How to Cook with a Digital Sunbeam Thermometer

Cooking meat in the oven or on the grill requires precise temperature monitoring to ensure that the meat is properly cooked. Sunbeam manufactures two types of digital cooking thermometers: digital probe or instant read thermometers, and remote cooking monitors that have a display outside the oven or grill. Digital thermometers provide accuracy in measuring the temperature of the meat. The digital probe is small and convenient, but it isn't designed to be left inside the cooking compartment; it's commonly used to periodically check the internal temperature of steaks or poultry during roasting. The remote cooking monitor is convenient for large items like roasts or turkey, because it has a heat-resistant cord that can be inserted into the meat and connected to a monitor outside the oven.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Instant Read or Probe Thermometer

1. Press the button to turn on your digital probe and wait for the display to calibrate to 0 degrees F. Some models may emit a beep to signify they are ready.

2. Remove the meat from the oven or grill and insert the digital probe into the thickest part of the meat. For poultry, the thickest part is the thigh; for beef, the temperature of the center of the steak or roast should be checked.
   
   Wait for the digital display to stop blinking to signify the precise temperature. Some models may beep, or the display will blink to signify the final temperature.

3. Compare the measured temperature against your target temperature. Remember that whole turkeys and large roasts continue cooking for 10 minutes after removal from the oven; smaller pieces like steak and seafood continue cooking for about 5 minutes after removal from the grill.

4. Consult the USDA recommendations for safe internal temperatures for meat (minimum):
   Steaks and roasts: 145 degrees F
   Fish: 145 degrees F
   Pork: 160 degrees F
   Ground beef: 160 degrees F
   Chicken breasts: 165 degrees F
   Whole poultry: 165 degrees F

5. Return the food to the oven or grill for continued cooking or remove it and let it rest.
   
   If returning it to cook, repeat temperature monitoring.

Remote Cooking Monitor

6. Insert the cable attached to the probe into the socket of the main unit.
   Slide the switch to "Cook" on the back of the main unit.
   Check that two temperatures are displayed on the monitor: The left shows the actual temperature during cooking and the right shows the target temperature.

7. Set your target temperature by pressing the up and down arrows.
   You can access programmed settings based on the type of meat by pressing the "Mem" button and using the up and down arrows to select your level. Press "Mem" to set the level.

8. Consult the USDA recommendations for safe internal temperatures for meat (minimum):
   Steaks and roasts: 145 degrees F
   Fish: 145 degrees F
   Pork: 160 degrees F
   Ground beef: 160 degrees F
   Chicken breasts: 165 degrees F
   Whole poultry: 165 degrees F

9. Insert the cooking probe at least 2 inches into the thickest part of your meat (avoid inserting it near the bone).
   
   Place the pan in the oven or meat on the grill and maintain slack in the cable before closing the oven door or lid.
   
   Position the main unit on a counter or cool surface near the oven or grill (do not attach it to the oven door or grill cover).

10. Listen for the main unit to beep, signifying that the target temperature was reached.
    
    Turn off the main unit by sliding the switch on the back of the main unit to the "Off" position.
    
    Disconnect the cable from the main unit.
    
    Remove the meat from the oven, remove the probe and let the meat rest.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that whole turkeys and large roasts continue cooking for 10 minutes after removal from the oven; smaller pieces like steak and seafood continue cooking for about 5 minutes after removal from the grill. Always use fresh batteries to ensure accurate readings. Always insert a clean probe into the meat.
• Use proper heat protection, such as oven mitts, to avoid burns. Digital thermometers should not be used in microwave ovens. Digital thermometers are not designed for temperatures above 480 degrees F; check your manufacturer's instructions for specifics. Avoid direct contact with heat, of the digital probe or the main unit of the digital monitor. The digital probe and the cable for the digital monitor can be cleaned with soap and rinsed with water only. Avoid immersing the units and accessories in water.

References

• Sunbeam Digital Cooking Thermometer User's Manual
• USDA: Safe Temperatures for Cooking Meat