The 8 Best Candy Thermometers in 2020

"Candy thermometer," a very known kitchen instrument for someone who loves to cook. The name might indicate only candies, which is actually a sensitive thing to make, but it can also be used to cook meat, making cakes, or any type of dessert items. So, for this, you definitely want the best candy thermometer on the market. But it is always difficult to get the best one for the purpose. Especially when you are experts in a specific field, like in baking or making chocolates or making steaks, etc. As a result, the standard of best candy thermometer can vary from person to person. This whole article will help you with choosing the best one for your individual purpose or an all-rounder performance. The article includes all the best-reviewed and used products which you will get in detail form along with the basic things to consider while buying a candy thermometer will also be there.

WHAT IS A CANDY THERMOMETER EXACTLY?

A candy thermometer is simply a thermometer that is used to measure the temperature and the stage of your sugar syrup solution during the candy making process. When making candy, you need to achieve the right temperature. These thermometers are also commonly known as a deep fryer thermometer, sugar thermometer, and even jam thermometer. They are very similar to meat thermometers too. However, candy thermometers have been calibrated to reach much higher temperatures as needed for candy making. Several multipurpose thermometers are available on the market as well, so you can have a device that measures a range of things in addition to your candy, including meat, breads, and other liquids. So, without further ado, let's take a look at some of the best candy thermometers in 2020.

Quick Comparison Between The Best Candy Thermometers

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1. Gourmia GTH9185 Digital Spatula Thermometer Cooking & Candy Temperature

Highlighted Features

• SILICONE SPATULA WHICH IS REMOVABLE
• DIGITAL DISPLAY
• 3 in one (spatula, temperature reader and stirrer)
• BPA free
• safe for food
• Can be used while cooking, grilling and reading internal temperature

If you love to cook then you definitely know the importance of a candy thermometer. Whether it's a dessert item or a main course dish it is very important to know the correct temperature at the correct time for making the best dish. This particular thermometer is in a spatula shape which makes it possible to get the exact temperature. Besides being a thermometer you can also use it as only a spatula by removing the thermometer from it. Yes, you read it right the spatula is detachable. The candy thermometer is made of 100% food grade ABS plastic and silicone, which is said to be one of the best for the purpose. It doesn't melt in heat neither does bend and it is said to be healthy to use for the particular purpose of measuring temperature by touching the food. Not only it doesn't bend, but also it doesn't let the food stick with it. That is, it's a non-stick stirrer. The temperature is shown on a display with just a click. It is as simple as that. The grip of the spatula come thermometer is also comfortable and definitely, the handle is not on- stick. The handle is designed ergonomically with a good grip so that it doesn't slip off the hand.

PROS

• PRECISE MEASUREMENT
• EASY TO USE
• ONE CLICK RESULT
• LCD SCREEN

CONS

• MIGHT TAKE TO ACCUMULATE RESULT

2. Polder THM-515 Stainless Steel Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer

Highlighted Features

• Temperature Range: 90°F to 400°F (30°C to 200°C)
• well DESIGNED
• HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL
• EASY USAGE
• PRECISE MEASUREMENT
• SAFE TO USE
• EASY TO CLEAN

Polder is a well-known brand which has been producing one of the best quality household items for a long time. If you are regular with buying housewares then you definitely have something in your kitchen of the polder. This candy thermometer polder THM-515 is one of the kitchenware which is popular among many consumers or cooking enthusiasts. The reasons behind it being so popular are many, starting from its temperature measuring capability to being safe to water and rust. It is very easy to use this candy thermometer without any risk of spoiling the food or damaging the thermometer itself. It is built from high-quality materials on which you can rely 100%, at a very affordable price as well.

PROS

• EASY USING
• QUICK READING
• AFFORDABLE
• STAINLESS STEEL
• PRINTED TEMPERATURE ZONE
• SAFE FOR WASHING
• INSULATED HANDLE

CONS

• LARGE IN SIZE

3. Winco Deep Fry/Candy Thermometer

Highlighted Features

• pot clip present
• hanging loop present
• range: 100-400 degree F
• affordable
• can be used while frying and making candy

The Winco candy thermometer is the best one for amateur cooks. It is both affordable and efficient. The thermometer is specialized in taking the temperature of candy making and frying food as well. It has a long range of temperature that is why there is no need to worry about the high-temperature hazard. The device has a large display, in which the result can be read with clarity. Since the range is very wide, you can easily understand in what temperature the candy will remain soft/hard. Another advantage with this thermometer is that there is no need to hold it with your hand because there is a clip of it which you can attach to the pot. The device is very much affordable, even for an amateur

PROS

• TEMPERATURE RANGE IS LONG
• POT CLIP PRESENT
• CONVENIENT
• ACCURATE

CONS

• MARKS FADES AWAY AFTER A CERTAIN TIME

4. Wilton Candy Thermometer

Highlighted Features

• RANGE: 60- 400 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT
• EASY TO READ DISPLAY
• GOOD DISPLAY
• FAST
• BUILT WITH GREAT MATERIAL
• SAFE TO USE
• STAINLESS
• DURABLE

This is one of the accurate thermometers on the list. It is not as quick as The Flash but not slow either. On average it takes a bit longer than the other ones but it shows the most accurate readings than any other models. All over it is an excellent one to choose from the list. It falls into the medium budget as well. It also has a wide range of temperature, so it doesn't matter how hot the food is on the stove, you won't have to worry about the breakage of the thermometer. This thermometer lets you cook anything your heart wants with the most precise reading.

PROS

• Easy to read
• Wide range of temperature
• made with sturdy metal
• No batteries

CONS

• Plastic handle

5. CDN DTC450 Digital Pre-Programmed & Programmable Candy Thermometer

Highlighted Features

• BEST FOR HIGH TEMPERATURES
• LARGE DISPLAY
• GOOD LENGTH STEEL
• STAINLESS
• ADJUSTABLE CLIP
• DUAL PROGRESS DISPLAY
• AUDIBLE ALERT
• Temperature range: -40 to 450 F/ -40 to 232 C
• 2 BATTERIES NEEDED AND INCLUDED
• AUTO SHUT OFF AFTER 1 HOUR
• 5 YEAR WARRANTY
• NON-MERCURIC COLUMN

You know it very well that when you are up to desserts all the guessing games for ingredients should stop right away? While making desserts any type of guesses is useless. This candy thermometer will help you to get rid of the guesses and teach you how to create that delicious dessert food knowing the correct temperature and then maintaining all other instructions precisely. Starting with its built materials, the probe of this candy thermometer is made up of stainless steel and the quality assurance level is up to that it can tolerate temperature up to 450 F. Though I only mentioned dessert items in the beginning but you will be able to use it for any purpose, whether it's sweet, spicy or sour. This candy thermometer is powerful and waterproof. You can use it by hanging or in case you want to do some other stuff at the same time then you can clip it on the cooking bowl. The advantage is that it has a sound alert system as well. You will be well informed if you are not constantly waiting for the correct temperature to reach.

PROS

• WATERPROOF
• 2 WAY CLIPS
• STAINLESS
• DURABLE STEEL

CONS

• The clip doesn't hold well

6. Norpro Candy Thermometer

Highlighted Features

• Ranges from 100-400 degrees Fahrenheit
• Adjustable clip
• Measures 6-1/2 inches
• Stainless steel
• Analog thermometer

This is an analog thermometer that is stainless steel and measures approximately 9 inches long with a 5.75-inch stem. It features a metal clip that allows you to easily clip the thermometer onto the side of your pot. This cooking thermometer is also adjustable so you can easily get the probe tip to reach the bottom of the pot you are using so you can reach your desired temperature. It is very well made and incredibly easy to use and to read. It has both Fahrenheit and Celsius readings available on its measuring scale. The temperature range is between 100 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. So, it is capable of reaching those higher temperatures you need during the candy making process. It is also easy to clean, which is always a plus. Simply place the candy thermometer into hot water to let the sugar residue dissolve. Avoid placing it in your dishwasher, though. It is hand wash only.

PROS

• Easy to read
• EASY TO USE
• Easy to clean
• Adjustable clip
• Durable stainless steel

CONS

• The stem isn't long enough for larger pots

7. Farberware Protek Candy and Deep Fry Glass Thermometer

Highlighted Features

• GLASS TUBE
• TAKES TIME TO MEASURE
• CLIP FOR HOLD
• ACCURATE
• MAGNETS AT THE BACK
• HAND WASH NEEDED
• NOT WATER RESISTANT

Farberware thermometer is the analog glass tube thermometer on the list which comes with the clip and has a length of 11.8". The length might be perfect for some user or can also be large for some. The clips come handy but need to be careful while using it. It has a wide temperature range. But one drawback is that it is not digital that is why reading would be a little stressful with all those smoke and vapors. It is better not to dip it in water though, not a water resistant one like the others on the list. It is durable, but it is made of glass, so you should be extra careful about it all the time. It is not expensive and has an accuracy of what a thermometer should have.

PROS

• not expensive
• holding is easy
• Range: 100-400 F

CONS

• FRAGILE

8. CIA Masters Collection Candy/Deep Fry Thermometer

Highlighted Features

• LARGE DIAL
• STAINLESS
• STEEL PROBE
• NSF CERTIFIED
• POT CLIP PRESENT
• NUT AND WRENCH FOR CALIBRATION
• LIFETIME WARRANTY

This one is last on the list but not the least for sure. Because it has all the mixture of features to be a fan edition thermometers of all types of chefs. Though it is most efficient for cooking sweet items it can also be used for frying items. The easy to read dial helps the user to see the measurement easily. It doesn't get foggy as a result it is one of the best to use during the cooking time. The durability of the thermometer is tested and certainly, it is good and the stainless probe used is very safe to use in or on food items. The probe is perfect for all types of users and the accuracy of the measurement is without any complaint till now.

PROS

• durable
• NSF certified
• large dial
• precise
• good size probe

CONS

• bit expensive

Types of Candy thermometer

Digital Candy Thermometer

This type of thermometer is best for anything. It is fast, and the way of showing the result is also helpful, which is on display. These types of thermometers usually show the results instantly without wasting much time (usually within 10 seconds).

Dial Candy Thermometer

These thermometers are like old school ones. It takes a bit longer than digital thermometers to show the result (usually 20 seconds). Since you will be getting the results through reading the dial, there is a little chance of not getting a 100% accurate reading. An analog thermometer may contain mercury or something else that will react to the heat and move through the thermometer to provide the reading. An analog thermometer is often the more affordable choice; however, it can take longer to get an accurate temperature reading.

Infrared Candy Thermometer

This one is the fastest thermometer, which requires only 1 second to give you the result. This type of thermometer functions using the infrared ray to measure the temperature, but because it is faster, it doesn't mean it shows the accurate result. You will get better accuracy with the first two mentioned above.

Oven Candy Thermometer

The oven or grill thermometers can be used inside the oven for keeping track of temperatures, whether it's for preheating or anything else. These thermometers are heat resistant, and it is best for the ones who work, especially with the oven or baking.

Frying/ Candy Thermometer

If you want a thermometer for candy making, then you should consider the special ones for this purpose; usually, it is mentioned in the description. In our reviews, the ones specialized for candy making are mentioned. Because the regular thermometers are capable of resisting a specific range of heat, whereas, in candy making, the use of high heat is important along with the best accuracy.

Glass Thermometers

These thermometers usually have a tube shape and a clip. The clip allows the thermometer to easily attach to the pot you are working with, and it will stay there during the cooking process. Many glass thermometers have a protective casing around them to help prevent breakage and to prevent the glass from touching the side of the pot directly. Some also have a metal backing that offers temperature settings for the different stages of heat you need during the candy making process.

Metal Thermometer

A metal thermometer often comes equipped with a probe of between 7 and 8 inches long. An analog metal thermometer has a round face for an easy to accomplish temperature reading as well as a clip to attach the thermometer to the pot. Digital metal thermometers, on the other hand, have a case display that shows the temperature reading along with a metal probe that can reach the bottom of the pot.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING THE BEST CANDY THERMOMETER

Screen

The one which is digital thermometers has a display, on which the result is shown. I personally recommend digital thermometers with a display. It becomes easy to read the results, and those are usually more accurate than any other. The one with the dials are a bit hard to read, even being accurate, there remains a possibility to misread the result.

Balance

It is very important to balance or calibrate a thermometer before each time it is used. There always remains a possibility of the wrong result if the thermometer is not balanced well before using it. So, it is better to buy one with this option. This option is always available with the dial ones. It may not be available in a digital thermometer.

Built material

The build materials for a candy thermometer are vital. First, it is related to our food, so it needs to be food grade. The material must be heat resistant and should never react in heat. Otherwise, the food will become contaminated with the properties of the materials. Another issue is rusting, but most of the candy thermometers on the market use glass on the front and metal in the back. Between which a probe is set to take the temperature.

CALIBRATING A CANDY THERMOMETER

Regular calibration is needed for both analog and digital candy thermometers. Without this regular calibration, you will find that the accuracy of the temperature readings is less than ideal. It might also be good to keep in mind that many find that digital thermometers are much more reliable for a longer period of time when compared to analog thermometers. To calibrate a candy thermometer, place it in freezing or boiling water. It can then be manually adjusted as long as this option is available. If you can't calibrate your thermometer, then you will have to purchase a new one to ensure more accurate temperature readings. Many people find the boiling water method to be easier because you have a temperature to base it off of. We might not always have a close to accurate reading for freezing water. When using the boiling water method, you must refrain from completely submerging the thermometer into the water because there is a high chance of it breaking.

CONCLUSION

For the candy makers, a candy thermometer is like Pokemon cards, always buying new ones and always comparing the new ones with the old ones. One gets better than the other ones from years to years. Candy thermometers can be used to measure temperatures of another cooking item as well.But you should choose the best candy thermometer with durability, which can sustain the temperature that you are going to use your temperature into. Along with that, if you are up to only candy making, then you should choose the one specialized for that. At the same time, you may also want to use it for several cooking items. If this is the case, then choose according to your preferences and what you will be doing.