The gift market for foodies is flooded with tempting ideas. From flavoursome sauces and the finest Mediterranean oils to inspirational cookbooks and masterclasses with the country’s leading chefs, there is an almost endless array of choices that are sure to delight every afficionado of cookery.
There are few gifts for foodies, however, that will be as transformative as an electronic food probe thermometer. An incredibly simple and inexpensive piece of kit, a digital food thermometer is the must-have equipment for professional and amateur chefs alike.
What Is a Digital Food Thermometer?
There are many different types of thermometers for food, for meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit. Equipped with a sensitive temperature probe which easily penetrates the food, the thermometer measures the temperature incredibly quickly and displays it on an easy-to-read digital screen, in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit.
The best food temperature probes record the temperature of the food to within 0.2°C and check the accuracy of the thermometer electronics every time the device is activated, giving the chef confidence that the equipment is working optimally. Some temperature probes are inserted into the food early in the cooking process and remain there until the desired internal temperature is achieved; others are inserted when the food is nearly cooked.
The Benefits of an Electronic Food Temperature Probe
So, what improvements could a digital food thermometer offer to a foodie who already has a proficient understanding of cookery?
- No More Food Fails
When cooking meat, time is crucial. On one hand, it’s necessary to roast the meat for long enough to destroy harmful bacteria that may be lurking inside. However, miscalculating the cooking time, or simply having to move the meat around the oven to accommodate other foods, can easily cause it to be overdone. A digital thermometer will help to avoid overcooked meat, preventing it from becoming dry or chewy; instead, the chef will be able to judge how well the meat has cooked and remove it from the oven the moment the desired temperature is achieved.
- Food Safety, Guaranteed
The last thing a foodie wishes to do is to cause an outbreak of a foodborne illness. The presence of harmful pathogens in food poses no risk so long as it is cooked at the right temperature for the right duration; for example, once chicken is cooked for three minutes at 148°F, 99.9 per cent of salmonella is destroyed. By using a digital food thermometer with a probe, the chef will be able to check that the correct temperature has been reached to kill dangerous pathogens, meaning the food is safe to serve without being overdone.
- Building Confidence
For less experienced foodies wishing to extend their repertoire, a food thermometer opens an entire avenue of possibilities. One of the biggest challenges for an amateur is learning how to cook new foods and, particularly, to know when a food is ready to serve. Many cooks tend to judge whether food is ready from its touch and texture, but this is often a poor measure. A digital probe will provide foodies with the information they need so they can make a quick decision about whether to remove it from the heat or leave it for a little longer, improving the final result and boosting their confidence.
Contact Hanna Instruments To Find Out More
At Hanna Instruments, we stock a wide variety of professional digital food thermometers which make perfect gifts for aspiring chefs, with same-day despatch on in-stock items and second-to-none aftersales service.
To find out more, please get in touch today on 01525 850855.
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