How to Use a Food Thermometer Accurately

Ensuring the safety and quality of your food requires precise temperature measurements, and a reliable food thermometer is an indispensable tool for this task. ETI manufacture a variety of food thermometers, each designed to meet different needs with specific penetration probes like thermocouples, thermistors, and PT100s. These probes vary in response speed, size, and accuracy, but all work by inserting the probe into the food to measure its internal temperature.

In this guide, we'll explain the best practices for accurately using a food thermometer to ensure your food is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Choosing the Right Thermometer for Your Needs

Before discussing the specifics of using a food thermometer, it is crucial to select the right type for your application. The type of thermometer you use can significantly impact the accuracy and reliability of your readings.

Thermocouple Probes

• Thermocouple probes are known for their rapid response times and wide temperature ranges. They are ideal for quick checks on various foods, from thin cuts of meat to liquids.

• Thermistor probes offer excellent accuracy over a narrower temperature range. They are suitable for general cooking and baking applications where precise temperature control is necessary.

• PT100 probes are highly accurate and stable, perfect for professional kitchens and industrial food processing where consistency is key.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each probe type, you can choose the one that best fits your culinary needs.

Measuring Solid Foods Accurately

When measuring the temperature of solid foods, it's essential to target the thickest part of the food, as this area takes the longest to heat and cool.

1. Finding the Centre

For large cuts of meat, such as roasts or whole poultry, slowly insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Observe the temperature drop as you approach the centre and then rise again as you pass it. This technique helps you locate the lowest temperature point, ensuring the food reaches a safe temperature throughout.

2. Spot Checking

Large pieces of meat can have varying temperatures throughout. Spot check different areas to ensure uniform doneness, especially between the breast and thigh of poultry. Avoid bones and gristle, as they can skew the readings.

3. Smaller Cuts of Meat

Do not push the probe through for smaller cuts like burgers, steaks, and chicken breasts. Hold the meat with tongs and insert the thermometer from the side to get an accurate reading without contacting the surface beneath.

Measuring Liquid Foods

Liquid foods require a different approach because they heat and cool by convection, which means their temperature distribution is more uniform than solid foods.

Stirring for Accuracy To get an accurate liquid reading, stir thoroughly to ensure even heat distribution. Insert the thermometer probe and stir it through the liquid, noting how the temperature changes. This method gives a more accurate average temperature of the liquid.

Checking Throughout Cooking

Check the temperature at multiple points during cooking for soups, sauces, and other liquids. This practice ensures the entire batch reaches the desired temperature, which is crucial for both quality and safety.

Understanding Speed of Response

Different thermometers have different response times, affecting how you use them.

Slow vs. Fast Response

Thermometers with slower response times need more time to stabilise and provide an accurate reading. Be patient and allow sufficient time for the thermometer to reach the true temperature. Fast-response thermometers, like our Thermapen One, provide readings in just one second. However, remember that the food's temperature might change, especially right after removal from heat.

Continuous Monitoring

For fast-cooking items, continuous monitoring with a quick-read thermometer is essential. It helps you catch the perfect moment when the food reaches the desired temperature without overcooking.

Ensuring Thermometer Accuracy

Accurate readings depend on the precision of your thermometer. Here's how to ensure your device is functioning correctly.

Calibration and Measurement Certainty

Thermometers should be calibrated regularly in competent laboratories. The measurement certainty indicates how much the reading can vary from the true temperature, represented by the symbol ±. For example, a thermometer with an accuracy of ±0.5°C might show 99.5°C to 100.5°C when measuring boiling water.

Ice Bath Test

To validate your thermometer's accuracy, use an ice bath. Fill a glass with ice and water, then insert the thermometer. It should read close to 0°C (32°F). If not, recalibrate according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Top Penetration Probe Thermometers

Choosing the right thermometer can make all the difference. Here are our top recommendations for penetration probe thermometers.

1. Thermapen One: The latest model, Thermapen One, offers unparalleled speed and accuracy, providing readings in just one second. It's perfect for quick HACCP checks and ensures your food is safe and well-cooked.

2. Food Check: The Food Check thermometer is a cost-effective choice for catering professionals. With a type K thermocouple probe and an accuracy of ±0.4°C, it's reliable for monitoring cooked and chilled temperatures. Its long battery life makes it ideal for regular use.

3. Therma 20: The Therma 20, a thermistor thermometer, boasts a high system accuracy of ±0.4°C across a wide temperature range. It's compatible with various probes, ensuring reliable daily checks and long-term accuracy.

Conclusion

Using a food thermometer accurately is essential for ensuring food safety and quality. You can achieve consistent and reliable results by choosing the right type of thermometer and following best practices for measuring different foods. Regular calibration and validation of your thermometer will maintain its accuracy, helping you cook with confidence.