Meat thermometers, or digital instant-read thermometers are essential for cooking perfectly juicy meat and poultry. But did you know you can also use meat thermometers for a variety of other kitchen tasks?
In our article 15 Essential Kitchen Gadgets and Equipment for Every Cook, digital instant-read thermometers, or meat thermometers, come in at number five. Why? Because cooking by temperature, NOT just time is a surefire way to get perfect results every time.
If you’re new to the world of meat thermometers, check out our comprehensive article on How to Use a Meat Thermometer. It covers everything from calibrating, to carry over cooking, how to use it properly and so much more.
Then for all things meat, check out our Ultimate Internal Temperature Cooking Guide! It breaks down the proper internal cooking temperature for all kinds of meat and cuts (including ground meat, fish and seafood).
Our Favorite Instant-Read Thermometers
Thermapen
We love the Thermapen Mk4 from ThermoWorks, it’s super reliable and Lauren has used it in countless test kitchens. It’s an excellent tool for temping a variety of items but is especially great for taking meat temps!
ThermoPop
This little gadget is super cute, compact, and more economical than the Thermapen. The Thermopop is also by ThermoWorks, so you know it’s good. Most ThermoWorks instruments carry a two-year warranty and guarantee against defects in either components or workmanship (some items even offer a five-year warranty!)
Folding Thermometer
A more economical option comes in the form of this Folding Thermometer from TaylorUSA. It’s just $10. It’s built small which makes it an easy item for on-the-go grill-outs making or small kitchens.
Uses for Meat Thermometers
- Grilling, roasting, and braising meat and poultry (we use our digital meat thermometer religiously when we’re cooking filet mignon, pan-seared lamb chops, and chicken breast).
- Cooking perfect fish and seafood (it’s super helpful for perfect pan-seared salmon).
- Candy making, although we prefer using both an instant-read thermometer and a candy thermometer.
- Checking the temperature of oil for frying (yes you can use a meat thermometer for checking oil! We prefer meat or instant-read thermometers over a candy thermometer because you can check different areas of the pot).
- Bread baking (including quick-breads and muffins).
- Custards and puddings.
- Ice cream.
- Egg casserole and quiches.
- Pies (fruit pies should reach 165ºF, pumpkin should reach 175ºF, and pecan should reach 185ºF.
- Checking the temperature of water.
- Candle making.
- Checking your own temperature. Yes, you can check your temperature with a meat thermometer!
12 Uses for a Meat Thermometer
Chewy Rosemary Sea Salt Caramels
The best and most foolproof way to make caramel is to use an Instant reder thermometer or candy thermometer. Temperature is key to candy making!
Japanese Milk Bread Rolls
Japanese Milk Bread Rolls or Hokkaido Milk Bread are about as best as they come. They're soft, tender, pillowy, slightly sweet, easy to make and SO good with some melted butter and sea salt. An instant read thermometer really comes in handy when judging whether or not the rolls are done. Most yeasted loaves and dinner rolls will be done when they register 190–199°F.
When baking at high altitude, reduce the desired internal temperature of bread by 5°F to account for the lower boiling point.
Healthy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
When you’re craving cinnamon rolls and know the Pillsbury doughboy won’t work, baking a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls from our recipe for Healthy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to do the trick. Warming your milk to 110ºF is vital to blooming the yeast without killing it.
Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Ice Cream
Skeptical? Don't be, this ice cream really tastes like lemon poppyseed muffins! It's creamy, vibrant, and perfect for summer. Use your instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature of the custard on the stove top in two different steps throughout the process.
Blueberry–Lemon Curd Tart
This gorgeous tart features a Naturally Sweetened Homemade Lemon Curd and a gorgeous blueberry layer. Homemade lemon curd is easy to make (and master) when using an instant-read thermometer. Its vibrant color is eye-catching and its flavor is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
Use your instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature of the curd as it cooks on the stove top.
Orange Curd
Lemon not to your liking? I’ve got a few other variations, one of which includes an Orange Curd. This orange curd is citrusy and tangy and goes perfectly with everything from parfaits, trifles, as fruit tart filling and even atop ice cream.
Use your instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature of the curd as it cooks on the stove top.
Rhubarb Curd
Another curd that might be to your liking is our Rhubarb curd. It’s sweet, tart and how can you beat this gorgeous color? Curds can be made and stored in the refrigerator up to one week in advance before use but homemade curd can also be stored in the freezer for up to two months! Whip up a quick batch of this custard for this Lemon Rhubarb Custard Tart!
Use your instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature of the curd as it cooks on the stove top.
Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Curd
Last but not least in our collection of curds comes our Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Curd. It’s the perfect addition for Fall, especially for the holidays when you’ve already got plenty of extra cranberries laying around. This brightly colored Cranberry Curd is wonderfully tart and packed with flavor from orange, honey, and pink peppercorn.
Use your instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature of the curd as it cooks on the stove top.
Honey, Cardamom & Orange Marshmallows
Smores just got a major upgrade with these healthy Honey, Cardamom & Orange Marshmallows. Making marshmallows isn’t too much work but temperature is key. Use your instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature of the sugar syrup. Don’t forget to grab our recipe for Healthy Whole Wheat Graham Crackers to join you beside your bonfire.
Easy Broccoli Cheese Quiche
Easy Broccoli Cheese Quiche, as the name implies is easy! Quiche is cooked through when a thermometer inserted in the center, but not touching the bottom, registers at least 160–165°F. This one's a crowd pleaser every time and can even be made-gluten free with our recipe for Gluten-Free Quiche Crust.
Mochi Bread Donuts with Salted Honey Glaze
You donut want to miss out on this one. These Mochi Bread Donuts with Salted Honey Glaze are truly in a league of their own—not too airy, nor too dense and cakey. They're soft, chewy and have a wonderful bready flavor that gives these donuts a much-needed upgrade on traditional DD and Crispy Creme donuts, it’s breakfast at it’s best.
Use your instant-read meat thermometer to monitor the temperature of the frying oil.
Crustless Quiche Lorraine
This crustless quiche is savory, decadent and perfect served alongside a fresh green salad. Use visual cues and timings to guide the cooking time, but rely on internal temperature to tell you when it's done. 160°F is what you're looking for.
