Temperature is vital when cooking. The temperature of the food helps ensure that it is safe to consume as the heat kills bacteria and pathogens present in food, especially raw meat. The right temperature also determines the texture of the meat. If you overcook it, it can be tough and rubbery in texture. Thermometers take the guesswork out of the cooking process and ensure that you have the right temperature for the food.
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 and a candy thermometer. So, which one do you need, and how do you use them?
Candy and Deep-Fry Thermometer Candy and deep-frying thermometers are made of glass and are used for measuring much hotter temperatures. Whereas meat and poultry might be cooked anywhere from 130 F to 175 F, candy involves cooking sugar as high as 300 F, and deep-frying requires oil to be 375 F and hotter.
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What is a Candy Thermometer?
A candy thermometer features a long and narrow design. This thermometer measures temperature at a high heat range and can go up to 400 F (204 C) in reading. Unfortunately, the boiling temperature of sugar, syrups, caramels, and other sauces is much higher than 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 track the temperature of the boiling sugar without touching the hot substance.
Working with confectionary 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 and take the shape you want for them. If it’s too high, the sugar could burn and give 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 types of desserts, which is why you need a specific tool for this. Candy thermometers can also be used for deep frying.
What is a Digital Thermometer?
A digital thermometer is any thermometer that comes with a temperature-sensing function. The sensor helps to provide 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 it to display the temperature reading.
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 hits the required internal temperature. In addition, added features and functionalities might be available for different models of thermometer, so you can choose the ones that will give you the features you need most.
Food Thermometers: Candy-Frying Thermometers
FAQ
Can a candy thermometer be used in oil?
What is the difference between candy thermometer and oil thermometer?
Can you use any thermometer for a candy thermometer?
Is there a difference between a candy thermometer and a regular thermometer?