Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is a kitchen gadget used to determine if a roast meat is finished cooking. It consists of a thin metal rod which is inserted into the meat and a dial or display that shows its internal temperature. It is important to cook most meats to at least 145°F or higher to ensure that it is free from bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Fast Facts

1. Common uses: Determining if meat is ready, determining the internal temperature of meat
2. Price range: $2 to $90
3. Cook ground beef to at least 145°F
4. Cook poultry to 165°
5. Insert in the thickest part of the meat
6. Do not let the rod touch the bone, it will through off the temperature

Buying Guide

There are many types of thermometers, some that can be kept inside the food while cooking. Others need to be inserted in some depth to work properly. Oven safe thermometers can be left inside the meat while it roasts.

Instant-read thermometers will take 15 to 20 seconds to read the temperature, but they need to be inserted two inches into the meat to get an accurate reading. This makes them inconvenient for burgers or other thin meats. Digital thermometers are also of this type, taking only 10 seconds to read a temperature. They don't need to be inserted more than a quarter inch into the meat so they are a better choice for thin meats, though more expensive.

There are disposable thermometers available for hamburgers and often provided free with some poultry. These are less accurate than other thermometers and can only be used once.

Top Brands

• CDN
• Taylor
• Maverick Industries
• Polder
• Sunbeam
• Component Design
• Tru Temp

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