Meat thermometer doesn't "stop" measuring. How to know actual measurement?

Meat thermometer doesn't "stop" measuring. How to know actual measurement? - Person Holding Thermometer

I recently bought a meat thermometer so that I could measure my chicken. This is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IHHLB3W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've tried using it multiple times but whenever I insert the tip of the probe into the chicken the thermometer just continuously increases in temperature. It doesn't stop. I tried inserting more of the probe into the chicken to see if that makes a difference, but the only difference is that the temperature climb is slower.

How far in should I stick the probe and is it normal for the thermometer to continuously climb in temp? When should I pull it out



Best Answer

To answer the "how far" part of the question: you want the tip of the probe dead center, where the meat is thickest, that's where it'll take the longest to heat up.

Otherwise, as the comments mentionned, heat transfer from the meat to the probe is not immediate. Give it a good 20/30 seconds.




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How is a meat thermometer measured?

How to check the accuracy of a food thermometer
  • Fill a large glass with ice.
  • Add water to the top of the ice and stir well. Let stand for 3 minutes.
  • Place the thermometer stem at least 2 inches into the mixture.
  • The thermometer should read 32 degrees after 30 seconds.


  • How do I know if my food thermometer is accurate?

    To test your thermometer:
  • Fill a tall glass with ice and add cold water.
  • Place and hold the thermometer in the ice water for 30 seconds without touching the sides or bottom of the glass. ...
  • If the thermometer reads 32\xb0F, it is reading correctly and can be used.


  • How do I know if my meat thermometer is accurate?

    Don't you want it to be accurate? The best way to know when any kind of meat or poultry is finished is to take its temperature. But if the tool you're using to take that temperature isn't accurate, you're in trouble. And it's very likely that your thermometer is a few degrees (or more!)



    Do You Leave The Meat Thermometer In While Cooking?




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Polina Tankilevitch, Anna Shvets, Monstera, Monstera