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Best Candy Thermometer Reviews 2024 – Top 5 Picks

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A candy thermometer is a type of thermometer that measures the stage and temperature of a sugar solution during the cooking process.

That being said, a well-made candy thermometer will help you to achieve the right temperature for making your candies and avoid wasting large batches of sugar because you overcooked it.

It is also known by other names like jam thermometer, meat thermometer, sugar thermometer…

These thermometers are quite similar to the meat thermometers that we use in the barbeque or oven.

The only exception is that they are actually set to measure higher ranges of temperature.

5 Best Candy Thermometer Reviews 2024

1 – Harbor Instant Read Thermometer

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If you want a digital cooking thermometer that does a whole lot of things besides your daily use in candy making process, then the Harbor Instant Read Thermometer is probably your best pick.

This handy thermometer will not only measure your candy sugar syrup but it also works efficiently well for other types of kitchen cooking like fry, milk, food, smoked meat, grill, bbq, yogurt, cheese, pastries, bread, dessert making, beverages, etc.

Instant Temperature Reading With Accuracy

This thermometer has a step down tip for design in order to give a faster temperature reading.

You can read the temperature in as fast as 4-6 seconds but this does not affect the accuracy of the temperature. This is also great for preventing salmonella in meat that is undercooked.

Efficiently Long Probe

This model is a stainless steel probe in food grade measuring 4.7 inches long which is quite tall for a digital thermometer.

This will prevent you from burning your hands in the cooking pot. You can also use it in ovens or detect core temperatures of your roast meat.

Ease Of Use

Not only it’s the most accurate candy thermometer, but also it is pretty simple and straight forward.

All you have to do is insert the probe and get the temperature reading in less than 5 seconds. Since it has a protective sheath, you can also use it outdoors or store it in your drawer alongside other items.

All-Purpose Use

With a temperature reading of -58 degree Fahrenheit to 572 degree Fahrenheit, you can use it for a whole load of other things besides making perfect candies like hot oil, dessert, roasting, grilling, etc.

PROS

  • Gives accurate temperature and easy to read
  • Offers both Celsius and Fahrenheit
  • Hanging loop
  • Comes along with batteries

CONS

  • Too long for smaller pots
  • Not too easy to take it out from the protective sheath

2 – CDN DTC450 Digital Cooking Pre-Programmed & Programmable Thermometer

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Candy making is a serious business and the difference of just one degree has the potential to make or break the recipe of your candy.

Get the precise temperature with DTC450 Pre-programmable & programmable digital thermometer by CDN.

All Purpose Temperature Setting

This thermometer does more than help you read the temperature of your candy sugar syrup.

The dual progress feature will give out an alarm warning during, before and at important temperatures during your candy making process.

Precise Temperature Setting

It comes with 7 pre programmable settings to help you monitor at each candy making stage.

It also has a setting for all-purpose temperatures. You can get a reading between -40 to 450 f (-40 to 232 c).

Timely Alerts

This one is a keeper for the warning alerts. This will sound alert warnings at 3 degrees Fahrenheit.

You will also get alerts before, during and also when the temperature reaches the end of the high. For deep frying, it will only sound once at the preset temperature.

Easy To Read & Use

You can easily attach the thermometer to the pan with the help of the adjustable clip made of stainless steel. This means you can clip it and go about your business without worrying about burning your sugar syrup.

Secure Features

You do not have to worry about damaging the thermometer head with hot liquid because it has a heat shield for protection. The device will also shut off automatically in one hour even if you forget to do it.

PROS

  • Pre-programmed seven candy making stages
  • Different alert for every stage
  • It can handle very high temperatures (40-450 degree Fahrenheit)
  • Large display for easy reading and adjustable clip made of stainless steel

CONS

  • It is a little on the expensive side
  • Cannot operate without batteries

3 – Polder Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer

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If you want something that is easy to use and durable, then this candy deep fry thermometer is your perfect pick.

You can easily dump it in the dishwasher for cleaning and still use it for years on end since it is made of rust proof and durable stainless steel.

Easy Temperature Reading

This device is huge! It measures 15 inches in total length and the unit is printed with large sized temperature zones so you can get an easy reading of the temperature.

The measurements range from 30 – 200 degrees Celsius and comes in Fahrenheit readings as well.

Quick Readings

This device definitely is meant for ease of use. The “shortcut” readings feature 6 temperature stages like Hard Crack, Soft Crack, Hard Ball, Soft Ball, Thread, and Deep Fry.

Versatile Clip

This candy deep fry thermometer has a clip attached to the device so you can attach it to the side of the pot to avoid sliding it down to the bottom. The device may be big but you can still use it in smaller pots by simply sliding the clip up or down the device for a snug fit.

Insulated HandleThe device comes with insulated handle so you won’t have to burn your hands every time you touch it. The only downside is that since the handle is made of plastic, you should avoid using it in the oven.

PROS

  • Clip attached to hold to the side of your pot
  • Clip can slide up and down thermometer according to depth of pot
  • Extensive range of temperature
  • Can be calibrated

CONS

  • Not suitable for small pots
  • Glass seems brittle

4 – Winco Deep Fry/Candy Thermometer

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If you want a candy deep fry thermometer that does all that is expected of an analog thermometer and a little something extra, then the Winco Deep Fry thermometer with hanging ring is your perfect choice.

Size

It comes with 7 extra inches of pure stainless steel stem. It makes it easier for you to make large batches of candy, and use it in deep oil frying pots or large sized meats.

Waterproof

This is one of the few analog thermometer devices that is waterproof. You can dip it in the hottest oil pot and it will still work properly.

High Range Temperature Reading

This heavy duty candy deep fry thermometer can gauge temperature readings from 100 to 500 degree Fahrenheit

Safety Features

Considering it is meant for heavy duty work, the manufacturers have also made high provisions for safety. It comes with a metal clip to attach to the side of the pot. This way you won’t have to risk yourself repeatedly going near the hot candy syrup or oil.

Stand Out Features

Besides begin a great simple device with all the workings of a reliable thermometer, it also offers some great stand out features like the top hanging loop, large size, built-in pot clip, anti-steam glass material, insta-read settings, etc.

PROS

  • Easy to use and light weight
  • Great for commercial use since it is heavy duty
  • Sturdy built
  • Makes for an elite equipment for restaurants

CONS

  • Not suitable for small candy making projects
  • Too big

5 – Wilton Candy Thermometer

If you want a precision temperature measuring device to make hard candy, fudge, nougat, etc, then the Wilton candy thermometer is a great pick.

The bulb of the thermometer is securely held to avoid touching the side of the pot so that you can get precise temperature readings.

Sturdy Features

The Wilton thermometers are popular for their adherence to factory standards and solid construction.

You can use it for years on end and still have an exceptionally functioning device.

Lasting Temperature Reading

This steel thermometer has all the readings right on the face so you can easily read the temperature. Also, the numbers printed on the device are fade-free and will stay there as long as you use it.

Secure From Rough Handling

You can wash it regularly with washing detergents and yet the color of the thermometer as well as the print on it will not budge an inch! Since the body is stainless steel, the device also stays durable and leak-free even with rough handling.

Easy To Read & Use

The device comes with an adjustable clip right at the base so you can use it in any size of pot. The black handle attached to it also functions as an insulator to protect your hands from accidental burning. You can also easily store it with the handle.

PROS

  • Affordable price
  • Easy temperature reading with the help of a red medium
  • Durable stainless to handle high temperature range
  • Includes recipes

CONS

  • Cannot be programmed
  • Needs to be calibrated regularly

Why Do You Need an Accurate Candy Thermometer

Candy making does not leave any room for mistakes. If you overcook the sugar, there is no other option but to start with a new batch of sugar. And to add to that, sugar gets cooked real fast – it will burn in the blink of an eye if you don’t pay close attention.

So even if you are an expert candy maker, you still need an accurate candy thermometer. Candy making involves strict rules and there is simply no other variations to it. The level of temperature of your sugar solution plays a vital role. A reliable, good thermometer is a must for this. 

Features To Look For When Buying Candy Thermometer

Some important thing to keep in mind when you purchase one:

• Are you going to use it just for your candy making or for other processes as well?

• What type of pot do you use for your candy making?

Choose one that can safely touch the bottom of your pot and is long enough for you to read the temperature on your device.

• Do you prefer digital or analog?

Digital thermometers usually have additional features and benefits. However, the analog ones are basic but perform just as well in measuring the temperature with accuracy.

• Do you prefer glass or metal candy thermometers?

If you are clumsy or have kids at home than metal would be a better choice because glass is fragile and is more prone to breaking as compared to metal candy thermometers. However, that is the only difference there is between the two.

If you want the right candy thermometer for your needs, answering these seemingly basic questions are very important. It will help you narrow down your search to the right one.

The Different Types Of Candy Thermometers

There are so many variations to the digital and analog candy thermometers. They either come in glass or metal casing and all have its own share of “pros” and “cons.”

1 – Analog Thermometers

Analog thermometers will usually have spirit or mercury that reacts to the heat. It will then rise up the thermometer tube and give you the temperature reading on the scale or the dial.

2 – Digital Thermometers

You can read the temperature through a digital display. These digital cooking thermometers usually higher level of accuracy.

3 – Glass Thermometers

Glass thermometers are usually tube shaped with a clip attached to it.

4 – Metal Thermometers

Most metal thermometers have around 7 -8 inch probes.

My Favourite Candy Thermometer is …

Candy making is a precision process. The difference of just one temperature will make or break your candy recipe.

Unless you have been making candies for years on end, you need the aid of a precise digital candy thermometer to give you the right temperature readings.

You will get this handy device in any baking supply store. Get a simple one if you make candies only once in a year.

If you are doing it almost on a regular basis then you need something with all the fancy trappings.

The Harbor Instant-read Candy Thermometer is one versatile choice that fits both the regular candy maker as well as the ones who only make it once or twice a year.

It is basic and simple, yet it does not miss out on all the latest technological innovations. I mean… who would pass up on a device that lets you read the temperature in under 5 seconds!

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