the temperature reading to register. If you pull out the thermometer too soon, you might not get the most accurate reading. The ideal time is 5 to 10 seconds to confirm you have the right temperature. 
• Clean your thermometer after use. It will help eliminate the risk of cross-contamination, especially when using it on various types of meat. 

Conclusion

A thermometer is one of the best tools you have to rely on in the kitchen. Use this guide on basic thermometer function to maximize the features and achieve the best cooking results. This tool will make you a more confident cook in the kitchen.