When it comes to cooking, baking, or even checking our body temperature, the accuracy of the thermometer is crucial.

However, to get the most precise temperature readings, it’s not just important to have a high-quality thermometer, but also to know where to place it. In this article, we will discuss the best places to put the thermometer for different applications to ensure you get the most accurate temperature readings.

Meat Thermometers

One of the most common uses of thermometers is for cooking meat to ensure it’s cooked to the appropriate temperature.

Many people simply stick the thermometer in the middle of the meat and wait for a reading, but this may not be the most accurate method.

When cooking large cuts of meat such as roasts or whole birds, it’s best to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from bone, fat, and gristle.

This ensures that you are getting the most accurate reading of the meat’s temperature, rather than the temperature of other substances around it that may cook at different rates.

For thinner pieces of meat, such as steaks or burgers, it’s best to insert the thermometer sideways into the thickest part of the meat, again avoiding bones and other obstacles.

This will give you a more accurate reading of the meat’s temperature.

Oven Thermometers

If you’ve ever baked cookies or a cake that didn’t turn out quite right, it’s possible that your oven temperature was off. To ensure that your oven is at the proper temperature, an oven thermometer can be used.

When placing an oven thermometer in your oven, make sure it’s not touching any walls or racks, as this can give an inaccurate reading.

It’s best to place the thermometer in the center of the oven rack, and slightly to the left or right of the center of the oven. This will give you a good idea of the average temperature throughout the oven.

Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometers

Keeping your fridge and freezer at the correct temperature is important for preventing food spoilage and keeping your food fresh. To ensure that your fridge and freezer are at the right temperature, a thermometer can be placed inside.

When placing a thermometer in your fridge or freezer, it’s best to put it near the front of the fridge or freezer, but not on the door.

The door can be a warmer area of the fridge or freezer, so putting the thermometer on the door can give an inaccurate reading. Instead, place the thermometer on a shelf near the front, where it can give a more accurate reading of the temperature in the fridge or freezer.

Candy and Deep Fry Thermometers

When making candy or deep frying foods, the temperature of the sugar or oil is crucial to achieving the desired outcome. To ensure that the temperature is accurate, a candy or deep fry thermometer can be used.

When using a candy or deep fry thermometer, it’s important to make sure the tip of the thermometer is not touching the bottom of the pot or pan. This can give an inaccurate reading and potentially damage the thermometer.

Instead, suspend the thermometer in the candy or oil using a clip or other support. This will give you an accurate reading of the temperature without any interference from the pot or pan.

Body Thermometers

When checking body temperature, it’s important to ensure that the thermometer is placed in the right location for the most accurate reading.

For oral or axillary (underarm) temperature readings, place the thermometer under the tongue or in the armpit respectively.

Make sure that the mouth is kept closed while taking an oral reading and that the thermometer is kept tightly in place under the tongue. For an axillary reading, make sure that the armpit is dry and that the thermometer is in full contact with the skin.

For rectal temperature readings, insert the thermometer into the rectum while the person lies on their stomach. Make sure to lubricate the thermometer with a water-based lubricant, and insert it about an inch into the rectum, pointed towards the navel.

This will give an accurate core body temperature reading.

Conclusion

Getting an accurate temperature reading is important for a variety of applications. By knowing the appropriate location to place a thermometer, you can ensure that you’re getting the most precise readings possible.

Whether you’re cooking a roast, baking a cake, or checking your body temperature, the proper placement of the thermometer can make all the difference.