Out of curiosity, many people keep on wondering if there is a difference between a candy and a meat thermometer, if you are among the category of people asking this question, I can assure you have nothing to worry about as this article would serve as a comprehensive guide stating the difference between candy thermometer and a meat thermometer.
Simple Difference Between Candy Thermometer And Meat Thermometer
A thermometer is simply the best way a cook uses to check the temperature of their food, not only will you get an accurate temperature, but it’s also much easier, and safer than guessing the temperature by touch.
There are a variety of thermometers that can be used for a wide variety of cooking applications instant, high-end, and digital thermometers.
Quick-read thermometers are all thermometers that can be read in an instant, usually with a digital or electronic display.
Modern thermometers, on the other hand, often have a reading dial or scale that can be hard to read at a moment’s notice, with a simple metal coil design.
Whereas, not all thermometers are created equal, nor are they interchangeable. There are two different types of thermometers you should keep in your kitchen;
- Meat thermometer.
- Candy thermometer.
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Meat Thermometer
This thermometer has a lower range than that of a candy thermometer; a meat thermometer resembles a pointed rod attached to a dial that carries a temperature.
It is used to check the temperature of beef, full-roasted chicken, turkey, and so on.
A meat thermometer is really critical when cooking a large size of meat or beef which requires a safe minimum internal temperature.
You should also check your thermometer from time to time to be sure that it gives you a correct reading.
Candy Thermometer
A candy thermometer can be used to measure temperatures up to 400°F. This thermometer is a long, thin thermometer mainly used when making hard or soft candy types such as forge, toffee, and so on.
All these candies start with a random known ingredient like sugar that boils to a particular stage like “Softball” and “hard crack”.
Knowing the temperature of sugar will make it easier for you to detect a candy, as cooking it to the proper stage will determine the outcome of your candy.
Checking the temperature of your candy using your hands is probably a poor idea, that’s why a candy thermometer is extremely useful to us.
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Comparison Between A Meat Thermometer And A Candy Thermometer
| Parameter Comparison | Meat Thermometer | Candy Temperature |
| Description | A meat thermometer measures the temperature of meat, ensuring that the cut of meat is palatable and safe to eat | A candy thermometer is one that measures the temperature of sugar when making candy. |
| Applications | A meat thermometer is used to determine the temperature of various cuts of meat, including poultry, fish, and so on. | A candy thermometer is primarily used to monitor sugar temperature when preparing candies, sweet sauces, syrups, and stir-fries. |
| Structure | A meat thermometer is a short tool. It has a pointed end that meets flesh and glass. | A candy thermometer is usually long and narrow, which helps to dip into the hot sugar. |
| Temperature Range | A meat thermometer can measure extremely low temperatures, typically down to 200°F. | A candy thermometer can operate at higher temperatures, up to 400°F. |
Can A Meat Thermometer Be Used For Candy?
When you make candy, whether at home or professionally, heat is everything. Most recipes call for a candy-making thermometer to test the temperature of ingredients, but not everyone has a candy-making thermometer in the kitchen.
In fact, those looking to make candy in the comfort of their own home may question the need for a special thermometer that has no other use than candy making.
So can a meat thermometer be used to make candy? The simplest answer is yes, but it all depends on the thermometer. Using a meat thermometer can easily be used in candy making as long as the temperature is high enough, and this will be explained in a second!
Thermometers that can be read in an instant, usually with a digital or electronic display.
Modern thermometers, on the other hand, often have a dial reading or scale that can be difficult to read at any given time, with a simple metal coil design.
More Useful Differences Between A Meat And A Candy Thermometer
- A meat thermometer is used to determine the temperature of meat, while a candy thermometer reads the temperature of sugar, candies, and other goodies.
- The meat thermometer is short, and the candy thermometer is long and narrow.
- You can drill a thermometer directly through the meat and watch closely. If you use a candy thermometer, you should dip it in and read it from a distance to be safe.
- Meat thermometers are not connected to a pot or pan, while candy thermometers are.
- Meat thermometers can measure temperatures up to 200°F. This value goes up to 400°F for candy thermometers.
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Summary
The purpose of any thermometer is to measure the temperature of an object that it is programmed to do, or assigned to do.
But not all thermometers are appropriate for all products, including food. So if you handle meat, you should use a meat thermometer, and if you make candy, you should use a candy thermometer.
If this article was helpful to you, kindly comment if you have any questions or contributions, if not check for more food updates on this blog.
