Five Benefits of Using a Cooking Thermometer

It’s easy to fall into a routine when cooking your favourite meals, but it’s always important to ensure that your food is safe to eat. After enjoying a fun-filled barbecue, some of us may complain that we feel unwell from sitting out in the sun too long when instead, it could have been something you ate. We’ve all been in a situation where we eat something and think – is that cooked properly? Thankfully, there are a variety of different tools available that can maintain your peace of mind when it comes to food, and a cooking thermometer is one of them.

Why should I use a thermometer when cooking?

• It eliminates the guesswork
• Cooking thermometers can prevent overcooking
• Cooking thermometers help to cook the perfect steak, exactly as you like it
• It's safer to cook with food thermometers as they can help to prevent undercooking or bacteria growth.
• Reheating food properly and safely is only possible with a food thermometer.

Let's take a closer look at each of these points.

ELIMINATES THE GUESSWORK

You cannot tell if a piece of meat is ready simply by looking at it. If you only use cooking time to determine that, you may end up with some pieces being perfectly cooked whilst others may still be underdone or in worst-case scenarios, even burnt! By referring to a target temperature you can ensure your favourite meals are cooked to perfection every time.

PREVENTS OVERCOOKING

Don’t let your brilliant barbecue be ruined by dry, overcooked meat. With a cooking thermometer, you can easily beat the heat! When cooked at the correct temperature, the meat will stay juicy and tender for you to enjoy. Different types of confectionery, such as caramel, also need to be cooked with precision when it comes to timing and temperature. A cooking thermometer can help ensure your favourite sweet treats are ready to go, whilst also saving your saucepans from being burnt.

COOKING THE PERFECT STEAK

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to how a steak should be cooked. If you’re used to cooking a steak well done, it may be a daunting task when one of your guests requests their steak to be done medium rare. By using a cooking thermometer, you can make sure your cut of steak is just right, even with different requests. By double checking the temperature, you can reassure yourself that everything will be cooked to perfection.

MAINTAIN A SAFE TEMPERATURE

If you’re serving a barbecue buffet, some of your food may be left out for a longer period than other pieces. As meat begins to cool, it tends to become a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re worried about how long a piece of meat has been out in the sun or even out of the fridge, you can check if it’s still edible by checking the temperature.

REHEAT FOODS TO SAFE TEMPERATURE

When it comes to organising lunch at work, many will now choose to prepare a meal the night before or use leftovers from their previous dinner. Whatever you choose to eat at lunchtime, it’s important to reheat meats to safe temperatures. A kitchen thermometer will come in handy in these situations.

Whether you’re a barbecue beginner or a pro at pulled pork, there are a variety of thermometers to suit your cooking needs. With easy to read displays and distinctive silicone grips, our range of kitchen thermometers not only look good but deliver precise measurements for safe cooking as well.