Meat Thermometers
A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. It measures the internal temperature of cooked meat to assure that a safe temperature has been reached. If you don't regularly use a meat thermometer, get in to the habit of using one. A meat thermometer can be used for all foods, not just meat.
What Type Should You Buy?
Oven-proof - Is inserted prior to roasting and left in for the entire time.
Instant-read - Is not oven proof. Use it toward the end of the recommended cooking time. Insert it long enough to get a temperature reading, about 10 to 15 seconds, then remove it.
Make sure the thermometer you buy is designed for meat. There are other types of thermometers, for example, candy thermometers.
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Where to Place the Meat Thermometer?
Ground Beef - Place in the thickest area of ground beef dishes such as meatloaf. The thermometer should be inserted sideways in thin items such as hamburger patties.
Roasts and Steaks- Insert into the center of the thickest part, away from bone, fat and gristle.
Casseroles - Insert into the thickest portion.
When using a thermometer, do not touch the cooking pan.
Courtesy of The Beef Council
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