Digital Thermometer vs. Candy Thermometer

Temperature is vital when cooking. The temperature of the food helps ensure it is safe to consume, as heat kills bacteria and pathogens, especially those in raw meat. The right temperature also determines the meat’s texture. If you overcook it, it can become tough and rubbery. Thermometers take the guesswork out of cooking and ensure your food reaches the right temperature. 

However, several types of thermometers are available, and you must find the right one for each specific type of cooking. This guide will walk you through two of those suited to different kinds of cooking: a digital thermometer vs. a candy thermometer. So, which one do you need, and how do you use them?  

Part 1. What is a Candy Thermometer?

A candy thermometer features a long and narrow design. This thermometer measures temperature at high temperatures and can reach up to 400°F (204°C). Unfortunately, the boiling temperature of sugar, syrups, caramels, and other sauces is much higher than that of water. Therefore, you need a specific tool that can read extremely high temperatures.

The length of the candy thermometer allows it to sit in a deep pot of boiling sugar. You can use it to safely monitor the temperature of boiling sugar without touching the hot surface. 

Working with confectionery sugar, other syrups for desserts, and other sweet treats requires you to hit a specific temperature. If it’s too low, they won’t achieve the right consistency or take the shape you want. If it’s too high, the sugar could burn, giving an unpleasant or bitter taste. The temperature of the candy solution also impacts its malleability. Many candy or sugary confections are used to create various models and shapes, which is why getting the right temperature is essential. 

Accuracy is crucial when making candies and other desserts, which is why you need a specific tool for the job. Candy thermometers can also be used for deep frying. 

Part 2. What is a Digital Thermometer?

A digital thermometer is any thermometer that comes with a temperature-sensing function. The sensor provides a temperature reading when inserted into food, such as meat. The sensor will display the reading on a digital screen, which indicates the number. It is a convenient tool in the kitchen because the temperature reading is shown digitally, ensuring an accurate reading. 

Aside from the ease of use and convenience, digital thermometers are excellent cooking tools because they give faster results. However, you need to wait a few seconds for the temperature reading to appear. 

Most digital thermometers have an accuracy rating of ±0.2°F or ±0.1 °C, so you can guarantee that the food is done if it reaches the required internal temperature. In addition, added features and functionalities might be available for different models of thermometers, so you can choose the ones that will give you the features you need most. 

Part 3. Digital Thermometer vs. Candy Thermometer: What’s the Difference?

Now that you understand the individual functions of a digital thermometer and a candy thermometer, let’s examine their differences.

The critical difference is that a digital thermometer is used for cooking meat and other food types. You insert the probe into the meat, and it displays the meat’s internal temperature. On the other hand, a candy thermometer measures the temperature of boiling sugar or other candy solutions up to 400°F (204°C). 

Another difference between the thermometer types is how you use them. A digital thermometer uses a probe or sensor inserted into the meat to read the temperature. You can find various models with different functionalities, such as oven-safe ones inserted into the meat as it cooks in the oven. Maximizing the functionality of a digital thermometer entails choosing the right type.

On the other hand, a candy thermometer is placed upright in the pot of boiling sugar. The thermometer stays in the pot as it cooks, allowing you to monitor the temperature as it rises. When deep-frying, use the same method: place the thermometer into the oil until it reaches the ideal cooking temperature. 

In summary, here are the differences between a candy thermometer and a digital meat thermometer:

• Candy thermometers have a longer design, allowing them to soak in hot or boiling oil or sugar solutions safely.
• Candy thermometers have a higher heat and temperature range. They can read up to 400°F (204°C), while most digital meat thermometers can only read up to 200°F (93°C).
• Candy thermometers have a rounded base, while digital thermometers have a pointy base, which allows you to insert them into a thick cut of meat. 

Part 4. Tips When Using a Candy Thermometer

If you invest in a candy thermometer, it pays to know how to use it to maximize results and ensure it lasts a long time.

1. Select the correct type of candy thermometer. You can find a classic style with an analog design, featuring a glass pipe and a stainless steel frame. You can also find ones made from plain, tempered glass. Digital candy thermometers are also available nowadays.
2. Check the accuracy rating of the candy thermometer. Getting the right temperature is critical when making desserts. Even being a degree off the recommended temperature can ruin an entire batch of candy or syrup. So make sure to test your thermometer before using it to ensure its reading accuracy.
3. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Please do not wash your thermometer with cold water immediately after putting it in a hot sugar mixture. The extreme and immediate temperature change could damage the thermometer. 

The Bottom Line

A digital thermometer and a candy thermometer have specific functions and uses in the kitchen. You need both if you cook meat and make sugary confections. Take time to learn the proper way to use each type of thermometer so you can maximize their use.