Food thermometers: Find one for less

 

Using a food thermometer is the only way to make sure food is cooked to a safe temperature. It is not safe to say something is “done” just by looking at its color, or by how long it has been cooked.

Sometimes people think that food thermometers are expensive. The truth is, some fancy digital thermometers do cost $25 or more. However, a basic food thermometer only costs around $5. You can find them at most drug stores or stores like Wal-Mart or Target or some online stores. Make sure it is labeled as a “food” or “meat” thermometer, and not another type of thermometer.

After using your thermometer, it is important to clean it. If you do not do this, bacteria can spread.

  • After each use, wash the stem of your food thermometer with warm, soapy water.
  • Dip the stem in boiling water for a simple way to sanitize it. Use a food-safe sanitizing solution for a quicker option.
  • Allow the thermometer to air dry.

Watch this video to learn how to use a food thermometer.

What temperature is safe?

Different foods need to be cooked to different temperatures. Below are a few examples of safe minimum cooking temperatures for foods:1

A chart shows a few examples of safe minimum cooking temperatures for certain foods.

Extended text for visually impaired

What does "rest time" mean?

Some of the meat products above require a 3 minute "rest time." This refers to the time after the meat is removed from the grill, oven, or heat source, but before it is cut or sliced. Do not cut or slice meat until after this "rest time" is over. During this rest time, the internal temperature remains high. This is important to destroy harmful bacteria.2

SAVE And Print

View, download, or print this Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures Chart. This chart offers a more complete list of foods than the example above.

1. Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures Charts. (2019, April 12). Retrieved from https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature

2. Van, D. (2020, June 22). Cooking Meat? Check the New Recommended Temperatures. USDA. www.usda.gov/media/blog/2011/05/25/cooking-meat-check-new-recommended-temperatures