Meat thermometers are a valuable tool for any home cook or professional chef who wants to ensure their meat is perfectly cooked. They provide a quick and easy way to monitor the internal temperature of meat, which is the most reliable way to determine if it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Read ahead to learn some benefits of using a meat thermometer.
Belchonock/ Getty Images | This instrument measures how resistance to electrical flow changes with temperature
Accurate temperature readings
One of the primary benefits of using a meat thermometer is that it provides accurate temperature readings. This is important because meat can be dangerous if not cooked to the proper temperature. According to the USDA, the safe minimum internal temperature for most types of meat is 145°F (63°C).
However, some meats, such as ground beef, require a higher temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be considered safe. A meat thermometer ensures that your meat has reached the correct temperature and is safe to eat.
Consistent cooking results
Another benefit of using a meat thermometer is that it helps to ensure consistent cooking results. When you cook meat without a thermometer, knowing exactly when it is done can be difficult. As a result, you may end up overcooking or undercooking your meat, which can affect its flavor and texture.
With a meat thermometer, you can monitor the internal temperature of the meat as it cooks and remove it from the heat when it reaches the desired temperature. This helps to ensure that your meat is cooked consistently every time.
Joe Clements/ Flickr | Santorio Santorio (1561-1636) is generally credited for the invention of the meat thermometer
Retain moisture and flavor.
Overcooking meat can cause it to dry out, resulting in an unappetizing meal. Using a meat thermometer, you can remove the meat from the heat when it reaches the desired temperature, which helps retain its moisture and flavor. This is especially important for expensive cuts of meat, such as steak or prime rib, where you want to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Save time
Using a meat thermometer can also help you save time in the kitchen. When you cook meat without a thermometer, it can take longer to determine if it is fully cooked. This can result in you spending more time in the kitchen and potentially delaying mealtime. With a meat thermometer, you can quickly and easily determine if your meat is fully cooked, which helps you to save time and get dinner on the table faster.
Joseph Willoughby/ Getty Images | Many home cooks associate meat thermometers with food safety
Reduce food waste
Overcooking or undercooking meat can result in food waste, as you may need to discard the meat if it is not safe to eat or is unappetizing. Using a meat thermometer ensures that your meat is cooked to the correct temperature, which helps reduce food waste and save you money.
Easy to use
Meat thermometers are also easy to use. Most models come with simple instructions and are designed to be user-friendly. All you need to do is insert the probe into the meat and wait for the temperature reading to appear on display. Some models even come with preset temperature settings for different types of meat, making them even easier to use.
