How to Use an Oven Thermometer

Suing an oven thermometer is crucial in the kitchen especially when baking. Learn how to do it right for perfect results. Mistakes happen when the oven’s thermostat fails to work as expected. You can use an oven thermometer to test if your thermostat is correct. Read on to discover why you need a good oven thermometer in your kitchen and also learn how to use it.

Do you really need an oven thermometer?

Yes, you do. They are useful when you need to confirm that your thermostat is okay. Oven thermostats, when working as expected, will be enough to guarantee perfect baking. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as thermostats may register a wrong reading than the actual temperature.

The purpose of an oven thermometer, in this case, would be to test the actual temperature of your oven. A good oven thermometer can be used to check the thermostat’s accuracy by simply hanging the oven thermometer at the oven’s middle rack and then preheating the oven to a chosen temperature for 20 minutes before taking readings and comparing.

When the thermostat works correctly, the thermometer’s readings will match the oven’s temperature. Who needs an oven thermometer? This should be any person who wants to be accurate in their cooking. Food cooks better when the oven temperature is correct.

How to Use Your Oven Thermometer Right

An oven thermometer is easy to use. The secret is to choose a thermometer with large, and clear markings that will be easy to read even when it is in the oven. For the CDN pro Accurate oven thermometer:

• Place it right in the middle of the oven. Use a standalone thermometer if you intend to let it stand on the rack.
• Make sure your oven is cold
• Let it stand in the middle rack or hang it
• When the thermometer is correctly positioned, preheat the oven to a specific temperature
• Get the readings when the oven preheats. You can read through the oven’s glass because you should not open the oven.
• Note the difference in readings and adjust the oven’s thermostat. You may need to recalibrate it later on. Alternatively, use the thermometer to get accurate temperatures when cooking.

To successfully get your readings, make sure to choose the right thermometer. Avoid thermometers that seem to be too narrow. Wide based thermometers stand firmly in the oven, making them stable and prevent any wrong readings that could result from a fidgety thermometer.

Where Should I Place an Oven Thermometer?

Oven thermometer placement is key. Place the oven thermometer in the middle rack, where you do most of your cooking. It can stand on the rack or hang on it. Putting the thermometer at the bottom or top rack may be misleading since temperatures may vary. Always test the temperatures of the oven’s section that you use frequently.

Can You Leave an Oven Thermometer in the Oven?

It depends on the type of thermometer.  An Oven safe thermometer can be left in the oven without much concern. Heat-safe thermometers can be left in the oven for long because they have been designed to withstand the high temperatures. Make sure to note the type of thermometer you are using. Those with plastic components should not be left inside the oven. Some of the best thermometers are:

· CDN POT750X ProcAccurate High Heat Oven Thermometer

· In OvenThermometer Oven Grill Fry Chef Smoker Thermometer

· Taylor Classic Series Large Dial Oven Thermometer

How Reliable are Oven Thermometers?

Oven thermometers are reliable when they can attain the correct oven temperature. The best thermometers should capture exact temperatures, making it easy to follow recipes. Metallic thermometers will also serve you for long.

How Do You Calibrate Your Oven?

Oven calibration is crucial, especially if you do not want to keep using the thermometer. Fortunately, it is an easy process.

• Get three to four readings of different temperatures by placing the thermometer at different points in the oven
• Get an average of your readings
• Compare the thermometer’s and thermostat’s readings
• Calculate the difference and adjust the oven
• Turn the knob until the thermostat is at per with the thermometer’s reading
• Use the manual to know exactly what you need to do. If the oven needs a professional input because it is a commercial one, call the expert.

Can I Use a Meat Thermometer as an Oven Thermometer?

You can use it if it is oven safe. Understanding the difference between an oven thermometer and a meat thermometer is crucial. An oven thermometer checks the temperature in the oven while a meat thermometer measures meats or food’s internal temperatures, especially when roasting and making steaks.

In some cases, a meat thermometer can be used in the oven. Usually, the stem of the thermometer is inserted not less than two inches into the food. The thermometer will then register the temperatures in 15 to 20 seconds. This type of meat thermometer should not be left in food while cooking. However, metallic leave-in thermometers can be left in the food because they do not have plastic components.

Owning an oven thermometer is advisable for people who bake regularly. If you need to use the thermometer in the oven, make sure it is oven safe.