"Instant" Read Thermometers..... Do You Use Them? And Why?
I have to say that for things like steak, pork chops, burgers I don't use anything to measure temp but feel. But for roasts, poultry, sausages it's all to temp.
I just recently bought Lava Tools Thermowand and its spot on accurate and is only advertised as a second slower than the Thermopen. Since I don't have a Thermopen I can't test that theory, but it gives a stable reading in 3-4 seconds. The main reason I never used an instant read like the Thermopen was the price. If you've never had one I'd recommend one for food safety. Every professional chef I know uses one in the kitchen at work and home. At $25 the Thermowand is well worth the investment.
Dirtsailor A.K.A. Case
GOSM, (4) Mini-WSM, Mini-ZA, UDS, 1967 Casa Q, StoveTec Rocket Stove, 12" & 18" AMNTS, (2) Mav ET732,
iGrill Therm
I've grown so used to using it, that I use it for everything by default.
Of course I am probing chicken everytime, but if i'm not as concerned about temp, I like using the probe for a tenderness check. Especially w/ briskest
I have not mastered chicken, so these work or great for me. Cooking a butt or turkey, I put that, setup my app and go relax.ready as pie. Steak, and ribs,I eye ball those.
the cheap weber doofer works fine...checked cal with digital temp stuff on a airplane...(cylinder head temp) both were within +- 2 °...i'm still a looker & pull...when chow gig is on!
I've grown so used to using it, that I use it for everything by default.
Of course I am probing chicken everytime, but if i'm not as concerned about temp, I like using the probe for a tenderness check. Especially w/ briskest
I'm in this boat as well..... I Just get used to grabbing it and checking things. As CA mentioned, grilled sausages can really get overcooked. Snack stix, cured sausages and SS need a Thermapen temp probe check, along with the inserted probe reading IMO. Really not much I don't use a Thermapen on. Just me. If you got it at your disposal, why not use it? I also like to check my temp "guestimates" with something.
I just got the cheapo version of the thermopen and it works just fine. I only temp Brisket, Butts, everything else is using my experience even though I have only 29 years on this earth I have been around the grill ever since I can remember.
I just got the cheapo version of the thermopen and it works just fine. I only temp Brisket, Butts, everything else is using my experience even though I have only 29 years on this earth I have been around the grill ever since I can remember.
Really not much I don't use a Thermapen on. Just me. If you got it at your disposal, why not use it?
Yup.
Burgers today for a kid's get-together. Checked 'em with the Thermapen. Made sure no one was gonna get sick. Also made sure no one had to eat a hockey puck.
If I was going by look I would have left them on a bit longer. Interesting when you start comparing what your "experience" tells you with what a thermometer says is reality.
Dave
CUHS Metal Shop Reverse Flow UDS 1.0 Afterburner Weber Performer Blue Thermapen Thermoworks Smoke with Gateway Thermoworks Chef Alarm Auber Smoker Controller Proud Smoked-Meat Member #88 -
"All welcome, take what ya need, share what ya know. " -- Richtee, 12/2/2010
Interesting when you start comparing what your "experience" tells you with what a thermometer says is reality.
Dave
Yep I have given/traded or sold two thermo pens at bring your own meat picnics or at family functions. I will bet on my thermo pen against a few beers and experience any day......
Yep I have given/traded or sold two thermo pens at bring your own meat picnics or at family functions. I will bet on my thermo pen against a few beers and experience any day......
i just got a coiled ready to strike lightning quick snakeskin thermopen.
i learned my meat probe for my controller doesn't give an accurate reading in thin sausages.
thats why i got one, but now that i have it, ill probably end up using it for everything.
hunky....you and i think alike!@ commercially processed birds scare the living daylights out of me!
My thermowand was delivered in 2 days from order last week. First use was pulling my summer sausage out of the big chief on Saturday. My meat probe was off by 4 degrees according to the Wand which read 149. Haven't got sick yet.
Last night cooked some Gunslingers brats and pulled them at 160. I had a feeling I was always overcooking brats in the past and that was the truth. I will have to not simmer as long before the fry so the skins get browned better.
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