FAQs
Oven-Going Meat Thermometer
To use a leave-in meat thermometer: Insert the thermometer at least two inches into the center of the largest muscle or thickest portion of the uncooked meat. The meat thermometer should not touch any fat, bone, or the pan. That would result in an inaccurate temperature reading.
Should a meat thermometer be vertical or horizontal? ›
Instead of inserting the probe vertically, you'll want to insert it horizontally into the center of the meat. This will ensure that the thermometer is measuring the temperature at the thickest part of the cut.
How do you place a thermometer? ›
The probe can be placed in the mouth, rectum, or armpit.
- Mouth: Place the probe under the tongue and close the mouth. Breathe through the nose. ...
- Rectum: This method is for infants and small children. They cannot hold a thermometer safely in their mouth. ...
- Armpit: Place the thermometer in the armpit.
For best results, it is important that your probe placement is accurate. The tip of the probe should be in the centre of the thickest part of the meat.
How do I make sure my meat thermometer is accurate? ›
Ice Water Method
After filling a large glass with finely crushed ice, pour clean tap water on top of the ice and stir well. Dip the food thermometer stem two inches into the glass of ice water without touching the bottom or the sides of the glass. Wait 30 seconds to allow the thermometer to adjust. It should read 32°F.
Which is incorrect when using a meat thermometer? ›
Incorrect Probe Placement
The probe should be inserted into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones, fat, or the bottom of the pan. Placing the probe too close to the surface or in a thin area can result in higher temperature readings while inserting it too deep near a bone can give a lower reading.
How do I know if my thermometer is correct? ›
To test your thermometer:
- Fill a tall glass with ice and add cold water.
- Place and hold the thermometer in the ice water for 30 seconds without touching the sides or bottom of the glass. ...
- If the thermometer reads 32°F, it is reading correctly and can be used.
Insert an oven-going thermometer into the center of the tenderloin. Roast, uncovered, until desired doneness according to the timings.
How accurate is a meat thermometer? ›
Most available food thermometers will give an accurate reading within 2 to 4 °F. The reading will only be correct, however, if the thermometer is placed in the proper location in the food.
How high does a meat thermometer go? ›
Meat thermometers have a lower temperature range than that of a candy thermometer — most go up to 200 degrees F. This handy kitchen tool commonly resembles a pointed stick attached to a dial that contains the temperature. You'll also find digital "instant read" thermometers that can provide greater accuracy.
If your thermometer isn't placed into your meat correctly, the temperature read may be inaccurate. “Insert the probe tip into the thickest middle part of the food, avoiding bones and fat,” recommends Lalor. “Inserting the probe into a cold spot or hot spot can result in improperly cooked food.”
Which place of thermometer is accurate? ›
Temperatures taken from the armpit are usually the least accurate. For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate — as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place.
What is the most accurate way to use thermometer? ›
Where to Take the Temperature. Rectal temps are the most accurate. Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly.
Where should you insert the tip of the thermometer to get the most accurate reading? ›
Anytime you are taking the internal temperature of your food, you want to avoid any bone or gristle and place the thermometer in the thickest part of the food.
