Cooking Meat and Poultry

A Meat Thermometer Can Help:
Prevent foodborne illness;
Cook foods to a safe temperature;
Prevent overcooking; and hold hot, cooked foods safely.

Use a meat thermometer EVERY time you cook raw foods; reheat leftovers; and hold hot, cooked foods for serving.

Which type of themometer is the one for your needs?

There are several types of meat thermometers available at grocery, hardware or kitchen supply stores.

The type of thermometer determines when it should be inserted in the meat.

Make sure the thermometer you buy is designed for meat and poultry, not for candy or appliances.

Regular, Ovenproof Types: These go into the food at the beginning of the cooking time and can be read easily.

Instant-Read and Digital Types:

These are not intended to go in the food in the oven, but give you a quick reading when inserted into the cooked food, and can be read easily.

Pop-Up Types:

These are commonly found in poultry, but may be purchased for other types of meats.

Microwave-Safe Types:

These are especially designed only for microwave ovens.