What Is a Probe Thermometer Used For?

In short, a probe thermometer is a kitchen tool used to measure the internal temperature of food. It consists of a pointy metal stem and a digital display that shows the temperature, designed to ensure that meat, poultry, fish, and other foods are cooked to a safe temperature so there is no risk of being sick with a food-borne illness.

Probe thermometers are especially practical in the catering industry when cooking large cuts of meat, like whole chickens or roasts, where it can be difficult to make out if the meat is properly cooked throughout just by looking at it.

How To Use a Probe Thermometer

To use a probe thermometer effectively, follow these 5 steps:

1. Insert the thermometer
2. Turn on the thermometer
3. Read the temperature
4. Remove the thermometer from the food 
5. Clean the thermometer 

1. Insert the Thermometer

To begin, start by inserting the probe thermometer into the thickest part of the food, or right in the centre of the food if the food has the same thickness. If the food is liquid, give it a good stir to ensure the heat has been evenly distributed before inserting the thermometer, in order to get an accurate temperature reading.

Top tip: make sure that the thermometer is not touching any bones, fat, gristle or the cooking pan, as this will affect the accuracy of the reading.

2. Turn on the Thermometer

Next you will need to turn on the thermometer and wait for the reading. Depending on the temperature of the food and the thermometer, this may take anything from a few seconds to a few minutes. 

3. Read the Temperature

Read the temperature on the thermometer display. If the thermometer has a digital display, the temperature will be shown in numbers.

4. Remove the Thermometer From the Food

Once you have the temperature reading, you can remove the thermometer from the food. While doing so, be extra careful not to touch the hot food or liquid. 

5. Clean the Probe and Thermometer

You’ve obtained your reading but that’s not it! Always remember to clean both the probe and thermometer after each use, to ensure the tool remains as accurate as possible and free of contaminants.

To clean a probe thermometer, it must be firstly turned off. Remove the probe from the thermometer and wash the probe with soap and warm water. It’s best to use a soft-bristled brush to clean any crevices or hard-to-reach areas, and avoid using abrasive materials, as these can in fact damage the probe. 

After washing, sanitise the probe by soaking it in a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol for 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can simply use a sanitising probe wipe. Once sanitised, dry the probe with a lint-free cloth and store in a clean, dry place, such as a protective sleeve or a clean container.

The Best Food Probe Thermometer

With so many food probe thermometers on the market, it can be difficult to find the best one for you. This is why we’ve compiled a list of our top, affordable probes to help you with your decision. 

The best food probe thermometers are:

1. SuperFast Thermapen Food Probe Thermometer
2. ThermaLite 1 Food Probe Thermometer
3. Waterproof Food Probe Thermometer

1.SuperFast Thermapen Food Probe Thermometer

This SuperFast Thermapen 3 thermometer incorporates a large digital display with a precise read-out of temperature over the range of -49.9 to 299.9 °C with a 0.1 °C resolution and an accuracy of ±0.4 °C. What’s more, the resolution can be switched to 1 °C, if required and the thermometer will power off automatically after ten minutes, maximising battery life. As well as being splash proof, it is still ‘probably’ the fastest reading contact thermometer on the market today.

More key features include:

• Washable casing and includes ‘Biomaster’ additive that reduces bacterial growth and the ergonomic rubber seal minimises the risk of the ingress of water, dust or food
• Can be tested in three seconds
• Available in White, Yellow, Green, Red or Blue
• Supplied with certificate of calibration 

2. ThermaLite 1 Food Probe Thermometer

This ThermaLite® digital catering thermometer displays a temperature over the range of -39.9 to 149.9 °C with a 0.1 °C resolution and an accuracy of ±0.5 °C (-39.9 to 124.9 °C).  In fact, this accuracy is guaranteed for life, due to the instrument’s advanced electronics.

More key benefits include:

• Only 45 grams 
• Features a clear, easy to read LCD display with an open circuit ‘Err’ and low battery indication
• An auto-power off facility turns the instrument off automatically after 10 minutes, maximising battery life
• Meets the European Standard EN 13485

3. Waterproof Food Probe Thermometer

This waterproof thermometer measures temperature over the range of -49.9 to 199.9 °C with a 0.1 °C resolution and features a max/min temperature recording function and at the back of the instrument a discreet °C/°F and reset button. It is designed for reliability and ease of use in routine catering, food preparation and industrial applications. 

For more information about the other food safety products for your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, expert team on 01686 611 377, today.

Written by Kate, for MorSafe Supplies.