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Cook: Use a Meat Thermometer And Take the Guesswork Out of Cooking |
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Why Use a Meat Thermometer? Which Type of Meat Thermometer Should You Buy? How Accurate are Meat Thermometers? Where to Place the Meat Thermometer? When to Insert a Meat Thermometer Other Safety Tips Minimum Internal Cooking Temperatures How Accurate are Meat Thermometers? Most meat thermometers are accurate to within plus or minus 1-2° F. Tip: "Pop-up" thermometers are reliable to within 1-2°F if accurately placed in the product. The "pop-up" temperature device indicates that the food has reached the final temperature for safety and doneness. It is also suggested that the temperature be checked with a conventional thermometer in several places. The accuracy of the meat thermometer can be verified and the thermometer "calibrated" if necessary. Some thermometers have "test" marks on them at 212°F, the boiling point of water at sea level. To test the thermometer, insert at least 2 inches of the stem into boiling water. It should read 212° F. Some thermometers, especially the "instant-read" types, have a recalibration or adjustment nut under the dial. Turn the nut if necessary to adjust. NOTE: Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes, for example 202°F at 5,000 feet. |
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