A meat thermometer is a kitchen tool designed to measure the internal temperature of cooked meat to ensure optimal doneness and food safety. Last year, research conducted by Foodsafe found that 45% of people said that not knowing when meat was thoroughly cooked was the hardest part of cooking, with 43% admitting that they’ve burnt meat on the outside while it is still raw on the inside.
They also found that fewer than 20% of people own a meat thermometer while only around 16% of those claim to actually use it. Stevie Cheape, Head Chef at online butchers, Campbells Prime Meat said every meat-eating household should own a meat thermometer: “Whether you're preparing a succulent roast, a perfectly seared steak, or delicate poultry, a meat thermometer ensures consistency, and that is the foundation of what can take an average cook to a seasoned one.”
He said: “Using a thermometer allows you to achieve perfect timing effortlessly, without fail. You'll know exactly when your meat is done, avoiding undercooking or leaving it on the heat for too long, which not only ensures that your meat is consistently cooked to a high standard but also helps you avoid the risk of food poisoning."
Precision in the kitchen
Meat thermometers are the key to achieving consistent, restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your home. As Chef Stevie Cheape puts it, "A meat thermometer guarantees perfect doneness every time, preventing dry, overcooked meat.
By knowing the exact temperature certain cuts need to cook until means you have fewer things to worry about, making the cooking process less stressful and the flavours more precise."Less Guesswork
No more uncertain, anxiety-ridden cooking. He points out, "Each meat has its ideal internal temperature. A thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking for a diverse range of dishes."Reduced Stress
Stevie mentions, "Using a meat thermometer can make the cooking experience less stressful, allowing you to feel more relaxed in the kitchen. You have one less thing to worry about, so you can concentrate on refining other elements of a dish, ultimately enhancing your culinary skills overall.”Food Safety
Besides enhancing flavour and texture, meat thermometers play a pivotal role in ensuring food safety. Cheape highlights, "Using a thermometer ensures that meat reaches a safe internal temperature, reducing the risk of undercooked or overcooked meat, making it safer to consume.”
What if you don't have a meat thermometer? While Chef Stevie Cheape firmly advocates the use of meat thermometers, he has also provided some tips for those without one:
Touch Method
“The touch method can be helpful," Cheape notes. "Poke the meat, and it should feel different for rare, medium, or well-done. However, this method requires practice, as you need to compare the resistance of the meat to the palm of your hand or the sensation in your fingertips to gauge its doneness.”Timer
"This one is obvious but use a timer for approximate cooking times and be aware that it's less accurate as times can differ depending on the size of your meat," Cheape warns. This method is ideal for those who don't want to make any cuts in their meat.Visual Clues
Lastly, Cheape advises looking for visual cues. "Watch for browning, juices running clear, or the flesh turning opaque," he suggests. While not foolproof, these visual indicators can guide you.
Stevie suggests buying a meat thermometer or an oven that is fitted with one. If you’re interested in cooking the perfect steak, visit Campbells Meat.
