How to Buy a Meat Thermometer

Whether you intend to cook steak, pork chops or poultry, meat thermometers come in handy for every level of cook. Purchasing the appropriate meat thermometer and using it as directed can spare diners illness. Visit your local grocery or home goods store to buy a meat thermometer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of thermometer you need. Depending on the type of meat you cook and how you intend to cook it, you may need to purchase a certain thermometer. For instance, old-fashioned meat thermometers are oven-proof and can be inserted and referred to during the length of the cooking time. Poultry thermometers often come in a "pop up" variety. You can also purchase microwave-safe meat thermometers.

2. Look for special features while buying a meat thermometer. Some meat thermometers use digital formats. Others light up or sound an alarm when optimal temperatures for your meat product are reached.

3. Follow all setup and calibration instructions included with the thermometer before you use it. Doing so ensures an accurate temperature reading.

4. Know that extra features may dictate how you use the thermometer. For instance, digital meat thermometers should only be used for a few minutes at a time and have special insertion procedures; digital thermocouple thermometers have to be used with meats at least ¼ inch thick. And, disposable thermometers can only be used once.

Tips & Warnings

• Verify that the thermometers you are looking at are made to be used with meat. Many kitchen thermometers have special uses. Some can only be used while baking and in conjunction with other appliances.

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