The temperature inside of an oven may vary widely from one baking session to the next. Who among us hasn’t settled into a new home, thrown in a pizza, and been disappointed to discover it charred despite using the exact same ingredients and cooking time as the prior pie? If you want to prevent a culinary disaster, investing in an oven thermometer and having it calibrated is your best bet.
Today’s market offers a wide range of options, from conventional analog to cutting-edge digital. Most are designed to be hung from the oven’s shelves, but others can also stand on their own; some types can even detect very high temperatures, giving you precise readings not just in the oven but also on the grill.
Certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an indication of high quality. NSF was established in 1944 with the mission of promoting industry-wide adherence to rigorous specifications for product construction and safety. Our options have all been vetted and approved by the NSF.
No more guessing where the hot areas are or whether the display reading accurately represents the real internal temperature of your oven; oven thermometers provide accuracy and consistency every time you bake, roast, or broil. You may be certain that the texture of your chocolate chip cookies will turn out just how you want it to.
1. Rubbermaid Oven Thermometer
Things We Dig
- Easy to read
- Stainless steel material for long-lasting durability
- Not battery-dependent
Things We Dislike
- Concise foundation
- Sometimes the readings change.
Whether you’re in a commercial kitchen or a private house, you won’t find a more trustworthy oven thermometer than Rubbermaid’s offering. Its display can’t be broken and it’s made out of stainless steel to withstand temperatures from -60 to 580 F (-54 to 300 C). This is helpful when cooking with or following a recipe that calls for temperatures beyond the norm.
The Rubbermaid Instant Read is not only a workhorse, but also flexible, since it can be used either on the base it was designed to rest on or hung from a shelf in the oven. The large face makes it possible to read the oven’s temperature from outside the oven. This model’s adaptability to a variety of cooking temperatures makes it useful not only in conventional ovens but also in toaster ovens, grills, smokers, and other similar devices. The best part is that it provides an immediate temperature reading with no need for batteries.
2. Taylor Precision Products Classic Series Large Dial Oven Thermometer
Things We Dig
- An effortless read
- Symbols for the preheating, prebaking, and postbaking stages of cooking
- Everything is made out of stainless steel.
Things We Dislike
- Do not put in dishwasher
- The temperature cannot be determined in an instant.
- Produces heat while in use
You can trust the traditional thermometer from Taylor Precision Products, which has been making measuring equipment for kitchens for over 170 years, for your next attempt at soufflés. There are clearly marked zones on the face for preheating, baking, and roasting, and the dial is extra large and colorful. Temperatures from 100 to 600 fahrenheit and 350 to 175 degrees celsius may be read off with ease.
This model’s emphasis on design is critical. It’s made out of durable stainless steel and can be flipped to read from either the side or the front. As it may be hung or set directly on the oven rack, you have a lot of flexibility in where to put it. It won’t topple over because to the sturdy base.
3. Winco 3-Inch Dial Oven Thermometer
Things We Dig
- An effortless read
- Affordable
- Material: stainless steel
Things We Dislike
- There are no Celsius indications.
- Reduced Functions
The Winco is a high-quality, simple-to-read oven thermometer. Markings on the huge display change from black to red when the typical temperature of 350 degrees is reached, making it easy to keep track of cooking progress. The FDA’s HACCP standards for holding and cooling hot meals are displayed directly on the front of the thermometer, along with markings for “Hold,” “Bake,” and “Roast.”
It’s simple to install the Winco since it may be hooked up or freestanding. The stainless steel design ensures durability, and the affordable price range makes it an enticing alternative. The temperature range is 50 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. KT THERMO Large 3-Inch Dial Oven Thermometer
Things We Dig
- Accurate
- Easy to clean
- Resists high temperatures
Things We Dislike
- There are no Celsius indications.
- Does not set on oven rack easily
With the sweet spot range of 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, the KT Thermo oven thermometer is also a terrific alternative for your grill. It measures cold enough temperatures all the way to searing hot (600 degrees Fahrenheit), providing for simple calibration. The front is uncluttered with big numerals to allow reading, even through an oven door.
The stainless steel body comes with a simple, rotating hook that latches into an oven rack, as well as a base if you choose to keep it freestanding. However, the front has a graduated color wheel with markings for “Warm,” “Bake/Roast,” and “Broil,” albeit it does not display temperatures in Celsius. Those in the market for a single appliance that can grill and bake will find the KT Thermo to be a convenient and aesthetically pleasing option.
5. AcuRite Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer
Things We Dig
- Identifiable labels
- The same temperatures consistently
- Maintains its integrity in intense temperatures
Things We Dislike
- It’s not until 150 degrees Fahrenheit that it’s detectable.
Another victor at cooking with extreme heat is the Acurite, which works as well on the grill and in the oven. Regrettably, it takes 150 degrees Fahrenheit before it begins to register, but it can reach 600 degrees Fahrenheit for those scorching barbecues. Although it doesn’t specifically say so, the face is marked on the inside with temperatures in Celsius between 70 and 350.
Regarding the outside, the screen is readable thanks to its contrast between the white backdrop and the huge black numerals. The glass is also heat resistant. It’s made of stainless steel, has a built-in hook, and may be hung or placed on a base.
6. Cooper Stainless Steel Bi-Metal Oven Thermometer
Things We Dig
- Compact
- Variable temperatures
Things We Dislike
- Confusing and hard to read.
When it comes to oven thermometers, the Cooper-Atkins is a veritable titan. The FDA HACCP rules for cooking are referenced, and both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature measurements are shown prominently on the front. The bright white backdrop, black digits, and red graduated color wheel make the range of 50 to 300 degrees Celsius and 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit very visible.
This cheap alternative has a lot of features for the price, including a built-in hanger and a sturdy base, but its interface may be a little crowded due to the large amount of information it displays.
Checklist for Choosing the Right Oven Thermometer
Readability
When choosing a model, this is the most crucial consideration. You can see the temperature even when the oven door is closed, thanks to the white backgrounds, huge numbers, and distinct zone marks. The thermometer is of no use if the display cannot be read.
Calculating a Temperature Range and What Units to Use
This is a matter of personal taste. Most chefs can get by with Fahrenheit markings, but if you’re using a recipe that calls for temperatures beyond the norm, the Celsius markings might come in handy. The temperature gradient is the most crucial factor here. Thermometers that can measure up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit are preferable for high-heat cooking, grilling, and baking, while thermometers that can measure between 50 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit are sufficient for most standard recipes.
Placement
In this case, your choices are limited to just two. You may hang an oven thermometer from a rack, or you can set it on its own base and use it as a freestanding device. Some incorporate both into their design. An oven thermometer that can be freestanding or hung is preferable since it may be placed closest to the meal.
FAQs
How do you read the temperature inside an oven?
Put the thermometer on the same rack (hanging or freestanding) in a cold oven that the food will be cooked on. Get the oven up to temperature by setting the temperature you want to cook at. If the thermometer reading in your oven is lower than the one you set, leave it in there until it reaches the proper cooking temperature. It’s time to put the meal in the oven after the thermometer has reached the proper temperature. Be sure to check in on the temperature every so often and make any necessary adjustments.
When it comes to calibrating an oven thermometer, what steps should you take?
This could be the most significant step you can take toward consistent cooking. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit with the thermometer inside. When the oven has done preheating, take a reading from the thermometer and note the change. Increase the temperature by 50 degrees Fahrenheit and repeat this procedure five times. Take notes once again on the variations at regular intervals. Sum up all the permutations and split the result by six. Find out how much your oven heats up or cools down on average with this method. Use this calibration the next time you want to preheat your oven.
How long does an oven thermometer last?
How long is up to you. All oven thermometers are constructed from metals and ceramics that can resist temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should the oven thermometer be placed on the oven’s inside or exterior?
If you want an accurate reading, put the thermometer as near to the food as you can.
Is there any way to use an oven thermometer on a grill?
Certainly, but check that your thermometer’s maximum reading isn’t greater than 550 or 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows you to smoke food or merely light up half of your grill without sacrificing precision.
A dirty oven thermometer: how to fix it.
Your thermometer will be exposed to culinary sprays, baking powder, and other dirt over time. Problems with readability may be avoided with regular cleaning. If the package specifies that the glass is waterproof, confirm that it is. This will provide the most reliable readings. Then, check if the thermometer is cold. Scrub with a soft washcloth and some warm water and a light detergent, and then immediately rinse and dry.
If you have a very stained thermometer and the other methods have failed, try applying a paste made of baking soda and water to the surface. After 15 minutes, wipe it off with a damp towel to remove the solution. Get it dry right away. Cleaning almost any kitchen stain with baking soda is a breeze.
