Candy thermometer

A candy thermometer, also known as a sugar thermometer, is a thermometer used to measure the temperature and therefore stage of a cooking sugar solution. It is similar to a meat thermometer except that it can read higher temperatures (usually 400 degrees Fahrenheit/200 degrees Celsius or more). Like a meat thermometer, there are several different kinds of candy thermometers available. These include traditional liquid thermometers, coil spring "dial" thermometers and digital thermometers. The digital thermometers tend to read the temperature more quickly and accurately, and some models have an alarm when the thermometer hits a certain temperature. Many models have markers for the various stages of sugar cooking. Please see Candy (the USA term for Sugar and sugary confectionery) for a description of the various stages of sugar cooking. Candy/Sugar thermometers are also used to measure hot oil for deep frying. A meat thermometer can also be used in place of a candy/sugar thermometer.