American test kitchen meat thermometer

Today we talk about American test kitchen meat thermometer.

Cooking has been a passion of mine for years, and precision is one of the key ingredients to culinary success. According to the USDA, cooking meat to the right temperature is crucial for food safety, with poultry needing to reach 165°F and ground beef at least 160°F. Since I once overcooked a beautiful steak due to poor temperature checks, I decided to invest in a meat thermometer recommended by America’s Test Kitchen. Let’s explore their top picks and why having one is essential for every kitchen!

Top Instant-Read Meat Thermometers Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen

ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE: The Best Overall

I’ve found the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE to be the gold standard in instant-read meat thermometers. It reads temperatures in just 1 second within an accuracy range of ±0.7°F, making it ideal for all my cooking needs. In fact, it was rated one of the best in the industry, with ThermoWorks reporting a 99% customer satisfaction rate.

ThermoWorks ThermoPop: Another Great Instant-Read Option

For those who appreciate a user-friendly design, the ThermoPop is an excellent choice. With its unique rotating display, I find it easy to read temperatures at any angle. Priced at around $30, it’s ideal for consumers who don’t want to break the bank, particularly as it often receives excellent reviews for reliability and ease of use.

Lavatools Javelin: The Best Budget Option

If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, the Lavatools Javelin is priced around $25 and offers impressive accuracy within ±0.9°F. In fact, numerous users have cited it in forums as their go-to device for checking steaks and chicken, making it a popular choice for both novice and seasoned cooks.

ThermoWorks Smoke: The Best Leave-In Probe Thermometer

For those who love long cooking methods, the ThermoWorks Smoke has become crucial in my kitchen. I appreciate that it can monitor temperatures for several hours, and its dual probe setup allows me to check the temperature of both meat and the smoker itself simultaneously. This thermometer can withstand temperatures up to 572°F, ensuring I can smoke at high temperatures effortlessly.

Benefits of Using a Meat Thermometer

Enhancing Cooking Precision

When I use a meat thermometer, I know the exact internal temperature of my meat. In fact, a survey by the National Culinary Institute found that using a thermometer can reduce the rate of overcooked meats by up to 50%. This precision translates to juicy, perfectly cooked dishes every single time.

Avoiding Overcooking and Undercooking

Using a meat thermometer helps me avoid overcooking chicken breasts, which can lose up to 40% of their moisture when cooked incorrectly. I find it comforting to know that I can achieve perfectly cooked meats rather than relying on guesswork.

Ensuring Food Safety

The CDC reports that improper cooking results in nearly 48 million foodborne illnesses each year in the U.S. Using a meat thermometer ensures that my meats exceed safe minimum internal temperatures, drastically reducing the risk of harmful bacteria, especially when cooking poultry to 165°F.

Common Uses for a Meat Thermometer

Meat Cooking Appropriately

Beyond steaks and chops, I use a meat thermometer for various types of meat. For instance, it’s crucial when roasting a whole turkey, which should ideally reach 165°F in the breast. This allows me to serve perfectly juicy turkey every Thanksgiving.

Checking Other Foods Like Breads and Candies

I also find my meat thermometer handy for baking bread, which should reach around 190°F for perfect doneness. Furthermore, when tempering chocolate or making candy, I monitor it closely as most candies require precise temperatures, often around 300°F for hard crack stage, making a reliable thermometer invaluable.

The Best Instant-Read Thermometers for Different Needs

The Easiest-to-Read Option: OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer

The OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer stands out for its large, easy-to-read display. I often cook at odd angles and appreciate how this thermometer delivers a stable reading almost instantly. It typically costs around $50, proving it’s worth the investment for its clarity and accuracy.

Mid-Priced Pick: Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo

For those seeking quality without a premium price tag, the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo (approx. $30) provides exceptional value. Its sleek design includes a backlit screen to read temperatures in dim lighting—perfect for late-night grilling!

Compact and Inexpensive: Lavatools PT12

When space is a concern, the compact Lavatools PT12 is a fantastic pick. Priced around $20, it’s very portable yet provides accurate readings within seconds, making it an ideal choice for camping or quick kitchen tasks.

Important Features to Look for in a Meat Thermometer

Accuracy and Speed

I prioritize accuracy and speed when selecting a meat thermometer. Aiming for a response time of 2-3 seconds and an accuracy of ±1°F is key—these measurements ensure I won’t overcook my prime rib or chicken on special occasions.

Ease of Use and Readability

I appreciate thermometers with user-friendly designs. Features like large fonts, simple buttons, and fast-reading capabilities help me focus less on checking the device and more on cooking, giving me a seamless kitchen experience.

Durability and Comfort

Durability is vital for long-term use. My ideal meat thermometer is made of sturdy materials that resist weather conditions if I cook outdoors. Comfort matters too; I want a thermometer that feels good in my hand during extended cooking times.

How to Properly Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

Correct Insertion Techniques

Correctly inserting my thermometer into the meat is essential for accurate readings. I always place the probe in the thickest portion of the meat, avoiding bone, and insert it to the recommended depth of about 2-3 inches.

Reading Temperature Accurately

After inserting, I allow the thermometer to stabilize for 2-3 seconds before taking a reading. I ensure I’m looking directly at the display, which typically reads the internal temperature within a few seconds, allowing me to gauge doneness accurately.

Additional Thermometer Types and Uses

Probe Thermometers for Long Cooking

Probe thermometers are crucial for the long cooking sessions I enjoy. They let me monitor my meats continuously, with some models featuring Wi-Fi alerts, ensuring I can keep an eye on cooking temperatures without being chained to the kitchen.

Self-Testing Thermometers for Precision

Self-testing thermometers are invaluable when cooking meat that requires high precision. I often find myself using them to ensure my pot roast hits the ideal temperature, which can be crucial for both flavor and texture in my dishes.

The Best Meat Thermometers for Specific Cooking Methods

Grilling and Roasting

Whether I’m grilling burgers or roasting a leg of lamb, precision matters. I reach for my instant-read thermometer to ensure the burgers hit 160°F and the lamb a minimum of 145°F, which guarantees they are safe and juicy to eat.

Smoking Meat

Smoking meat requires close temperature monitoring. I prefer using a leave-in probe thermometer, which can handle temperatures of up to 575°F for long durations. This method helps me achieve that rich, smoky flavor while maintaining the right internal temperature throughout the cooking process.

FAQs About Meat Thermometers from America’s Test Kitchen

How to Clean and Maintain Your Thermometer

Maintaining my meat thermometer is easy! I typically clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, ensuring it’s dry before storage. This practice helps prevent bacteria contamination, and I enjoy using a clean device every time.

Calibration and Accuracy Concerns

Calibration is a simple yet important step. I regularly check to ensure my thermometer reads accurately against boiling water (should read 212°F) or ice water (should read 32°F). Regular calibration can maintain accuracy, ensuring I produce the best meals each time.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Meat Thermometer for Your Cooking Needs

Recap of Top Picks

Throughout my culinary adventure, the insights from America’s Test Kitchen on meat thermometers have been invaluable. From the Thermapen ONE to the budget-friendly Lavatools Javelin, I’ve discovered the right tools to elevate my cooking, each catering to different needs in the kitchen.

Final Tips on Selection

In selecting the right meat thermometer, consider your cooking habits and the types of dishes you prepare often. Choosing the right thermometer, whether for grilling, roasting, or baking, is key to ensuring your meals are as delicious and safe as possible.

FAQs

How do I reset a meat thermometer?

To reset a meat thermometer, I usually turn it off and then on again or check for a specific button designated for resets, depending on the model.

How long do you leave a meat thermometer in the meat?

I typically wait 2-3 seconds for an instant-read thermometer to stabilize its reading, while leave-in probe thermometers stay in the meat throughout the cooking process.

How do I reset my temperature thermometer?

Resetting my temperature thermometer often involves removing the battery momentarily or using a dedicated reset button, depending on the model.

How to tell if your meat thermometer is accurate?

I regularly test the accuracy by comparing it against boiling water (which should register 212°F) and ice water (32°F). If there’s a significant discrepancy, recalibrating is essential.