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A wireless meat thermometer is common kitchen equipment usually used in grilling, pan-searing, and roasting. It is equipment that measures the internal temperature of the meat. Old chefs have other ways or tricks on how to check if the meat is already cooked, but using a thermometer is the most effective and modern way of ensuring that the meat is ready for serving. A meat thermometer is also a requirement in every kitchen and restaurant because it is an indicator that chefs met the required temperature for the specific doneness of the meat.
There is an old and modern way of checking meat doneness. The old way is when the chef or cook slices the meat and manually checks through the meat’s appearance if it is ready for serving. Other people still do this technique, but restaurants disregard the practice because of inaccurate results. The modern way is to use a meat thermometer. This is a current practice that chefs and restaurants are always practicing so they can serve their customers meat that they prefer, and it also results in accurate doneness.
Why is it Important to Use Meat Thermometer?
Investing in good quality and durable kitchen equipment will help you to produce a perfect outcome. The main reason why most restaurants and chefs invest in a meat thermometer is to ensure the best quality food, but this tool is not just for checking meat’s temperature. It is also a safety measure to prevent food poisoning.
There are specific pathogens, bacteria, and microorganisms that can be found in the meat. One effective way to kill and prevent food poisoning is to cook the meat thoroughly at a certain heat temperature, and only the meat thermometer can be able to determine if the meat is ready. Ensure that it is also safe to eat. Nobody wants to have a foodborne disease, so it is better to be extra careful with cooking and processing food.
How to Use a Wireless Meat Thermometer
Guessing is not a safe practice when it comes to food. Thanks to technology for the wireless meat thermometer, it made our life easier to cook and serve safe food. These are the quick, simple, and easy steps on how to use a wireless meat thermometer effectively:
Step 1 – Carefully read the user’s manual on how to operate the unit correctly.
Step 2 – Familiarize yourself with the design, especially with the buttons to operate.
Step 3 – Make sure that the unit has no damage, cracks, or malfunction. This step assures that your meat thermometer will function properly and gives accurate internal temperature.
Step 4 – Ensure that the meat thermometer is clean before using.
Step 5 – Make sure that the thermometer is 0°C to get an accurate temperature.
Step 6 – Locate the deepest part of the meat. In the steak or roasted pork, the deepest part is usually located at the middle part and for poultry products, locate the inner thigh.
Step 7 – Once done locating, carefully insert the needle of your meat thermometer. Make sure to insert it only in the middle part. Do not insert the needle through the other side or bony part of the meat to avoid inaccurate temperature.
Step 8 – Once the needle is inserted, wait for at least 30 seconds so you can get an accurate reading.
Step 9 – Make sure that you met the desired temperature. You can prepare a temperature chart for different types of meat to easily check if the temperature is correct.
Step 10 – Clean and disinfect your thermometer, especially the needle. Do not forget to calibrate before using.
Important note: To calibrate your meat thermometer, prepare a glass of water with ice. Put the needle in the water and wait until it reaches 0°C. Pat dry and keep it in safe storage.
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Check the Accurate Temperature
There are standard temperatures when it comes to different types of meat, and the desired temperature may vary depending on the restaurant or the chef. To give you a basis, here is a common table chart of standard temperature:
Beef:
- Rare (May be risky and prone to foodborne disease) – 140°C
- Medium – 160°C
- Well-done – 170°C
Pork:
- Medium – 160°C
- Well-done – 170°C
Chicken:
- Whole – 180°C
- Breast – 170°C
- Thighs – Visibility of clear juices
- Wings – Visibility of clear juices
Turkey:
- Whole – 180°C
- Breast – 170°C
- Thighs – Visibility of clear juices
- Wings – Visibility of clear juices
Take note that this temperature may still vary since restaurants have their own standard when it comes to cooking and processing their food. You can use this table chart if you are going to cook in the comfort of your home. Avoid checking your dish every minute because it will result in an inaccurate temperature.
Downside of Wireless Meat Thermometer
There are no actual reports regarding the downside of using wireless meat thermometers. It is a beneficial tool in every kitchen work. One thing that may be a downside of this tool is the inaccuracy of the unit. Make sure that you calibrate the thermometer first before using it. Also, check if the batteries are working well because low battery energy may affect the accuracy of your readings.
Conclusion
Cooking is a total challenge since the consumer has their own different preferences when it comes to food. You cannot decide what the consumer will eat, but you can prepare them what they want and how they like their food to be served.
If this is your first time to try the method of grilling and roasting, make sure that you familiarize yourself with the cooking techniques, essential cooking tools, and how you can produce perfect grilled and roasted meat.
Do not doubt your skills because they will still improve along the process. Check some food blogs and websites that can help you to learn more. If you are a visual learner, you can try watching online video tutorials and post some table charts on your kitchen walls so you can memorize the temperature guide and basic steps. Turn your cooking journey into a hobby!