Most recipes ask for a candy-making thermometer to be used to monitor the temperature of the materials, but not everyone has one lying about in their kitchen. Indeed, individuals considering producing candy at home may wonder why they need a particular thermometer that serves no use other than candy production.
Sometimes you might think: Can a meat thermometer be used for candy? or Can you use a meat thermometer for a candy thermometer? So, can you use a meat thermometer to make candy? The most straightforward answer is yes it all relies on the thermometer. Keep reading for more answers to your thermometer queries!
Can you use a digital meat thermometer for candy?
Can you use a digital thermometer for candy? or can I use an instant read thermometer for candy? Yes, a digital meat thermometer can be used for candy. A candy manufacturer must depend on a digital thermometer that provides accurate and timely readings. Analog thermometers are sluggish to provide ballpark results, while probe thermometers are cumbersome to operate.
Are candy and meat thermometers the same?
There is a distinction to be made between candy thermometers versus meat thermometers.
- Meat thermometers typically have a narrower temperature range, approximately 200 ° F. On the other hand, a candy thermometer measures considerably higher temperatures, typically up to 400 degrees ° F.
- The size of meat thermometers tends to make it challenging to perform the function of a candy thermometer. Candy thermometers are long and thin, making them ideal for testing the hot sugar or oil temperature, but it would struggle to pierce meat to obtain a temperature reading.
What is the difference between a candy and meat thermometer?
Temperature:
A meat thermometer may range from 140 F to 220 F, which is more than enough for meat.
Candy frequently necessitates a temperature range of 75 to 400 degrees.
Design:
Meat thermometers are often constructed of metals or bimetallic strips that may be inserted in the meat.
On the flip side, a candy thermometer is made from glass, with some being made of metal and having a reader on top.
Functionality:
As the name says, a meat thermometer is used for meat items such as barbecues, steak, poultry, lamb, veal, hog, smoked ham, and so on.
A candy thermometer is commonly used in pastries and dessert businesses to determine the temperature at which the correct sugar consistency should be attained.
How can you use a meat thermometer for candy?
Get a digital meat thermometer:
Digital thermometers are widely available. Despite flaws such as the high price,and the usage of batteries, such food thermometers correctly take temperatures.
Attach the clip to the pot:
Meat thermometers have a pointed, probe-like end which enables simple insertion into significant portions of meat to verify the interior temperature and assure doneness. Its clip can be attached to a pot and used to measure temperature while making candy.
Turn on the thermometer:
Finally, switch on the thermometer and continue to monitor the temp of the candy while you cook it.
How can you use a meat thermometer for oil?

- Get digital meat thermometer:
Many digital meat thermometers are designed to be used at various cooking temperatures, including extremely high heat. So getting a digital meat thermometer is a fantastic idea.
- Check the functionality of the thermometer:
You can check it with three steps :
- Fill a large glass halfway with ice and cold water.
- Insert the thermometer inside the icy water for 30 seconds without contacting the glass’s edges or bottom.
- If the thermometer registers 32°F, it is accurate and safe to use.
- Dip the thermometer:
Dip it into the oil for at least some time to obtain an accurate measurement.
- Monitor:
Now, you should Continue to check the temperature until you achieve the desired degree.
What Can You Use Instead Of A Candy Thermometer?
We have already discussed few questions like Can i use a digital thermometer for candy ? Or can I use any thermometer for candy ? So , here we will go through What can you use instead of a candy thermometer?
Instead of a candy thermometer, you can use a basin of cold water (The cooler, the better) for any recipe that asks for one.
Drop a tiny spoon of the candy into the basin of cold water regularly while the sweet is cooking.
Can I Use A Meat Thermometer For Oil?
Can I use a meat thermometer for oil? Like most home chefs, you’re probably wondering if you can use a meat thermometer’s oil temperature. Yes, you may use a meat thermometer for oil. However, there are a few crucial considerations.
If the temperature is too high, your meal will be chilly inside and charred on the exterior. Meat thermometers can help you solve this problem by informing you of the precise temperature of your frying oil.
What can you use instead of an oil thermometer?
- Wooden spoon/chopsticks: Insert the holder of a chopstick or a wooden spoon into the oil once it has heated up. It is hot enough to cook in if the oil begins to steadily bubble.
- Kernel of popcorn: While the oil is heated, leave a single kernel of popcorn in it. When the oil hits 350°F to 360°F, the kernel will pop. Take out the kernel, consume it, and begin frying!
- A Piece Of Bread: Place a one-inch chunk of bread in the oil. If it takes 1 minute for the oil to brown, it is at 365°F.
What Are Three Main Types Of Thermometers For Food?
1. Thermocouples:
Thermocouples can read temperatures in as little as 2-5 secs. These restaurant tools are pretty flexible, measuring both thin and thick metals. They may be tuned to make reading easier. Unfortunately, they are notoriously imprecise while cooking and should only be used when the meal is almost done to get accurate readings. Thermocouples are not suitable for use in ovens due to their sensitivity.
2. Oven Probe Cord Thermometers:
Oven probe cable thermometers are adaptable restaurant equipment that may be used to test the temperature of almost any cuisine. They are intended for use in an oven or closed pot during cooking, but they may also be utilized outside the range. The primary disadvantage is that they really are not calibrated.
3. Thermistors:
Thermistors are excellent restaurant supplies because they deliver quick and precise readings. The temperature may be measured with a thermistor in thin and thick meals. Not all models, however, can be adjusted, and they can’t be used in food during cooking.
FAQs
Can I use a meat thermometer for water?
Meat thermometers could measure the temperatures of liquids; however, if the boiling point of the liquid is more than 220 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat thermometer cannot measure it.
Can I use a meat thermometer for milk?
It works if it can be placed into milk or yogurt and read readings that cover the temperature range for yogurt culture. So yes, such a thermometer may be used.
Can I use a meat thermometer for candle making?
These thermometers have a temperature scale that only goes between 130 to 190 ℉, which is insufficient for gauging candle wax. As a result, meat thermometers should not be utilized in the candle-making procedure.
Can I use a meat thermometer for fever?
Fortunately, you can check your body temp using a meat thermometer. It is not as accurate as an oral thermometer, but it can assist you in monitoring your body temperature.
Can I use a probe thermometer for frying?
Because of a metal clip that suspends the probes near the pot’s side, this small, well-designed thermometer is appropriate for high-heat roast (up to 482°F), candy-making, and deep-frying.
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Conclusion
Preparing candy at home may appear to be a difficult chore, but individuals have been working out better and easier ways to do it for decades. With the wide choice of candy and meat thermometers accessible on the marketplace currently, with digital monitoring systems and ever-increasing temp ranges, it appears challenging to go too far incorrect, no matter whichever thermometer you finally choose.
As long as the thermometer can withstand the heat and you’re ready to act boldly and promptly, you’ll always be a step closer to finding candied desserts in the convenience of home!