6 replies to this topic

[sugarhill]

this may be a dumb question... then again maybe not... so here goes...

do the infrared thermometers work on sugar syrups... like when you are making a buttercream, for example? is it truly just a matter of swirling the sugar rather than just measuring the bubbly surface?

this was the reason why i hesitated to buy one but then i wound up finding one for $25. my candy thermometer doesn't work unless i tilt the sugar to the side of my pot and even then i have to flip the thermometer upside down. a minor annoyance but i'll use any excuse to buy a new toy!

any other drawbacks i should know about?

[Darcie B]

I have used an IR thermometer side by side with my regular thermometer and have found that the readings from the surface do differ from the internal readings. I have also learned, however, that the readings are different consistently, so can use the IR thermometer but know that the temps are different by about 7-8 degrees for the caramels I frequently make (I stir right before reading). I would use both for a recipe (PITA, I know) and see if the results are the same or if not, what the differences are. It sure is easier to use the IR thermometer; no worries about the probe being in deep enough, knocking it over while stirring, etc.

I just love cooking toys and ordered the Williams-Sonoma Thermometer whisk just for this type of thing. They are on clearance right now for $13.99 so hurry before they are gone!

[Tweety69bird]

I just ordered my whisk! YAY!

[WHT]

Because the IR unit only sees surface temp it is almost useless to use cooking. Just sturing the item will not provide a good reading.

[Melanger]

The IR thermometers can be a problem in cooking sugar because the surface is not still, so the temperature inside the bubbles rising to the surface can be different than the actual temperature of the rest of the sugar mass. Still, they are pretty nifty gadgets and nothing beats the lack of clean up!

[sugarhill]

i love my little wonder tool, but alas it is virtually useless for cooking. however $25 later i can now verify the temp of my old, old oven where low is about 350 degrees

[Tweety69bird]

i love my little wonder tool, but alas it is virtually useless for cooking.  however $25 later i can now verify the temp of my old, old oven where low is about 350 degrees 

Would you mind sharing where you found the IR thermometer for $25?
Thanks!!