America’s test kitchen candy thermometer
Today we talk about America’s test kitchen candy thermometer.
In This Article
As someone passionate about candy-making, I¡¯ve learned that precision can make or break my sugary creations. Whether I’m whipping up classic caramels or trying my hand at hard candy, having a reliable candy thermometer is essential. Based on recommendations from America’s Test Kitchen, I¡¯ve curated a list of the best candy thermometers. Let’s dive in and find the perfect one for your sweet ventures!
Best Overall Candy Thermometer
Williams Sonoma Easy Read Candy Thermometer
The Williams Sonoma Easy Read Candy Thermometer stands out as my top pick due to its clear and large dial, which displays temperatures ranging from 90¡ãF to 400¡ãF. With an accuracy rate of +/- 1¡ãF, this thermometer ensures I hit the sweet spots for candy types like soft ball and hard crack, which occur at 234¡ãF and 310¡ãF respectively. Priced around $29.95, it’s a worthwhile investment for reliability in my confectionery pursuits.
Best Value Candy Thermometer
Polder Candy Thermometer
The Polder Candy Thermometer offers great value at an affordable price of approximately $19.99. It combines functionality with a sleek design and provides accurate readings with a range of 100¡ãF to 400¡ãF. In my experience, it handles both candy and frying tasks effortlessly, making it a versatile tool. Plus, users report consistent results, claiming a +/? 3¡ãF accuracy, which suits most home bakers just fine.
Best Digital Candy Thermometer
ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer
My daily tasks become a breeze with the ThermoPro TP510. This digital candy thermometer reads from -58¡ãF to 572¡ãF and is incredibly responsive, providing temperatures in just a few seconds. The waterproof design makes it easy to clean, and at around $29.99, it¡¯s packed with features that cater to both candy making and deep frying. Digital thermometers of this caliber are becoming more popular because they allow precision with a quick glance at the backlit display, especially during hectic cooking sessions.
Best Clip-On Candy Thermometer
KitchenAid Curved Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer
The KitchenAid Curved Candy Thermometer is perfect for multitasking chefs. Priced at about $24.99, its clip-on design holds securely to pot edges, freeing my hands for other tasks. It measures temperatures from 100¡ãF to 400¡ãF and provides easy readability with its sturdy glass and stainless-steel design. The curved shape makes it adaptable for various pot sizes, which I find particularly useful when melting sugar for different candy recipes.
Best for Deep Frying
CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer
For deep frying, I recommend the CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer, which costs around $24.50. This thermometer has a good temperature range of 100¡ãF to 400¡ãF and comes with a heavy-duty clip that secures it to deeper pots. Its digital display shows readings in just seconds and has a +/? 2¡ãF accuracy, which is incredibly helpful. When I¡¯m frying doughnuts or French fries at around 350¡ãF, I trust this thermometer to give me an accurate reading every time.
How We Tested the Candy Thermometers
Evaluation Criteria
To find the best candy thermometers for my kitchen, I tested each model based on criteria crucial for success in candy making: accuracy, ease of use, heat range, and cleaning ease. I measured the melt point of sugar, which typically occurs around 320¡ãF, to assess how well each thermometer performed. Moreover, readings taken during various candy-making processes, such as boiling syrups and frying, revealed the reliability of different models in real-world scenarios.
Other Options We Tested
Honorable Mentions
Not all thermometers made the cut, but a few deserve honorable mentions. The Taylor Precision Products Candy Thermometer and Norpro Candy Thermometer are commendable alternatives with prices ranging from $10 to $20. While they didn¡¯t provide the accuracy I needed for high-temperature candy-making, they serve well for general cooking tasks and are helpful for novice bakers venturing into candy making.
What to Consider When Buying a Candy Thermometer
Key Features to Look For
When I considered investing in a new candy thermometer, I focused on these features:
- Temperature Range: Look for a thermometer that measures between 100¡ãF to 400¡ãF or higher for flexibility in recipes.
- Readability: Ensure the display is easy to read, especially if you often cook late at night.
- Durability: Choose models made from sturdy materials like glass or steel that can withstand high heat.
- Ease of Cleaning: Waterproof or easy-to-dismantle designs make cleaning less daunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Inquiries about Candy Thermometers
If you’re new to candy-making like I was, you might wonder about calibration and care. I suggest regularly checking accuracy by measuring boiling water and ice water. This simple test ensures that your thermometer provides consistent results, which are crucial in achieving perfect candy consistency.
Final Verdict
Our Top Recommendations
From my own extensive experimenting with various candy thermometers, my top recommendations include:
- Best Overall: Williams Sonoma Easy Read Candy Thermometer
- Best Value: Polder Candy Thermometer
- Best Digital: ThermoPro TP510
- Best Clip-On: KitchenAid Curved Candy Thermometer
- Best for Deep Frying: CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer
What is the best rated candy thermometer?
The best rated candy thermometer is often the Williams Sonoma Easy Read Candy Thermometer, known for its clarity and reliability, essential for serious candy makers.
What brand appliances does America’s Test Kitchen use?
America’s Test Kitchen features many reputable brands like KitchenAid, KitchenIQ, and Cuisinart, which provide tools that enhance cooking efficiency and quality.
How can I tell if my candy thermometer is accurate?
I check the accuracy of my candy thermometer by submerging it in boiling water, which should read around 212¡ãF (100¡ãC). Any significant variance could mean recalibration or replacement.
Are candy thermometers still made with mercury?
No, mercury candy thermometers have mostly been phased out due to safety risks. Most modern candy thermometers use alcohol or digital displays for safety and accuracy.
