Which meat thermometer?

[Jessica]

I don't own a meat thermometer and want to get one for safety reasons. Is a cheap one from Target okay or do I need to spend more--any good brands to suggest? Thanks in advance.

[Wendy w]

I bought an inexpensive one at Thanksgiving from Target and it worked just fine and I have used it since.

[Gail]

I don't think any of those I've purchased have been terribly expensive, although on the other hand, I'm on my third one in the past fourteen years. Only one of the three went belly-up-- I'd tell you what NOT to buy, but I must've chucked it. My most recent acquisition, from Revereware, I rather like, in that it's black with large white lettering rendering it much easier to read than many others. I like that, rather than having to practically stick my face into the oven and/or roast to see what the internal temperature is. I've also got an instant-read, which I've only used once, so I can't really give a comparison yet.

[sneezles]

I have a thermometer/timer that I really like. It by Polder and I got it at Bed Bath & Beyond. It has a wire that goes in the meat and the part you read is on the out side of the oven. You set it for the temp you want and then it beeps when it reaches that temperature, that way you don't have to keep oening the oven door to check the meat. It also had a timer which beeps and then counts down after the time is reached. It sells for about $30.

[Norma]

I have a Polder one like Sneezles too. I got it at Chef's Catalog. I love it. Then I have a Farberware instant read one.

[Melman]

I have a Pampered Chef thermometer/probe that I got around November of last year. I've only used it a few times so far, but I LOVE the fact I can set a temperature and let it beep at me when the food is ready! No more opening the oven door and letting out heat. Note: the PC version is similar to the Polder one. I'd been eyeing that one in the stores and then hosted a PC party. FREE beat the heck out of whatever the Polder one costs. :-)

I also have an instant read thermometer that I've had for several years. I think it's great too. Haven't had a problem with it.

[Mamasue]

Well I have to tell you that I have had about 3 or 4 different thermometers and either eventually they didn't work any more or they just didn't register right. I was invited to a pampered chef party just before Thanksgiving and really didn't want to go because I really didn't need anything, but you know how it is...you feel guilty and feel you must at least attempt to go to be cordial. I said to myself that I will not buy anything and just go to see the hostess who I don't see that much. Well, to make a long story short, I had my eye on this thermometer/probe and talked myself into ordering it. I used it for my crown roast of pork at Christmas time and have to tell you that I LOVE IT too! Not only does it register right on the nose, but there is no need to open the oven door periodically to check the temp. I would recommend this item to anyone who loves to cook!

[lindrusso]

Yet another vote for the thermometer/timer attached to the wire (mine is an AcuRite). It worked wonderfully and is so convenient.

[luv2cook]

I "borrowed" a PC thermo from a friend and just love it. the temps are preprogrammed in so you don't have to guess and it does candy, too. She might not get it back! My polder one broke after about 2 years - timer still works but the thermo part went nuts...

[penroma]

I have a strange question- I bought a Pampered Chef thermometer last year, however this evening was the first time I pulled it out to use. The sleeve of the thermometer states 'Do not leave thermometer in a hot oven'. Isn't this what you are supposed to do? I left it in while the meat was cooking and it was fine, but was confused as to what the sleeve statement meant. Any ideas?

[Gail]

I'd assume, since you're talking about a meat thermometer, not an oven thermometer, that they're trying to discourage the use of a meat thermometer for other uses. I am embarrassed to admit that I fried an inexpensive oven thermometer by exposing it to temperatures it wasn't equipped to take. I'd imagine it's even easier to fry a meat thermometer.

[luv2cook]

Penroma: I think you have a different kind than what we're talking about. iF yours is in a white sleeve, very thin you are NOT supposed to leave it in there. That's an instant read thermometer. I wouldn't do that again. The kind we have or were talking about was with a metal rod that you stick in the meat and it attaches outside of the oven and you set the internal temp of the meat and it beeps when it reaches that internal temp...