A cooking thermometer is an instrument used to measure the temperature of food.

Candy thermometers are used to determine the sugar concentration and consistency of candy syrup as it is being heated.

Meat Thermometers are used to assure that meat has reached the temperature where food borne pathogens will be eliminated.

There are two basic types of kitchen thermometers: candy thermometers and meat thermometers.

Candy thermometers are used to determine the temperature and ultimately the state of the candy while it is cooking. The candy making process involves determining the sugar percentage in the candy syrup. As the candy gets hotter, the water evaporates and there is a higher concentration of sugar. To produce lollipops, the syrup needs to be heated to a higher temperature than when making caramel. The thermometer is used to determine when the candy syrup has reached that temperature so that it can be removed from the heat. Be sure to buy a durable thermometer or a thermometer with a protective casing.

Meat thermometers are used to determine if meat has been cooked enough to be safely eaten. To find the temperature insert the meat thermometer inside the thickest part of the meat. Beef should be hotter than 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be eaten; Poultry and pork should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Some thermometers have built in timers. They can be digital thermometers, fast read thermometers, oven safe dial thermometers or disposable thermometers.

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