Dial Oven-Safe
(Bimetal)
Reads in 1-2 minutes
Place 2-2 1/2" deep in thickest part of food

• Can be used in roasts, casseroles, and soups
• Not appropriate for thin foods
• Can remain in food while it's cooking
• Heat conduction of metal stem can cause false high reading
• Some models can be calibrated; check manufacturer's instructions

Digital Instant-Read
(Thermistor)
Reads in 10 seconds
Place at least 1/2" deep

• Gives fast reading
• Can measure temperature in thin and thick foods
• Not designed to remain in food while it's cooking
• Check internal temperature of food near the end of cooking time
• Some models can be calibrated; check manufacturer's instructions
• Available in "kitchen" stores

Fork
Reads in 2-10 seconds
Place at least 1/4" deep in thickest part of food

• Can be used in most foods
• Not designed to remain in food while it is cooking
• Sensor in tine of fork must be fully inserted
• Check internal temperature of food near end of cooking time
• Cannot be calibrated
• Convenient for grilling

Dial Instant-Read
(Bimetal)
Reads in 15-20 seconds
Place 2-2 1/2" deep in thickest part of food

• Can be used in roasts, casseroles, and soups
• Temperature is averaged along probe, from tip to 2-3" up the stem
• Cannot measure thin foods unless inserted sideways
• Not designed to remain in food while it is cooking
• Use to check the internal temperature of a food at the end of cooking time
• Some models can be calibrated; check manufacturer's instructions
• Readily available in stores

Thermocouple
Reads in 2-5 seconds
Place 1/4" or deeper, as needed

• Gives fastest reading
• Good for measuring temperatures of thick and thin foods
• Not designed to remain in food while it's cooking
• Check internal temperature of food near the end of cooking time
• Can be calibrated
• More costly; may be difficult for consumers to find in stores

Disposable Temperature Indicators
(Single-use)
Reads in 5-10 seconds
Place approximately 1/2" deep (follow manufacturer's directions)

• Designed to be used only once
• Designed for specific temperature ranges
• Should only be used with food for which they are intended
• Temperature-sensitive material changes color when the desired temperature is reached
  

Pop-Up

• Commonly used in turkeys and roasting chickens
• Pops up when food reaches final temperature for safety and doneness
• Checking the temperature in other parts of the food with a conventional food thermometer is recommended

Oven Cord

• Can be used in most foods

• Can also be used outside the oven

• Designed to remain in the food while it is cooking in oven or in covered pot

• Base unit sits on stovetop or counter

• Cannot be calibrated