Find Out How to Make the Most of Your Kitchen Tool 🔍🔥
It is never a good idea to put something in boiling hot or cold oil; in both cases, whatever you make will get ruined. Here the key is temperature, which can make or break your cooking confidence; hence, a cooking thermometer is what you need. But can I use a meat thermometer for oil, or are there any reservations? Here is a guide.
In a hurry, I have listed thermometers for meat and oil too. Don’t forget to read our review before rushing your purchase.
1. Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo; the Best meat thermometer
2. CDN DTC450 Digital Candy/Deep Fry; Best oil thermometer
Let’s get started.
Can I use a meat thermometer for oil?
Speaking of using a single thermometer for multi-purpose is a clever trick, but it must be capable of giving an accurate reading for the food item you are using it for.
In a nutshell, YES. A meat thermometer can be used to measure the temperature of oil. It is better to have an oil thermometer. This is because not all meat thermometers have a threshold for extremely high temperatures of oil. Both items are different, and the thermometer is made in accordance.
However, when it comes to frying and some cooking methods, controlling the oil temperature is difficult. It must not boil to scald your food from the outside and leave it undercooked. If you put it in cold oil, the food item will absorb more oil and be greasier.
Hence, it is recommended to have a thermometer for measuring oil temperature to cook at the perfect temperature.
In case you are new to cooking or passionate about it, you must know that thermometers are categorized for different temperature ranges. They are classified as
Types of Food thermometers
For measuring food temperature, you can find a variety of thermometers that include
· Dial oven safe, Bimetal
· Thermocouple
· Digital instant read, thermistor
· Disposable temperature indicator
· Fork
· Dial instant-read
· Oven cord & Oven thermometers: measures temperature from 100 to 600 degrees F.
However, the mainly used by professionals are
The liquid in glass thermometer: These thermometers are the older meat thermometers attached to glass or metal stem. The color rises to the temperature marked on the meter, indicating it must be dipped in the cooking oil 2 inches.
Candy/jelly/Deep frying thermometers: They are capable of measuring high temperature that is used for making sweets and confectionaries. The temperature measuring capacity for this thermometer is 400 degrees F, ideal for hot oil and sugar.
In the absence of any of these thermometers, you can use this trick that will help you to know if the oil is hot enough or still heating.
· Take a wooden spoon or chopsticks and dip them in the oil; if the tiny bubbles begin to pop, your oil is ready to use.
What oil temperature is optimal for cooking?
The right and optimal oil temperature is not fixed, as every food item has its requirement and threshold. Usually, the best chef-recommended temperature is 350 degrees F which can cook food quickly without making it greasy.
Meat Thermometer Candy/Oil Thermometer They can measure temperatures from 32 to 215 degrees F (0 to 100 degrees C) Have a high-temperature capacity, 100 to 400 F degrees (38 to 204 degrees C) Cannot tolerate high temperatures, such as frying Can measure high temperature Meat thermometers often have a shorter probe Candy/oil thermometers have a more extended probe Meat thermometers are generally less precise. Extremely accurate with the temperatures Not suitable for baking and cooking Ideal for cooking and bakingWhy do I need a special thermometer for oil?
If frying is something you regularly do in at least 2 batches, it is unnecessary. However, if you work for it more than that, then you should get one.
For minimal use, you can check the temperature with your regular meat thermometer, as a simple digital instant-read thermometer can give you an accurate reading in 30 seconds. In the other case, when you need it regularly, it is better to get an oil thermometer; consider a candy thermometer or oil thermometer.
How is a candy thermometer different from a meat thermometer?
Both thermometers measure oil temperature, but they are different looking. A candy thermometer is narrow and long to measure the temperature of sugar or liquids (oil or water), keeping your hand away from the heat.
At the same time, a meat thermometer is small and short with a different temperature threshold which is not high enough to check the sugar temperature.
What is the difference? Here, I have sketched a comparison for you. Meat Thermometer vs. Candy/oil thermometer.
A meat thermometer can be dangerous when measuring hot oil’s temperature. The probe may need to reach deeper into the oil, which can result in inaccurate readings and potentially cause injury.
While the oil thermometer can reach deeper into the oil, making them safer and more accurate for measuring the temperature of hot liquids.
They are more likely to be inaccurate for baking and cooking, which can result in inaccurate readings and affect the quality of your cooking or baking.
In a nutshell, when working with hot oil, it is recommended to use a candy/oil thermometer to ensure accuracy and safety.
Benefits of Using a Candy Oil thermometer
Here are some main points to include in the section on the Benefits of Using a Candy/Oil Thermometer:
1. Accurate temperature readings
Candy/oil thermometers are designed to measure temperatures in the range of 100°F to 400°F (38°C to 204°C), which makes them more accurate for measuring the temperature of hot liquids than meat thermometers. This ensures that you can achieve the desired temperature for your recipe and prevent under or over-cooking.
2. Longer probe
Candy/oil thermometers typically have a more extended probe than meat thermometers, making them safer when measuring hot liquids like oil. The longer probe can reach deep into the liquid and prevent accidental burns or splashes.
3. Easy to clean and maintain
Candy/oil thermometers are usually made of stainless steel or another durable material that is easy to clean and maintain. They can be washed with soap and water, and some models are dishwasher-safe. This makes them a convenient tool to have in your kitchen.
4. Versatility
Candy/oil thermometers can be used for various tasks beyond measuring oil temperatures, such as making candy or monitoring the temperature of other liquids like syrup or caramel. This versatility makes them a valuable tool for any home cook or baker.
Overall, candy/oil thermometers are a reliable and versatile tool for measuring the temperature of hot liquids like oil. They provide accurate readings, have a longer probe for safety, and are easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages of Using Meat Thermometer for oil?
With positive sides, there are always some disadvantages too. Here are some main points to include in the section on the risks of using a meat thermometer for oil.
1. Inaccurate temperature readings
Meat thermometers are designed to measure temperatures in the range of 32°F to 212°F (0°C to 100°C), which is the range for cooking meat. Using a meat thermometer to measure the temperature of hot oil can result in inaccurate readings, as the thermometer is not designed to measure temperatures above the boiling point of water.
2. Potential damage to the thermometer
A meat thermometer cannot withstand high temperature no matter how high the quality meat thermometer it is. Hot oil can damage a meat thermometer's delicate sensors and electronics, especially if the probe is not long enough to reach deep into the oil. This can lead to inaccurate readings or render the thermometer unusable in the future.
3. Oil contamination of the thermometer
If a meat thermometer is used to measure the temperature of hot oil, there is a risk that oil can seep into the thermometer and contaminate it. This can affect the accuracy of future readings and make the thermometer unsafe for use with food.
4. Safety concerns
Using a meat thermometer to measure the temperature of hot oil can be dangerous, as the probe may not be long enough to reach deep into the oil, increasing the risk of burns or splashes. Additionally, meat thermometers are often designed with sharp, pointed tips that can puncture the cook’s skin or other kitchen utensils, increasing the risk of injury.
In a nutshell, using a meat thermometer to measure the temperature of hot oil is not recommended due to the risk of inaccurate readings, damage to the thermometer, oil contamination, and safety concerns. It is safer and more accurate to use a candy/oil thermometer specifically designed for use with hot liquids.
Aamna Ayub
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Best Meat thermometer, My Choice: Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo
Product Specification
· Accuracy: 9 degrees F
· Probe length: 4.5 inches
· Temperature: 40 to 482 degrees F
· Power source: Battery-Powered, lithium battery required
· Read time: 3 seconds
Features
· Offers quick reading in 3 seconds on average
· It comes with a magnetic back, so you can attach it anywhere for easy access
· This digital food thermometer is anti-fog and auto-rotating display allows clear reading from every direction
· It is IP65 splash resistant
· The probe is 4.5 inches long and can flip thin steaks easily
· Available in 8 colors, made with 100% BPA-free polycarbonate
· Works for around 4000 hours with a single battery.
· Further, this meat thermometer has a backlight display and allows use with heat mittens or gloves.
Cons
· A bit less precise
· It lacks an interface swivel
Best Oil Thermometer, My Choice: CDN DTC450 Digital Candy/Deep Fry
Product Specification
· Accuracy: 9 degrees F
· Probe length: 4.5 inches
· Temperature: 40 to 482 degrees F
· Power source: Battery-Powered, lithium battery required
· Read time: 3 seconds
Features
· It comes with a long probe with a sleeve that helps to monitor temperature for a long time
· Has a secure clip
· The temperature settings are pre-programmed
· The digital display is easy to read
· Keeps your hand safe from scalding or heating
· Starts with zero to get you an accurate reading
· Comes pre-programmed for 7 different candy stages and others for all-purpose
Cons
· The display might get affected by high heat
Conclusively,
Using the right thermometer for the cooking process is important to ensure accurate temperature readings and safe cooking practices. In conclusion, while meat thermometers are useful tools for meat’s internal temperature, they are not suitable for measuring the temperature of hot liquids like oil.
Candy/oil thermometers are specifically designed for this purpose, with longer probes and a wider temperature range that make them safer and more accurate for measuring hot oil for cooking food.
Using a meat thermometer for oil can result in inaccurate temperature readings, potential damage to the thermometer, and even oil contamination of the meat thermometer.
Therefore, using a candy/oil thermometer when working with hot liquids is recommended to ensure accurate temperature readings and safe cooking practices.
Aamna Ayub
