Grill thermometers – analogue or digital?
21.4.2017
Generally speaking, there are two types of thermometers: analogue and digital. Nowadays, there are also thermometers with remote monitoring and/or app functions to notify you when your meat has reached the desired temperature. To help you find the right grill thermometer, we've compiled a list of the most important tips.
Cooked on the outside and raw on the inside is now a thing of the past. With a little help from a grill thermometer, any amateur chef can now cook a joint or steak to perfection. Read on to get a brief overview of the differences between the various thermometer types.
Analogue Thermometers
Classic analogue meat thermometers consist solely of a tapered probe and a round temperature display.
Alongside analogue grill thermometers, which only display the core temperature of the food, there are also meat thermometers that monitor the temperature of the cooking chamber. They are either completely placed in the oven or on the grill along with the meat.
Advantages of Analogue Meat Thermometers:
- sturdy and fireproof
- cheaper than digital devices
The disadvantage of analogue devices is their ambiguous temperature display. However, this does not mean significant temperature fluctuations – readings normally fluctuate by just 1 ° C to 2 ° C. You should monitor the temperature display until the desired temperature is reached.
Digital Thermometers
Digital thermometers are ideal for achieving more accurate measurements. Like their analogue cousins, digital meat thermometers have long probes that must be inserted into the centre of the piece of meat. The cable, which is suspended from the grill or oven, is fireproof and connects the probe to a digital measurement and display unit.
Advantages of Digital Thermometers:
- precise measurement of the temperature, even right up to the decimals
- flexibility thanks to remote operation
- alarm function to ensure that you take the meat out at the right time
In comparison to analogue thermometers, digital thermometers are more sensitive but also more expensive. Though the cable is flexible, allowing it to be easily clamped in the oven door or grill hood, the measuring unit itself is not heatproof. What's more, there are often issues with the remote feature. If you're planning to buy a digital meat thermometer, it's important to look for one with a high quality standard – otherwise, you might be looking at a one-way product.
Radio Thermometers
The operating principle of a radio grill thermometer is relatively simple: a needle and a receiver communicate with each other by means of radio transmission. The probe is inserted into the meat for the entire grilling process and sends the current temperature to the receiver; however, the transmission range is different depending on the manufacturer. With a radio thermometer, the person in charge of the grill can devote themselves to their guests without running the risk of the meat becoming charred. They can simply carry the end device with them and use it to know when the food has reached the desired temperature.
Thermometers with Apps
Thermometers with an app function are just one of the genius inventions of our technologically advanced times. Using Bluetooth or a cable, the thermometer can be connected to your mobile device. the corresponding temperature is then shown on the smartphone display. The additional device is a probe sensor that fulfils the same requirements as a grill thermometer, while the free app on your mobile device indicates when your food has reached the preset temperature.
Madeleine Bello
Senior Brand Communications Manager
Madeleine.Bello@digitecgalaxus.chI draw inspiration and energy from nature – whether I'm hiking, skiing in the mountains or travelling to new places. I also have a passion for photography, music, TV series and good food.