Do you like to make your own sweets or chocolate? Making candy at home can be a lot of fun and a terrific hobby for the whole family to participate in. However, candy production involves a certain level of accuracy and ability, and you must get the candy to the proper temperature.
So, what can you do to ensure that your candy is always at the proper temperature?
The greatest candy thermometer will make the whole candy-making process go much more smoothly. However, since candy thermometers come in a variety of forms and sizes, it might be difficult to choose which is the ideal candy thermometer for you.
In this post, we will look at some of the top candy thermometers on the market to show you what makes each one unique and to assist you in finding the best candy thermometer for your requirements.
Contents
- Best Overall – Harbor 022 Meat Thermometer
- Best Premium – Gourmia GTH9185 Digital Spatula Thermometer
- Best Budget – CIA Masters Collection Thermometer
- Anpro DT-10 Instant Read Digital Cooking Meat Thermometer
- Polder THM-515 Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer
- Winco Candy Thermometer
- CDN DTC450 Digital Thermometer
- Kona Wireless Thermometer
- Wilton Candy Thermometer
- Buyer’s Guide for the Best Candy Thermometer
- Calibration: Why, When, How
- FAQs
- What kind of thermometer is best for making candy?
- What is the best ThermoPro candy thermometer?
- What kind of thermometer gives the most accurate reading?
- Is there a difference between a candy thermometer?
- Is there a special thermometer for candy?
- What thermometer do professional chefs use?
- What candy thermometer does Alton Brown use?
- What thermometers do bakers use?
- Is ThermoPro and ThermoWorks the same?
Best Overall – Harbor 022 Meat Thermometer
Do you wish to spice up your candy-making process? The vast majority of candy thermometers are composed of stainless steel and have a plain appearance. However, such is not the case with the Harbor 022 Meat Thermometer.
This candy thermometer is the finest overall and is available in a number of colors. The probe is extra-long, and the handle incorporates a digital display. There’s also a clip for attaching it to the side of your pot.
The Harbor 022 is intended to be simple to operate. Simply dip the candy thermometer into your candy mixture for around six seconds before the temperature displays on the digital display.
Pros:
- Temperatures vary from -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stainless-steel probe
- Quickly gives off a temperature reading
- Auto shutoff
- A variety of color options
Cons:
- The battery cover might not close correctly
- It cannot be left in the saucepan while the candy is cooking.
Best Premium – Gourmia GTH9185 Digital Spatula Thermometer
If you’re looking for something unique, the Gourmia GTH9185 Digital Spatula Thermometer is a spatula-shaped thermometer. This incredible design allows you to swirl your candy mixture while maintaining a steady temperature measurement.
This silicone spatula is composed of BPA-free food-grade plastic, making it very robust and safe to use. The handle is contoured to fit comfortably in your hand, and the temperature of your candy concoction is shown on the handle.
The probe of the thermometer extends all the way to the top, where the thermometer is contained in the spatula. This allows you to acquire continual, up-to-date temperature data. You can quickly update the temperature measurement if you need to make calibration modifications.
An added plus is that you can remove the spatula portion of this finest candy thermometer, exposing the stainless-steel probe. Once the probe is exposed, you may use this thermometer to monitor the temperature of the meats and liquids.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Made from food-grade plastic and silicone
- Can be used as a spatula
- Instantly displays the temperature
- Temperatures vary from -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons:
- You have to calibrate it every so often
- Changing and activating the battery can be tricky
- The handle is short
Best Budget – CIA Masters Collection Thermometer
This is the greatest candy thermometer for those on a tight budget. Accept the fundamentals and traditions of confectionery manufacturing. This vintage candy thermometer has a long-lasting stainless steel probe and a big dial.
It’s small enough to fit into any kitchen drawer. The dial markers are quite close together, which might make reading the temperature difficult. One disadvantage of this candy thermometer is that it is not particularly accurate.
While recalibration may improve accuracy somewhat, it may not be worth the effort. This thermometer comes with a calibration wrench and nut, but again, this might be more hassle than it’s worth.
Pros:
- Calibration tools included
- Easy to store and clean
- Lifetime warranty
- NSF certified
Cons:
- Temperature is hard to read
- Pot clip isnt effective
- Calibration must be done regularly
Anpro DT-10 Instant Read Digital Cooking Meat Thermometer
When your candy is boiling, the last thing you want to do is go too near to it. While you must get an accurate reading, you should preserve your distance. Fortunately, this is the greatest candy thermometer for staying away from boiling candy.
It is composed of stainless steel and can withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a huge display on the handle so you can check the temperature reading at a glance. Because of how simple it is to use and how safe it is, this might be the finest candy thermometer that is digital.
An auto-shutoff function has been incorporated to this candy thermometer for increased security. The thermometer will shut off to preserve power after about 10 minutes of sitting in the hot candy concoction.
Those who like creating candy will appreciate the recipe book included with this candy thermometer. It will undoubtedly motivate you to try new things and let your creative side shine.
Pros:
- Auto shutoff feature
- Temperature ranges from 60 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Comes with a recipe book
- Easy to read temperature display
- Durable stainless-steel design
Cons:
- Must be regularly be calibrated
- Its not programmable
Polder THM-515 Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer
This candy thermometer is made of stainless steel and claims to be long-lasting and simple to use. It has a clip for attaching to the edge of your pot as well as a steel handle. To use this candy thermometer, just place the thermometer into the candy mixture and read the temperature.
There is one disadvantage to using this candy thermometer: it is not always accurate. This inaccuracy undermines the aim of the finest candy thermometers in many ways, which is quite disheartening. While it is visually appealing, it is not the ideal solution for somebody who need absolute accuracy in their candy manufacturing.
You should also utilize this model’s handle with caution. Glass is brittle, and the stainless-steel edges may be jagged. Another disadvantage of this candy thermometer is that the numbers may easily wipe off.
Pros:
- Temperatures vary from 90 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Easy to read
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Features a useful handle and clip
Cons:
- Not always accurate
- Glass is fragile
Winco Candy Thermometer
Stainless steel or plastic have always been used to make the greatest candy thermometer. Instead of an LED display, conventional candy thermometers feature a glass tube along the center that is filled with liquid.
When you place the thermometer into the boiling candy, the liquid rises, and the numbers on the tube’s sides reveal the precise temperature.
For numerous generations, this ancient technique of monitoring temperature has been employed. Unlike digital candy thermometers, they do not need batteries and are often simpler to use.
The primary issue with this candy thermometer is that the numbers wipe off while in use. This is a major issue since the candy thermometer is rendered unusable after the numbers have been rubbed off.
Pros:
- Comes with a hanging loop and pot clip
- Made from stainless-steel
- Temperatures vary from 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons:
- Not very durable
- Doesnt come with a warranty
CDN DTC450 Digital Thermometer
Do you desire total control over the candy-making process? This is simple to perform with the CDN DTC450 Digital Thermometer. This thermometer has a huge display towards the top and a long metal probe with an adjustable clip.
Even those who have never made candy before will find the procedure simple thanks to our finest candy thermometer.
This is owing in part to the seven candy phases that may be pre-programmed. All you have to do is choose the candy stage you want, program it, and then wait for the candy thermometer to inform you when it is ready.
This is what makes it the ideal candy thermometer for fudge manufacturing. When you buy this thermometer, you will also get a five-year guarantee.
It’s worth noting that this thermometer is battery-powered, which isn’t an issue until the batteries fail during the candy-making process.
Pros:
- Auto shutoff
- Adjustable pot clip
- Large display
- Pre-programmed candy making stages
- Temperatures vary from 40 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons:
- The recalibration process can be tricky
- The batteries need to be replaced every so often
Kona Wireless Thermometer
Are you seeking for a more sophisticated candy thermometer? The Kona Wireless Thermometer employs cutting-edge technology to present you with something unique. This thermometer was created to be adaptable and useful for a number of activities.
This thermometer is ideal for multitaskers. All you have to do is place the probe into the candy mixture and then go about your business. You’ll receive consistent and reliable temperature readings supplied to the included remote control.
The remote has a wireless range of up to 150 feet. It also contains a backlight, which is useful for manufacturing sweets in low-light situations.
Those who have never used this kind of technology before may struggle to comprehend and operate this candy thermometer. Because, although this candy thermometer comes with instructions, they are not particularly clear.
Pros:
- Audible alerts
- Backlight feature
- Magnets keep the thermometer in place
- Can be used remotely
Cons:
- The directions for using this candy thermometer are unclear.
Wilton Candy Thermometer
This is the ideal candy thermometer if you want a multipurpose candy thermometer. This candy thermometer is intended to be used in a variety of ways and is simple to clean and use.
Because this is a classic candy thermometer, it does not need batteries or calibration. A hook at the top of the thermometer makes it simple to store when not in use.
The disadvantage of this thermometer is that it is not as long-lasting as you may expect. The glass bulb is very delicate and may break with repeated use. This is not only inconvenient, but also very hazardous.
Over time, the pan clip will become loose, and the printed numbers will fade. So, although this candy thermometer may perform well at first, it has a limited lifetime.
Pros:
- Temperatures vary from 60 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Hanging loop and pot clip
- Doesnt need to be calibrated
- No batteries required
Cons:
- The pot clip and glass bulb are very fragile
- The temperatures rub off easily
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Candy Thermometer
It is obvious that candy thermometers exist in a variety of forms and may be customized to appear and function differently. So, how do you determine which candy thermometer is right for you? Some of the factors to consider while purchasing the finest candy thermometer are listed below.
Accuracy
Buying a candy thermometer ensures reliable temperature readings, which is essential for creating candy. Most candy thermometers must be calibrated on a regular basis to obtain this degree of precision.
Digital thermometers do not need calibration as often as manual thermometers. The calibration procedure is quick and simple, but there is always the possibility that a mistake may occur or that the user will not notice that a thermometer has to be calibrated.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil to test the accuracy of your digital thermometer. If the thermometer is correct, it will register 212 degrees Fahrenheit when the water is boiling.
Digital or Analog?
Analog candy thermometers are less expensive and simpler to get than digital candy thermometers. They often use a glass tube filled with liquid that rises and falls to display the temperature of a liquid. They also need a few minutes to take your temperature.
Temperatures are read and displayed electronically using digital thermometers. The finest candy thermometer may be adjusted to a certain temperature and will beep when the candy mixture reaches that temperature. They may also have a number of features that you may tailor to your own needs.
When it comes to accuracy, functionality, and convenience of use, digital thermometers are the best choice. Another advantage of digital candy thermometers is that they do not need calibration as often as analog candy thermometers.
Probe and Handle
Traditional candy thermometers will have a pot clip for a hands-free temperature reading. You may connect the candy thermometer to the edge of the pot using the pot clip, and you can leave the thermometer in the pot while the candy mixture cooks.
However, you must consider if your pot distributes heat evenly. If not, make sure you have enough room to stir the candy mixture with your thermometer.
So, when purchasing an analog candy thermometer, make sure it has a long handle so you can stir the candy mixture without bringing your hands too near to the hot mixture.
Look for a long probe on the finest digital candy thermometer to assist you avoid the hot steam while stirring the candy mixture.
Calibration: Why, When, How
When a classic candy thermometer is heated, the liquid within the glass bulb expands and displays the current temperature of your combination. The liquid compresses as it cools. The volume of the bulb will change somewhat after a few heating and cooling cycles.
Furthermore, after obtaining a candy thermometer, verify that the calibration is correct to guarantee that the temperature readings are reliable. This applies to both analog and digital thermometers.
Depending on how often you use the thermometer, you should calibrate it weekly or monthly.
Do you need to add more thermometers to your culinary arsenal? Check out our guide to the best oven thermometer for your kitchen.
FAQs
What kind of thermometer is best for making candy?
Our Favorite Candy Thermometers
Overall winner: Thermometer, Williams Sonoma Easy Read.
Polder Candy Thermometer is the best buy.
KitchenAid Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer are the best clip-ons.
ThermaPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer is the best digital candy thermometer.
What is the best ThermoPro candy thermometer?
Our personal favorite. We adored the ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer for its ease of use; its incredibly user-friendly layout and features easily vaulted it to the top of our list.
What kind of thermometer gives the most accurate reading?
1. Thermometers that are digital. Digital thermometers are more sophisticated thermometers that deliver the most accurate readings when used appropriately. They are also simple to use, inexpensive, and widely accessible.
Is there a difference between a candy thermometer?
The temperature range of candy thermometers is wider.
Most candy thermometers may achieve temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas meat thermometers normally reach temperatures of approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is there a special thermometer for candy?
A candy thermometer can measure temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This long, slender thermometer is often used in the production of hard and soft sweets, such as brittle, pralines, toffee, fudge, and others.
What thermometer do professional chefs use?
Thermapen ONE by ThermoWorks
Cons: The price for a conventional thermometer is costly, and for the price, some chefs may expect additional functionality. Thermapen One is an improved version of the chef-favorite Thermapen MK4, and any cook will appreciate having this gadget in their front pocket.
What candy thermometer does Alton Brown use?
Alton Brown ThermoWorks Thermapen Digital Thermometers.
What thermometers do bakers use?
Timer for 30 seconds.
Thermometer for the oven.
50°C to 300°C Digital Oven Thermometer (DOT).
Cooking Thermometer and Timer from ChefAlarm.MinutesTimers and thermometers for bakers
Ray the MiniatureTemperature range: -50°C to 330°C.
Blue SuperFast Thermapen 3 Probe Thermometer.
Thermapen 3 Probe Thermometer in Red.
Digitized Hours
Is ThermoPro and ThermoWorks the same?
ThermoPro and ThermoWorks are well-known manufacturers that provide a variety of food and non-food thermometers. However, there are significant differences between them. ThermoPro digital meat thermometers often feature longer probes than ThermoWork.