Using a meat thermometer is essential to avoid foodborne illnesses from undercooked meats. It can also prevent overcooking and is useful for checking the temperature of egg dishes and casseroles. There are different types of meat thermometers available, including ovenproof, microwave, pop-up, digital, and BBQ. It is important to check the accuracy of the thermometer by placing it in boiling water.
Undercooked meats are a prime source of bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These foodborne illnesses can be avoided by cooking meat to the correct temperature through the use of a meat thermometer.
Getting into the habit of using a meat thermometer is one of the best things a new cook can do. In addition to using a meat thermometer with meat, it can also be useful for checking the temperature of egg dishes and casseroles. It also protects against the dangers of undercooking, and a meat thermometer can protect against overcooking those expensive cuts of meat.
A meat thermometer is a probe, usually made of stainless steel, that is inserted into the thickest part of the cut of meat. The tip measures the temperature of the meat and the heat is shown as a reading on a thermometer or digital display. A meat thermometer can come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, prices, and colors. Meat thermometers can be purchased at most retail stores, specialty kitchens, and online.
Types of meat thermometers include:
Ovenproof: This is the most common type of meat thermometer, designed to withstand the prolonged heat of an oven.
Microwave Oven: A microwave meat thermometer is designed for use in microwave ovens only. Withstands rapid and intense heat generated by microwaves.
Pop-up: This thermometer will pop up when the meat reaches the correct temperature. Thermometers implanted in turkeys by poultry distributors are a familiar example.
Digital: Digital meat thermometers are not designed to go into an oven but are used to verify the correct temperature of the meat after it is out of the oven.
BBQ: A BBQ meat thermometer is the newest on the market. Many are “wireless”. The internal measuring unit is separate from the external heat reading unit, placed outside the barbecue or smoker, so that no heat escapes when checking the meat.
Most meat thermometers are accurate to within 1-2 degrees, but if you want to check an ovenproof meat thermometer, place it in a pan of water and bring the water to a boil. Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), so a check of the temperature at the first sign of a boil will tell you if your meat thermometer is doing its job correctly. The thermometer will be hot, so take precautions when handling it.
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