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Getting proper results when cooking is as simple as using temperature to measure the doneness of your food. Instead of judging when food is done based on appearance, the scientific method of measuring internal cooking temperatures tells you when your food is thoroughly cooked, both inside and out. But even with this knowledge in hand, you may find difficulty with the next step. To get this temperature, which type of cooking thermometer should I use? Which is the right thermometer for me?
Finding the Right Thermometer
The choices can be many. Instant-read thermometers, wireless thermometers, Bluetooth thermometers… what’s the difference? Which is best suited for me? What’s the difference between these thermometers?
Follow this guide to find out how to choose the proper cooking thermometer that will fulfill your specific needs.
Instant-Read & Candy Thermometers
As its name suggests, instant-read thermometers are a type of cooking thermometer designed to provide quick food temperature measurements. They measure internal cooking temperatures through the use of a thin, metallic probe that is inserted into the middle of the food during the cooking process. Furthermore, this probe can be fixed in place or feature a foldout design that activates the thermometer upon opening.
Instant-read thermometers are designed to provide temperatures on demand. What they aren’t designed for is prolonged temperature monitoring. This means the proper way to use an instant-read thermometer is to insert it into the food, take the measurement, and then remove it. In fact, leaving this device in food during the cooking process can damage the thermometer body and expose your hand to high temperatures.
However, not all instant-read thermometers are built the same. The exception to the rule is the candy thermometer, a device equipped with its own specialized pot clip. With this attachment, the candy thermometer firmly mounts to the side of the pot, freeing up both of your hands. In this way, the candy thermometer safely lets you know when your pot of boiling sugar has arrived at the right temperature.
Instant-reads are not the right thermometer to use if you want to take prolonged and continuous temperature readings. Instead, try Bluetooth/wireless thermometers and oven/probe thermometers.
Perfect for: Pan-fried or grilled food like steak, hamburgers, chicken wings
Instant-read thermometers include: ThermoPro Lightning, ThermoPro TP03, ThermoPro TP19, ThermoPro TP18
Candy thermometers include: ThermoPro TP511
Bluetooth/Wireless Thermometers
The main feature of a Bluetooth/wireless thermometer is its ability to transmit readings over a distance without the use of wires. Unlike an instant-read thermometer, these types of thermometers enable users to keep track of their food’s progress. For this reason, Bluetooth/wireless thermometers have a functionality for extended and continuous temperature monitoring.
These types of devices come in a variety of formats but follow a similar design. First, a probe or a set of probes is connected to a main unit either by wires or without. Then, the device sends signals wirelessly to a personal control and display device (either a stand-alone unit or a smartphone).
The main benefit of these devices is the freedom they offer. Instead of needing to hover around your food, a Bluetooth/wireless thermometer offers remote connectivity without the need to be physically present. The resulting benefits are many. Choose to watch TV or perform other chores instead of always having to attend to your grill, smoker, or oven.
READ: 7 Important Considerations When Choosing A Food Thermometer
What’s more, the convenient, wire-free operation of a Bluetooth thermometer like the TempSpike allows it to function much like an instant-read thermometer. This means you could insert it into a steak for measuring, and then simply clean it by running it under the faucet.
Perfect for: Making brisket, pulled pork, and pot roasts; cooking meat in a smoker; doing other things while your food cooks but still keeping an eye on the progress
Bluetooth thermometers include: ThermoPro TempSpike, ThermoPro TP25, ThermoPro TP920
Wireless thermometers with remote displays include: ThermoPro TP20, ThermoPro TP27
Oven/Probe Thermometers
Based on older technology, oven/probe thermometers perform the same function as Bluetooth/wireless thermometers but without wireless capability. They are named “oven thermometers” because they are commonly used inside next to the stove, but can be used interchangeably with BBQ grills and smokers.
Oven/probe thermometers usually feature probes attached by heat-resistant wires to a main display unit. This means that to view the current temperature with these devices, it is necessary to be in the presence of your oven, grill, or smoker. The wires of these devices allow the display unit to be attached to the outside of the oven, or to sit on a nearby counter.
These types of devices could be used like an instant-read thermometer to take on-the-spot measurements. However, due to their wires and necessary setups, they aren’t as convenient to use as an instant-read thermometer. Instead, to take quick temperatures, the right thermometer to use is an instant-read thermometer.
Perfect for: Making brisket, pulled pork, and pot roasts; cooking meat in a smoker
Oven/probe thermometers include: ThermoPro TP16
Cooking Thermometer FAQ
Can I use a meat thermometer for vegetarian dishes?
YES! Cooking thermometers get referred to as “meat thermometers” because of their common use with meat ingredients. However, cooking thermometers are tools that measure internal temperature. Their stainless steel probes measure the temperature of whatever it is inserted in, meaning they are perfectly capable of being used for vegetarian dishes.
READ: How to Clean a Meat Thermometer
Can I use a candy thermometer for meat dishes?
YES! Candy thermometers may look different from other instant-read thermometers, but they still operate on the same principle. Both have sensors at the end of their probes, meaning they measure the temperature of whatever they are inserted into.
What’s the difference between a traditional mercury thermometer and a digital thermometer?
A digital thermometer uses state-of-the-art technology to provide features traditional mercury thermometers do not. Instead of trying to figure out the reading from a scale, digital thermometers offer numeric readouts accurate to the tenth of a degree. As well, digital thermometers exclusively offer features like Temperature Lock, backlit LCD screens, and customizable alarms.
On the other hand, digital thermometers run on electricity, so they are dependent on batteries or a rechargeable power source.
READ: Digital Thermometer vs Mercury Thermometer: Which is Better?
What is a thermocouple?
A thermocouple is the name of the sensor that a digital thermometer uses to measure temperatures. Located at the very tip of its probe, a thermocouple is a sensor comprised of different metallic elements. When a thermocouple experiences a change in temperature, the different metals react by creating an electric current. This current is measured by the digital thermometer, resulting in accurate and quick temperature readings.
Which is the right thermometer for me?
As you see, there are many different varieties of cooking thermometers, each with its particular function. To find out which cooking thermometer is best for you, identify your specific needs and match them with the thermometer best suited for the job.
For more of our guides, please read this explainer on the difference between digital thermometers and mercury thermometers or this guide on how to use meat thermometers for every type of meat.
To browse our full lineup of thermometers, visit the ThermoPro store on Amazon!
