Thermometers

The successful creation of many dishes calls for the use of precise temperatures during the cooking process; this can be achieved with an oven thermometer. There are also many other types of thermometer available to assist the cook, ranging from those that monitor the cold depths of the freezer to those that measure boiling fat or sugar.

Freezer Thermometer

It is essential to keep your freezer at the correct temperature, not only to prevent the growth of bacteria that will cause the food to decay, but also to prevent the action of enzymes that will break down the food's structure and impair its flavour. Bacterial growth will be prevented at temperatures below -18°C/0°F, whilst enzyme activity will cease at -10°C/14°F and below.

Make sure that your freezer thermometer is functioning correctly and monitor it regularly.

Oven Thermometer

Although all modern ovens come with an in-built thermostat, they can unfortunately be unreliable, and do not take into account the variations between the top and bottom shelves and the front and back.

An oven thermometer can help you to check the actual oven temperature against the temperature you have set. Thermometers are available in two versions: a spirit thermometer (a graduated glass tube filled with coloured liquid) and a spring loaded thermometer (usually round-shaped). Whilst spring-loaded thermometers are less durable and generally not as accurate as spirit thermometers, they are more successful in measuring the temperature in fan-assisted ovens.

Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer will help to take all the guesswork out of roasting meat by enabling you to gauge the exact stage of doneness. It is also essential for checking the internal temperature of whole roast chickens and turkeys; poultry should reach a temperature of at least 82-85°C/ 180-185°F to kill any dangerous bacteria such as salmonella.

Probe-type thermometers may be plunged into the meat to provide an instant read out. There are also other models available that are inserted into the meat before cooking begins, so that the temperature can be monitored throughout the cooking process. Digital versions may include an alarm that alerts you when the correct temperature has been reached.

Sugar and Deep-Fat Thermometers

These thermometers are designed to register the highest temperatures that are encountered in cooking.