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Bimetallic-Coil Thermometers
These thermometers contain a coil in the
probe made of two different metals that are bonded together. The two
metals have different rates of expansion. The coil, which is connected
to the temperature indicator, expands when it is heated. This food
thermometer senses temperature from its tip and up the stem for 2 to 2
1/2 inches.
The resulting temperature is an average of
the temperatures along the sensing area. These food thermometers have a
dial display and are available as oven-safe and instant-read.
Disposable Thermometers
This disposable thermometers as its name
suggested is meant to be used for a single use only. It is one of the
most recent developments in the retail food market for thermometers used
to indicate food temperatures. There are currently several brands
available in the retail market and they are designed for different range
of temperatures. You should use the correct thermometers for the food
temperature which they are intended. Always check the package for
directions to ensure that the temperature desired is consistent with the
recommended internal cooking temperature types.
Special temperature-sensitive materials are
used to produce these disposable thermometers' sensors. It will change
colors when the food reaches the proper temperature and they are
designed to be used only once. These disposable thermometers cannot be
left in a food while cooking and should be used near the end of the
estimated cooking time.
In order to prevent overcooking, check the
temperature before the food is expected to finish cooking. If the
desired temperature has not been reached, they can be reinserted until
the temperature is reached. Disposable thermometers are made from
materials approved by the FDA for the contact with food.
Instant-Read Bimetallic Coil Thermometers
This is a quick measurement thermometers as
they could produce the temperate of a food in about 15 to 20 seconds.
They should be used towards the end of the estimated cooking time to
check for the final cooking temperatures as they are not designed to
remain in the food while cooking in the oven. Check the temperature
before the food is expected to finish cooking to prevent overcooking.
Always ensure that the probe of the
bimetallic coil thermometer is inserted fully into the sensing area
which is about 2 to 3 inches deep. For thinner food such as hamburger or
boneless chicken breast, the depth could be achieved by inserting through
the side of the food so that the entire sensing area is positioned
through the center of the food. Some of the thermometer models could be
calibrated and you should check the manufacturer's instruction.
Oven-Safe Bimetallic Coil Thermometers
This type of thermometer is designed to
remain in the food while cooking in an oven. Usually used for large food
items like turkey or roast. And because it is designed to remain in the
food while cooking, it will be able to shows the temperature very
conveniently as the food is being cooked. The only disadvantage with
this type of thermometer is that it will take a longer time to register
the correct temperature if they are not left in the food while cooking.
The temperature sensing coil on the stem is
2 to 2.5 inches long and the stem is relatively thick. As such it is
more appropriate to measure the temperature of food thicker than 3
inches like roast or turkey. To get a more accurate temperature using
this thermometers, it is advisable to have the readings made from a few
spots. Reason is because heat conducts along the stem's metal surface
faster than through the food especially area a short distance to the
side.
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