Table of Contents
- Can you cook with a meat thermometer in the oven?
- What is a meat thermometer?
- How do you use a meat thermometer?
- How to use a meat thermometer while cooking in the oven?
- How many types of meat thermometers are there?
- Precautions while using a meat thermometer in the oven
- Related Question
- When is the best time to use a meat thermometer?
- When are the recommended internal temperatures for different meat types?
- How much does a meat thermometer cost?
- Can a meat thermometer be wrong?
- Which type of meat thermometer is the best?
- What is the difference between meat thermometers and kitchen timers?
- Can a meat thermometer explode in the oven?
- Can I use a meat thermometer in a microwave?
- Final Thoughts
Can you cook with a meat thermometer in the oven?
Yes, the thermometers labeled as oven safe are suitable to use inside the oven. The leave-in thermometers are also best to use inside the oven as they have an internal probe that could be inserted into the meat and left inside the oven. The external unit gives you the temperature recordings.
A meat thermometer is an important cooking tool, but can you use it in the oven? In this blog post, we’ll answer that question and also provide some tips on using a meat thermometer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, using a meat thermometer will help ensure your food is cooked properly. So, can you cook with a meat thermometer in the oven? The answer is yes – and here’s how!
What is a meat thermometer?
A meat thermometer is a thermometer that can be used to check the internal temperature of meats, poultry, casseroles, or other food during cooking. It is made of thick metal with a pointed tip and an attached long metal or rigid plastic stem.
The first meat thermometer was created by Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, in 1776. The following table gives an overview of different thermometers and their temperature measuring times.
| Type | Measuring time | Placement |
| Bimetal (instant-read) | 15 – 20 seconds | 2-2.5 inches deep In the thickest part of the meat |
| Digital Thermistor | 10 seconds | 0.5 inches deep in the meat |
| Liquid Filled | 1 – 2 minutes | 2 inches deep in the thickest part of the meat |
| Bimetal (oven-safe) | 1 – 2 minutes | 2 – 2.5 inches deep in the thickest part of the meat |
| Digital Thermocouple | 5 seconds | 0.5 inches deep or deep according to need |
How do you use a meat thermometer?
The best way to use a meat thermometer is to insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat and avoid touching any bones. The internal temperature will be shown on the thermometer’s dial.
When using a meat thermometer in the oven, it’s important to place the probe in the deepest part of the food.
Watch: How to properly use a meat thermometer
How to use a meat thermometer while cooking in the oven?
Choose the right thermometer
Some people tend to overlook this, but it’s extremely important.
A dial-face thermometer is less accurate than a digital probe thermometer and should not be used for checking the temperature of roasts, which may cook unevenly.
On the other hand, an instant-read meat thermometer can be left in the roast as it cooks and will give an accurate reading once removed.
Read more: Can you cook microwave meals in the oven?
Place the thermometer in the food
Thermometers should be placed in the thickest parts of meat and not touch any bones. This will give you an accurate reading of the internal temperature without overcooking the meat.
If cooking a roast, place the probe in the center of the roast – not near the bone.
If using a dial-face meat thermometer, place the tip about 1/2 inch into the food.
For an instant-read digital probe thermometer, insert the metal probe into the thickest part of the roast. The narrow end should point toward where you’re placing it; for instance, if you’re putting it in the center of a chicken breast, point the narrow end toward the middle.
Read more: Can you cook with toothpicks in the oven?
Set the thermometer for the right temperature
After inserting the probe into the food, set the dial accordingly.
The readings on most meat thermometers will not begin until it reaches about 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 Celsius). If you’re cooking something that is already hot, like a pizza, you can set the thermometer to read the temperature of food instead of ambient air.
Wait for the beep!
Once you’ve set the thermometer to your desired temperature, wait for it to beep before removing it from the food. This will ensure that you have an accurate reading.
If using a dial-face thermometer, you need to move the tip to a different area for it to recalibrate. If you can’t get a second reading, start over.
Read more: Can you cook Quorn fillets in the oven?
How many types of meat thermometers are there?
There are three main types of meat thermometers:
Dial face
This one is the most basic type of meat thermometer. This has a round dial with degrees written around the edge and a long metal probe with a sharp tip.
To use, insert into the food to get an accurate internal temperature. You can also use it to measure the temperature of your oven.
Digital probe
This type of meat thermometer is ideal for roasts as the digital probe stays in the roast as it cooks and gives an accurate reading once removed; plus, it has a long cord that plugs into the oven or stove.
These are easier to read than dial face models because you can place them on your counter and stand back to see the temperature.
Instant-read
This is the most popular type of meat thermometer as it provides an instant reading of the internal temperature. They can be either digital or analog, and some have a backlight for easy reading in low light conditions.
To use, insert it into the food and wait for the beep. Some models have a timer that will start counting down as soon as it beeps.
There are also thermometers designed for specific types of food, such as candy or deep frying.
Read more: Can you cook multiple things in the oven?
Precautions while using a meat thermometer in the oven
Insert correctly
The most crucial part of using a meat thermometer is ensuring that the probe has been inserted correctly.
If you are cooking chicken or any other poultry, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh near but not touching the bone to ensure an accurate reading.
Once inserted, set your dial face meat thermometer to “Poultry” or “Chicken.”
If you are cooking a roast, insert the probe in the center of the roast – not near the bone.
Calibrate for accuracy
Even if you’re using a digital thermometer, it’s important to calibrate it before each use. To do this, put your thermometer in a pot of boiling water and wait for it to beep. The reading on the thermometer should be 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius).
If your oven is hotter or cooler than usual, you may need to calibrate your meat thermometer to compensate.
Don’t open the oven repetitively
Every time you open the oven, the temperature inside drops by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius).
So, if you’re trying to roast a turkey and keep track of the temperature with a meat thermometer, try not to open the oven door more than necessary.
Read more: Can you cook chicken and pork together in the oven?
Related Question
When is the best time to use a meat thermometer?
A meat thermometer can be used anytime cooking meat, poultry, or fish. It’s especially important to use when cooking chicken, turkey, pork, or beef roasts.
It’s also a good idea to check the temperature of your food with a meat thermometer before serving to ensure that it is fully cooked.
When are the recommended internal temperatures for different meat types?
The following tables give an estimated internal temperature for different meat types.
| Meat | Internal Temperature (in Fahrenheit) |
| Ground Meat | 160 – 165 |
| Lamb | 145 – 170 |
| Pork | 160 – 170 |
| Ham | 140 – 160 |
| Poultry (chicken, duck, etc) | 165 – 180 |
| Fish | 145 |
| Rabbit | 160 – 165 |
How much does a meat thermometer cost?
Meat thermometers can range in price from $5 to over $100. The most important factor in deciding which meat thermometer to buy is the type of thermometer – whether it’s digital or analog, instant-read, or with a probe.
Read more: Can you cook rustlers burgers in the oven?
Can a meat thermometer be wrong?
Yes, a meat thermometer can be wrong. This is especially true if it’s not calibrated correctly or if you’re using an oven with a different temperature than average.
Which type of meat thermometer is the best?
This depends on your cooking style. Some people prefer the convenience of a digital probe model, while others will prefer an instant-read thermometer or dial face.
After all, the most accurate type of meat thermometer is the one you’re most likely to use!
What is the difference between meat thermometers and kitchen timers?
A meat thermometer is used to measure the internal temperature of meat, poultry, or fish. Kitchen timers can be used to time various cooking tasks, but cannot be used to measure the internal temperature of food.
Can a meat thermometer explode in the oven?
No, a meat thermometer cannot explode in the oven. However, suppose you’re using an analog meat thermometer with a mercury bulb. It is important not to heat it over 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) as this could cause the bulb to shatter.
Can I use a meat thermometer in a microwave?
No, a meat thermometer should not be used in a microwave. The only thermometer that can be used in a microwave is a candy thermometer.
Read more: Can You Cook White Castle Burgers in the Oven?
Final Thoughts
A meat thermometer can be used when cooking chicken, turkey, pork, or beef in the oven. However, it is important to calibrate your digital thermometer before each use and not open the oven too many times while cooking.
So, next time you cook meat in the oven, don’t forget to use your meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking every time!
