No kitchen is complete without one essential little piece of equipment: a thermometer. You need different types of cooking thermometers to test temperatures when you are making candy, baking bread, grilling meat, or even just storing food in your refrigerator. But are all thermometers the same? And how can you choose the best one for your kitchen? Our guide will help you find the best thermometer for your application.
Digital food thermometers feature a digital screen that is very easy to read at a distance and in low light. They're also known for their quick response time which makes them useful for checking temperatures for food safety. Here are the most common types of digital thermometers you'll need in a commercial kitchen:
You'll see these thermometers referred to as thermistors or instant read probes. They're very popular and can be used to take quick measurements of internal temperatures on cooked foods. Many are sized to be carried in a pocket or apron which makes them convenient and accessible.
Thermocouples have a larger range and faster response time than a thermistor. Many include interchangeable probes that can be used on various hot or cold foods. The response time will vary depending on the type of probe.
Infrared thermometers are unique because they take the temperature of surfaces without coming into contact with the food. They use infrared light to give an instant reading and because there is no probe, they don't need to be cleaned in between uses. This makes them very convenient for doing quick checks on a buffet or holding line.
These thermometers feature a leave-in probe that can be inserted into large cuts of meat during cooking. A remote display monitors the temperature and alerts the operator when a certain temperature is reached.
Dial thermometers feature a round analog dial with a circular scale and a pointer that indicates temperature. While these types of thermometers are not as easy to read as a digital thermometer, they are easy to calibrate and don't require batteries for operation. These aspects make dial thermometers dependable and easy to use. Continue reading to learn about the different types of dial thermometers:
You'll also see these thermometers referred to as bimetal probe thermometers. They're the dial equivalent to digital instant read thermometers and work for the same applications, like taking internal temperatures.
Dial thermometers have the advantage of being able to handle very hot ambient temperatures. Oven thermometers are designed to be placed inside your oven where they can give you a reading on the actual temperature inside the cabinet. This is much more accurate than relying on your oven temperature controls.
Frothing thermometers are designed to give readings on hot milk or other beverages, making them the best thermometer for liquids in most cases. They feature a clip that fastens to a frothing pitcher and an extra-long probe for reaching inside. Baristas use frothing thermometers to make sure that hot milk is at the perfect temperature for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
These thermometers can be placed directly into your stock pot of soup thanks to a floating design. This is also a good style of thermometer for water that needs to be heated to precise temperatures. The dial floats on the surface and displays the reading while the probe senses the temperature below.
Here are some of the other common thermometers you might need in your commercial kitchen:
Wall thermometers come in handy when you want to monitor ambient temperatures in your kitchen, wine cellar, food truck, or outdoor patio. They come in dial or digital designs and can be mounted to the wall for easy visibility.
You can ensure that your refrigerated or frozen foods are kept at the safe storage temperature with a refrigerator thermometer. These thermometers come in dial or digital styles and are designed to be placed inside your refrigeration unit.
Disposable thermometers are ideal for use while cooking or grilling meats. They are inserted into the meat before cooking and indicate when the appropriate temperature is reached by changing color. Because they are made for one-time use, there's no risk of contamination.
These thermometers are used to check the temperature of your dishwasher to ensure that it's hot enough to sanitize your dishes. Dishwasher thermometers come in different styles, including disposable and probe designs.
Food thermometers are vital instruments to keep on hand in a commercial kitchen. You'll need to check the temperature of food shipments, prepared foods, stored foods, appliances, and even the ambient air in your hot kitchen.
Kitchen thermometers are designed for a variety of applications and some features are best-suited for certain tasks. When you're choosing a food thermometer, keep these things in mind: