Why Should Every Barbeque Have a Probe Thermometer?

27 April 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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If you're a barbequing enthusiast, you've probably noticed that most manufacturers are now offering probe thermometers among their accessories. These contain a probe that is stuck into the meat – it takes the temperature, then provides a digital reading. Some people don't consider these necessary, but they come with a number of benefits.

Avoids Illness

The most obvious and important reason to use a probe thermometer when you're barbequing is that you'll be able to tell exactly when your meat becomes safe to eat. Different types must be cooked to quite specific temperatures in order to ensure that all dangerous bacteria are killed. Government sources provide the following rules for cooking common meats:

  • Fish: Must be cooked above 63 ºC
  • Minced Meat and Sausages: Must be cooked between 6 ºC and 71 ºC
  • Beef, Veal, Lamb, or Pork: Must be cooked between 63 ºC and 77 ºC
  • Chicken and Turkey: Must be cooked above 74 ºC.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to ascertain if a piece of meat has actually been risen to these temperatures, especially since they need to be cooked all the way through. This can be particularly problematic if someone wants a raw steak, since it will need to be close to the minimum temperature and yet still perfectly good to eat. With a probe thermometer, all you need to do is stick the probe end into the piece of meat to check whether it has raised to the right temperature all the way through.

Remain Compliant

It's never going to be pleasant if your friends and family get sick because you didn't cook your meat correctly, but it's far worse if your cooking affects people that work for you. Food businesses are, of course, required by law to use thermometers, but any business could potentially find itself facing legal action if it didn't protect employees during a work event. Using a probe thermometer will help you avoid such issues.

No Overdone Meals

Sickness and health issues are the biggest problems associated with poorly-cooked meat, but it's also important to remember that taste will be affected too. If you're trying to cook up the perfect barbeque, knowing the temperature that your meat is at is essential. Getting it wrong might not necessarily mean making someone sick, but it could mean that your expensive cut of meat isn't allowed to live up to its fullest potential. If you're serious about your barbequing, picking up a probe thermometer is the right call. If you're looking to purchase a barbeque grill, visit Outdoor Living.