Question

Identify and briefly describe each kind of kitchen thermometer. Explain how to calibrate a thermometer using ice water and boiling water.

Answer 1

Instant-read thermometer, meat thermometer, candy and deep fry thermometer, oven thermometer, Refrigerator thermometer.

Explanation:

Instant-read thermometer

• It is a probe thermometer, accessible in both analog and digital forms, that enables a cook to take instantaneous temperature readings of a food. They're excellent for testing the doneness of a piece of meat or poultry while it cooks, but they're not meant to be left in while cooking. You directly insert the probe into the food, check the temperature, and then discard it.

meat thermometer

• It is similar to an instant-read, but it carries a bigger dial (on the analog models) to perform it easier to read. The main variation is that unlike an instant-read thermometer, a meat thermometer is inserted into a joint of meat or a whole chicken, where it prevails during the roasting process. To monitor the temperature, you just look at the dial.

candy and deep fry thermometer

• "Candy and deep-frying" thermometers are constructed of glass material and are utilized for estimating more hotter temperatures.
• Whereas meat and pullets might be cooked anywhere from 130 F to 175 F, candy requires heating sugar as high as 300 F, and deep-frying needs oil to be 375 F and more heated.
• You can get separate candy and deep-frying thermometers, but normally, they are combined, and they work fine for the home cook. Typically, they have a clip that you can employ to defend the thermometer to the lip of your pot, along with a guide showing the temperature levels for each food.

oven thermometer

• Oven dials are not a substantial measure of the real temperature inside your oven. When you set your oven to 350 F or 400 F, it could be anywhere from 25 to 50 degrees higher or lower than that. Even worse, your oven might have hot spots or cool spots regions where the temperature is consistently higher or lower than other parts of the oven interior which can influence baking conditions.

Refrigerator thermometer

• A miscalibrated refrigerator can generate problems. If your fridge doesn't get cold enough, pathogenic bacteria can develop. The temperature inside the refrigerator should be between 33 F and 40 F. But to make sure, get a refrigerator thermometer. It operates the same way as the oven thermometer: attach it in the fridge and it'll display the temperature of the inside of your cooler. (Freezer thermometers also read the temperature of your freezer's interior, which must be 0 F.)

Calibrating using ice water:

• Fill a glass with ice cubes, then top off with cold water.
• Stir the water and let it remain for 3 minutes.
• Stir again, then insert the thermometer into the glass, make sure not to touch the sides.
• The temperature should read 32°F (0°C). Record the variation and neutralize your thermometer as relevant.

Calibrating using hot water:

• Boil a pot of purified water.
• Once the water has reached a rolling boil, insert your thermometer, make sure not to touch the sides or base of the pot.
• The temperature should read 212°F (100°C). Record the variation and neutralize your thermometer as relevant.
• [Note: The boiling point of water will vary with altitude. Use this handy water boiling point calculator to find the right temperature for your elevation.]