What does a meat thermometer display if the meat temperature is uneven?
Let's say I'm cooking a piece of meat and the whose outside temperature is higher than its inside temperature. If I stick a meat thermometer through the piece of meat so that part of the needle is at the center and part of it is at the surface, what reading will the thermometer report?
- the temperature in the center (minimum temperature)
- the temperature at the surface (maximum temperature)
- some average temperature
Also, would the reading be skewed if most of the needle is not touching anything? Should I stick the needle through a second piece of meat so that the whole needle is covered?
(Background: I'm thinking of food safety)
Best Answer
The sensor in your thermometer is located at the tip of the needle, so you're measuring wherever the tip of the needle ended up.
If the tip of the needle it not touching anything (or is touching the pan or cooking surface) your readings will be skewed.
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Does a meat thermometer have to be all the way in?
Place the Thermometer CorrectlyMost thermometers require you to insert the probe at least 1/2 inch into the meat (only 1/8 inch for Thermoworks models), but if the meat is thicker than an inch, you'll probably want to go deeper than that to reach the very center.How can you determine if meats are cooked to the correct temperature?
Note: There are three important temperatures to remember when cooking meat or eggs at home: Eggs and all ground meats must be cooked to 160\xb0F; poultry and fowl to 165\xb0F; and fresh meat steaks, chops and roasts to 145\xb0F. Use a thermometer to check temperatures.How long do you leave a meat thermometer in to get an accurate reading?
To gauge the temperature of a large piece of meat, insert the thermometer probe through the center of the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any bones, fat, or gristle. Leave the thermometer in the meat for about 10 seconds to allow the temperature to register.The Right Way to Use a Meat Thermometer
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Answer 2
Usually only a portion of the needle of a typical meat thermometer reads the temperature. On some models this is indicated with an indentation on the needle. It is usually near the end, though not always exactly at the end. The thermometer reads the temperature the location of this part of the thermometer. You want to know the temperature at the center of your piece of meat to ensure food safety. So you should place the thermometer into the thickest part and avoid hitting bone.
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