Difference between Meat Thermometer and Candy Thermometer

Meat thermometer and candy thermometer are types of kitchen thermometers, but they are designed for different purposes. The temperature of caramel, toffee, and fudge is determined using a candy thermometer. The temperature of meat that is cooked is determined using a meat thermometer.

Read this article to find out more about Meat Thermometer and Candy Thermometer and how they are different from each other.

What is a Meat Thermometer?

A meat thermometer is a popular and essential kitchen tool that is used to measure the internal temperature of a meat. Meat thermometers should be cleaned properly after each use to stop the spread of bacteria. They should also be handled carefully on a regular basis to maintain accuracy.

There are analogue and digital meat thermometers available. While digital thermometers have a digital readout, analogue thermometers use a dial to indicate the temperature. Analog thermometers are less accurate and more difficult to read than digital ones.

How to Use a Meat Thermometer?

The following are the steps to use a meat thermometer −

• Insert the thermometer − While inserting the thermometer probe into the thickest section of the meat, try to avoid touching bones or fatty parts. Away from the edges or bone, place the probe of a leave-in thermometer into the centre of the meat. If you are using an instant-read thermometer, place the probe at an angle into the meat and wait a couple of seconds for the temperature reading to stabilise.

• Read the temperature − A minimum internal temperature for poultry should be 165°F (74°C) and for ground meat, 160°F (71°C). For recommendations on specific temperatures, always consult a trustworthy source.

• Clean the thermometer − To stop the spread of bacteria, wash the thermometer probe in hot, soapy water both before and after each use. The manufacturer's cleaning recommendations should be followed because some instant-read thermometers are not waterproof and shouldn't be submerged in water.

What is a Candy Thermometer?

A candy thermometer is a popular and essential kitchen tool that is used to measure the temperature of sugar mixtures and syrups. It is also called a sugar thermometer. It is a crucial kitchen tool for producing sweets like candy, caramel, toffee, and other items that require careful temperature control to get the right consistency and texture.

Candy thermometers should be cleaned properly after each use to stop the spread of bacteria. They should also be handled carefully on a regular basis to maintain accuracy. Candy thermometers are available in analogue and digital models. They are long, narrow, and contain a metal clip that is attached to the side of the pot or pan.

The candy thermometer is quite similar to the meat thermometer, but it reads a higher temperature. The temperature of hot oil for deep frying is also measured using the candy thermometer.

How to Use a Candy Thermometer?

The following are the steps to use a candy thermometer −

• Attach the thermometer − Attach the candy thermometer to the side of a heavy-bottomed pan and make sure the tip does not touch the pan's bottom. If the tip touches the bottom, then the reading could be inaccurate.

• Watch the temperature − Cook the mixture for an additional few minutes or until it reaches the required temperature while keeping a close watch on the thermometer. Don't leave the stove unattended because the temperature will quickly rise. To avoid hot areas, occasionally stir the mixture.

• Use the candy − For additional steps, such as pouring the candy mixture into moulds or coating nuts or fruit, follow the recipe.

• Clean the thermometer − To stop the spread of bacteria, wash the candy thermometer with hot, soapy water both before and after each use. Following the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations is advised because certain candy thermometers are not waterproof and shouldn't be submerged in water.

Difference between Meat Thermometer and Candy Thermometer

The following table highlights the major differences between Meat Thermometer and Candy Thermometer −

Conclusion

Candy thermometers are made to measure the temperature of liquids and sugar-based confections, whereas meat thermometers are made to measure the internal temperature of meat and other food products.

Compared to candy thermometers, meat thermometers can monitor a wider range of temperatures. While candy thermometers take longer to display precise temperature readings and often lack alarm or timer capabilities, meat thermometers typically display temperature readings rapidly. Knowing the distinction between them is helpful in determining the correct use of thermometers in various baking and culinary conditions.