How to Use a Digital Meat Thermometer

Digital meat thermometers are handy kitchen tools that offer an instant, accurate read. It's important to cook cuts of meat to an appropriate internal temperature so that they are safe to eat. Digital thermometers make it easy to determine whether the meat it ready and they are often more accurate than pop-out or dial meat thermometers. Digital thermometers only need to be inserted about 1/2 inch into the meat to provide a correct reading, so therefore are great for burgers, pork chops and chicken breasts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Remove the meat from the oven or grill and let it sit for about a minute.

2. Turn on the digital thermometer's display box and make sure that the thermometer probe is connected to the box, if necessary. Some types of digital meat thermometers are cordless, so it's best to consult the directions if you're not sure. Slide the probe about a half inch into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch any bones.

3. Allow the temperature to register on the digital screen, a process that should take no more than 10 seconds. Cook the meat longer if necessary, then retest. The USDA-recommended minimum internal temperatures for meat are 145 degrees Fahrenheit for steaks and beef roasts; 165 degrees Fahrenheit for whole poultry and chicken breasts; 160 degrees Fahrenheit for pork and pork chops; 160 degrees Fahrenheit for ground beef; and 145 degrees Fahrenheit for fish.

4. Be sure to remove the digital thermometer from the meat before putting it back in the oven or on the grill, as digital thermometers are not designed to be left in meat while it's cooking.

Tips & Warnings

• If the digital thermometer's readings seem a bit off, check the batteries.
• Never leave a digital meat thermometer in meat while it's cooking. Digital thermometers are designed differently from other types of meat thermometers and cannot withstand the heat of an oven or grill. Only use a digital meat thermometer on meat that has been removed from the heat source.

Resources

• USDA brochure on using a food thermometer

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.