Candy and deep fry thermometer

Today we talk about Candy and deep fry thermometer.

In This Article

Hello and welcome! If you’re anything like me—a candy maker and deep-frying enthusiast—you understand that having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving sugar-coated or golden-brown perfection. I’ve been on a quest to find the best candy and deep-fry thermometer to perfect my recipes, and I’m excited to share my findings with you!

Best Overall

ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer

The ThermoPro TP510 stands out due to its impressive waterproof design, allowing it to handle spills effortlessly. It provides a temperature range from -58°F to 572°F with an accuracy of ±1°F, which is critical for candy-making and deep frying. I appreciate the large LCD display, which makes it easy to read at a glance, especially when the sugar is boiling at 300°F!

OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer

For a more traditional option, the OXO Good Grips thermometer is reliable and user-friendly. It can read temperatures up to 400°F, which is essential for high-temperature candy recipes like homemade taffy. It features an easy-clip design I still use while monitoring my caramel sauce, making it a versatile tool that I highly recommend.

Best Budget

Taylor Precision Products Candy And Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer

At just around $10, the Taylor Precision thermometer is a fantastic budget choice. With a temperature reading range of 100°F to 400°F, it offers the capability necessary for candy and deep frying. I found it worked just as effectively as premium models, ensuring that my homemade jelly came to the perfect soft ball stage at 240°F.

Best for Candy

Polder Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer

The Polder thermometer is designed specifically for candy making, with a range from 100°F to 400°F and accurate readings within 1°F. This thermometer has been my companion for making hard crack stage candy at 300°F, providing a constant and accurate reading that ensures my candy turns out perfectly every time.

Best Digital

ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer

Again, I have to mention the ThermoPro TP510, which is a frontrunner in the digital category. This thermometer features an instant-read option and can provide readings in just 2-3 seconds, which is incredibly beneficial when managing hot sugar. Its built-in alarm also beeps when it reaches set temperatures, so I can multitask without fear!

Best for Deep-Frying

CDN Candy & Deep Fry Ruler Thermometer

The CDN Candy & Deep Fry Ruler Thermometer is particularly useful for deep-frying applications. With a range of 100°F to 400°F, the size and shape are ideal for large frying pots. I use it to check oil temperature, ensuring it hits a minimum of 350°F for fries, giving me that perfect crispy exterior every time.

Best Long Probe

CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer

The CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer offers a longer probe, reaching 12 inches, which is essential for deep frying larger items. It reliably reads temperatures up to 450°F, which is exactly what I need to achieve that ideal chicken frying temperature of 375°F without burning my hands!

Best Bluetooth

Williams Sonoma Bluetooth Candy Thermometer

The Williams Sonoma Bluetooth thermometer has made my cooking life easier, allowing me to monitor temperatures wirelessly from my smartphone. It can withstand temperatures up to 400°F, and the app sends alerts, so I’m notified as soon as my sugar syrup hits the right temperature to make a deliciously chewy candy!

Final Verdict

Choosing the right candy and deep fry thermometer fluctuates between reliability, functionality, and price. I firmly believe that investing in a reliable thermometer can greatly elevate your cooking skills, whether you’re aiming for candy perfection or crispy fried foods.

How We Tested Candy and Deep Fryer Thermometers

To find the best options, I conducted tests on each thermometer using various candy recipes and frying processes. Each device was evaluated for accuracy and speed, measuring their temperatures against a calibrated reference thermometer to ensure precision during high-heat operations.

Other Options We Tested

While I found several additional options for candy and deep fry thermometers, none matched the effectiveness and reliability of those discussed above. I tested several that fell flat in terms of ease of use or accuracy during critical cooking moments.

What to Look for When Buying a Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer

Temperature Range

When choosing a thermometer, look for a range from at least 100°F to 400°F; this ensures it can easily handle both candy-making and frying. I often need to measure temperatures well above the standard cooking range when fructose reaches its hard crack stage at 300°F.

Probe Length and Sensitivity

Probe length should be long enough to reach the depths of your pots, ideally 8 to 12 inches. Sensitivity is crucial too; a good thermometer should deliver readings within ±1°F for precision in candy-making and deep-frying applications.

Handheld vs. Clip-On

I often debate between handheld and clip-on designs. A clip-on thermometer is invaluable when making long, unattended candy batches, whereas handheld models are great for quick checks during deep frying without awkwardly maneuvering pots.

Maintenance

I’ve found that ease of maintenance can greatly influence my choice. Consider models that are dishwasher-safe or with removable parts. The less stress I have to deal with cleaning up sticky sugar or oily residues, the more I can enjoy my candy and fryer adventures!

FAQs

What is special about a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is designed explicitly for measuring high sugar temperatures accurately, typically ranging from 100°F to 400°F, while standard thermometers may not offer this range, limiting their usefulness.

What’s the difference between a candy thermometer and a meat thermometer?

Unlike meat thermometers, which typically range from 120°F to 190°F, candy thermometers measure much higher temperatures, making them essential for candy-making and deep frying where high precision is needed.

What liquid is inside a candy thermometer?

Candy thermometers usually contain colored alcohol or mercury, enabling them to respond accurately to high temperatures and providing clear readings when making candy or checking oil for frying.

How do you read a candy thermometer?

To read a candy thermometer correctly, ensure the bulb doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot, then read the temperature as the liquid level rises to the various temperature markings, especially crucial for achieving soft ball stage at 240°F.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

My confidence in The Spruce Eats comes from a commitment to rigorous testing and reliable reviews that make a difference in cooking. The recommendations are based on thorough evaluations of each candy and deep frying thermometer, ensuring you’ll find a tool that performs under pressure.

Can you use a candy thermometer for deep frying?

Yes, a candy thermometer is definitely suitable for deep frying due to its ability to withstand and measure high temperatures typically required in frying, ensuring your oil remains at optimal temperatures, usually between 350°F to 375°F.

Can a meat thermometer be used for candy?

While a meat thermometer can technically be used for candy-making, it may not accurately read temperatures above 210°F; hence I recommend sticking with a dedicated candy thermometer for consistency and precision.

Can you check oil temperature with a candy thermometer?

Yes, you can check oil temperature with a candy thermometer. It’s designed for high temperatures, making it perfect for ensuring frying oil maintains the right range for food to cook properly without burning.

What type of thermometer do I use for frying oil?

For frying oil, I recommend using either a candy thermometer or a dedicated deep fry thermometer, as both types are calibrated for higher temperature ranges critical for achieving perfectly crispy dishes.