Different Types of Thermometers

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.

• Features: Quick readout time, accuracy, convenient size
• Best used for: Meat, food holding, baking

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.

• Features: Fastest response time, wide temperature range, interchangeable probes
• Best used for: Cooked or frozen meat, hot and cold food holding, liquids, receiving

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.

• Features: No contact or risk of contamination, quick read time
• Best used for: Food holding, receiving

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.

• Features: Prevents overcooking or undercooking of meat, remote display
• Best used for: Meat

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.

• Features: Quick readout time, accuracy, convenient size
• Best used for: Meat, food holding, baking

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.

• Features: Heat resistant, high temperature range
• Best used for: Ovens, grilling

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.

• Features: Clips to a pitcher, long probe, prevents scalding
• Best used for: Milk, hot beverages

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.

• Features: Floats in liquids, no pan clip needed
• Best used for: Soups, stocks, sauces

While making candies like fudge, caramel, or toffee, it's imperative to monitor the temperature of your ingredients to ensure they don't get too hot. Likewise, fryer oil should be kept at a consistent temperature to get the best results. These thermometers are designed to handle the very high temperatures that are required when you use hot oil or boil sugar.

• Features: High temperature range, heat resistant
• Best used for: Making candy, frying

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.

• Features: Weather-resistant
• Best used for: Ambient air temperature

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.

• Features: Resistant to moisture, handles low temperatures
• Best used for: Refrigerators, freezers, cold holding

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.

• Features: Disposable
• Best used for: Meat

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.

• Features: Waterproof, disposable, heat-resistant
• Best used for: Dishwasher