Just like with anything that has to do with cooking, a thermometer is a vital tool in the candy-making process. Using a candy thermometer is important because even a slight change in temperature can be what turns your delicious candy into something completely inedible.
However, when it comes to choosing the best candy thermometer, it can be a difficult decision because of the various options available out there. There are also various factors to take into account when choosing one because not all are the same.
Candy thermometers are important in the candy-making process because an accurate reading of the temperature is needed for a successful attempt. As mentioned, a slight difference in the temperature can result in an unsuccessful batch of candy, wasting large amounts of sugar in the process.
By using a candy thermometer, you can avoid wasting ingredients and achieving the perfect batch in one go.
10 Best Candy Thermometers Reviews
1. Habor Digital Candy Thermometer
The Habor Digital Candy Thermometer is one of the best and most versatile candy thermometers on the market. It features a 4.7-inch probe that allows you to measure the temperature of your candy without the fear of getting burned. Its quick response allows you to see precise readings in 4 to 6 seconds, eliminating the guesswork out of your candy-making process.
It has a temperature range of 58 degrees to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal not just for candy making but also for other cooking purposes as well.
Pros
- Easy to use – simply stick it in and wait for the reading
- Precise readings
- Easy to see the display
- Long probe for accurate detection
- Wide temperature range
- Multi-purpose
- Dual reading options (Fahrenheit and Celsius)
Cons
- Doesn’t seem as sturdy
2. ThermoPro Digital Candy Thermometer
With a response time of 2 to 3 seconds, the ThermoPro Digital Candy Thermometer offers users a quick way to determine the temperature of their candy, with a high accuracy level. The 4-inch probe allows you to stick it all the way through and measure the temperature.
Its backlit display also allows for a clear reading of the temperature and other advanced features like the temperature lock and calibration feature make it one long-term investment for your candy-making process. It’s versatile as well, allowing you to use it for other purposes like cooking or baking.
To avoid accidents, its probe can be folded away and combined with its hook, allows for easy and convenient storage.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick response time
- Multi-purpose
- Advanced features like backlit display, temperature lock, and calibration
- Foldable probe
- Easy to store
Cons
- The plastic finish makes it slippery
3. Polder Stainless Steel Candy Thermometer
Made of rust-proof stainless steel, the Polder Candy Thermometer is a solid and durable analog candy thermometer that accurately measures your candy’s temperature. It features a pot clip attachment that allows it to be held in place on the pot which, combined with the insulated handle, allows you to measure the temperature safely.
It features a large and easy-to-read display with various zones to indicate the ideal temperature for each one. Moreover, the thermometer displays temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, allowing you to easily determine the temperature.
Aside from being easy and straightforward to use, it’s also easy to clean – just pop it in the dishwasher and wait. This makes it ideal for candy-making as well as other cooking tasks.
Pros
- Made from rust-proof stainless steel
- Solid and durable
- Safe for use
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Glass bulb at the bottom is unprotected
4. Taylor Precision Products Candy Thermometer
Featuring an all-stainless steel appearance, the Taylor Precision Candy Thermometer is a sleek kitchen tool that helps measure the temperature of your candy. Aside from this, its stainless steel construction makes it easy to clean, only needing a clean damp cloth to wipe off any dirt.
Furthermore, its 12-inch length and magnified display allow users to read the temperature without any problems. It has a display of both Celsius and Fahrenheit, making it easy for users to determine the temperature.
It features a clip-on design that allows users to easily secure it on the side of the pot and with its heat-resistant nylon handle, you can hold it without worries of getting burned.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Clear, magnified display
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Easy to clean
- Convenient clip-on design
- Heat-resistant handle for safe handling
Cons
- Too high for short pots
5. Defull Candy Thermometer
The Defull Candy Thermometer features a large display that features both Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures, allowing you to accurately gauge the temperature of your candy. It has a temperature range of 40 to 200 degrees Celsius or 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has a rust-proof all-stainless steel construction that is both solid and durable, ensuring that it lasts a long time. It features a clip attachment that allows you to secure it on the side of the pot while the heat-resistant handle allows you to hold it safely.
It has a loop for easy storage and hands-free usage and it’s dishwasher-safe nature allows you to easily clean it after each candy-making session.
Pros
- Double display of Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Clear display of temperature
- Clip attachments and loop for hands-free handling
- Dishwasher-safe nature that makes it easy to clean
- Easy to use and handle
Cons
- Not as accurate as of the others
6. OXO Good Grips Glass Candy Thermometer
The OXO Candy Thermometer features an all-glass design which allows you to see the temperature as you’re making candy and its large display allows you to do so from a safe distance. It also features markings for different types of candies, allowing you to know the optimal temperature for each and ensuring you don’t over- or undercook your candy.
It features an extra-long clip that makes it easy and convenient to attach to your pot and the rounded feet ensure it doesn’t scrape your pot as you do so. Though its primary purpose is for candy, it can also be used to measure the temperature of other types of liquids, especially oil when deep-frying.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- Sleek design
- Convenient measurement markings
- Dual display of both Fahrenheit and Celsius for increased accuracy
Cons
- Clip-on attachment doesn’t seem as sturdy
7. BBTO Stainless Steel Candy Thermometer
This 2-pack candy thermometer from BBTO comes with both a stainless steel candy thermometer as well as a glass sugar/jam thermometer. Both are made with highly sensitive temperature-sensing materials, ensuring the precision and reliability of your candy’s temperature readings.
Aside from that, the display is clear enough for easy reading and features markings for 6 temperature zones that allow you to accurately gauge the temperature of your candy, depending on its type. It has a temperature range of 100 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 to 200 degrees Celsius.
The thermometer’s all-stainless steel construction is made of rust-proof material that ensures its longevity and durability. It also features a pot clip attachment and an insulated handle for safe usage and handling.
Pros
- Durable and rust-proof stainless steel construction
- Clear and easy to read display
- Accurate and reliable readings
- Convenient and safe to use
Cons
- N/A
8. CDN Programmable Digital Candy Thermometer
This digital candy thermometer from CDN features seven pre-programmed settings for various types of candy as well as one multi-purpose setting which allows you to easily gauge the temperature of your candy and use it for other purposes as well.
Aside from that, it’s programmable so you can further adjust the temperature setting according to your needs.
The heat shield function of this thermometer allows its head to be protected from the intense heat of liquids, making it perfect for candy-making. It has a dual display of both Fahrenheit and Celsius, with a temperature range of 40 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other features include sound alert warnings when the temperature is 3 degrees away from the low temperature, during the specified range, as well as at the high end. When used for deep frying, it only alerts during the set temperature.
It also has a stainless steel clip that allows users to attach it to the pan, safely measuring the temperature.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Convenient stainless steel clip for safe handling
- Programmable features
- Sound alerts for easy monitoring
- Presets for easy usage
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The clip isn’t as sturdy
9. Winco Candy Thermometer
The Winco Candy Thermometer features a long 12-inch design which makes it easy for users to determine the temperature of their candy as it’s being made. It has a temperature range of 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 to 200 degrees Celsius which can be easily seen on the dual display of the thermometer.
Moreover, it features a hanging ring that allows it to be easily stored after use and a pot clip for securely attaching it to the pot, allowing you to measure the temperature without having to get close.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Dual display
- Long and clear display for easier reading
- Hanging loop for easy storage
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can only be used for large batches of candy
10. Good Cook Classic Candy Thermometer
This classic candy thermometer from Good Cook features a glass construction and a display that can measure temperatures from 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 to 200 degrees Celsius. The dual display makes it easy to gauge the temperature of your candy.
It also features an easy to lift clip that allows you to secure it to the side of your pot, allowing it to accurately measure the temperature. It also comes with a sheath that details the ideal temperature for various candies and dishes – something that can come useful during the candy-making process.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Classic and sleek design
- Easy to lift clip for security
- Comes with a protective sheath with helpful details
Cons
- Not as accurate as of the others
Buying Guide
When buying a candy thermometer, you need to take into account a couple of aspects as this can determine the effectiveness of it in creating the perfect batch of candy.
Accuracy of Measurement
Because the right temperature is vital to successfully create candy, the candy thermometer you use needs to be as accurate in measuring the temperature as possible. Otherwise, your candy-making process will fail.
Another reason why this is important because thermometers need regular calibration to assure their accuracy. One way to check if your candy thermometer is accurate is to boil water and check what temperature it’s measuring. It should read around 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius as that’s the boiling point of water.
Electronic thermometers are less prone to going off track compared to guide thermometers. So, they’ll need more recalibration than their electronic counterparts.
Candy thermometers should have a range of around 100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type of Candy Thermometer
There are two types of candy thermometers: digital and analog.
- Analog thermometers are less expensive and are more common than digital ones. These thermometers can be made of either glass or metal and contain mercury which goes up and down to indicate the temperature. Moreover, they require a few minutes to settle and get the exact reading.
- Digital thermometers, on the other hand, uses a digital display to show the temperature and provides a higher level of accuracy in measuring temperatures. Some more advanced models have features that alert you when it hits specific temperatures. These thermometers are often more expensive than their analog counterparts.
FAQs Of The Best Candy Thermometer
Can I use a regular meat thermometer for making candy?
- It highly depends on the thermometer but generally, yes, you can use a meat thermometer for candy-making as long as the temperature reading is high enough.
What is the difference between a candy thermometer and a meat thermometer?
- A candy thermometer generally can measure higher temperatures than meat thermometers as melted sugar is hotter than steaks. Using a meat thermometer on melted sugar may result in its damage if it’s not capable of handling higher temperatures.
How can I calibrate my candy thermometer?
- You can do so by measuring a boiling pot of water. If the reading is 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit, then it’s accurate.
Conclusion
A candy thermometer is a must-have if you want to create the perfect batch of candies without wasting a large amount of sugar.
Candy thermometers are relatively inexpensive so investing in one won’t burn a hole in your pocket but having one can make a huge difference in your candy-making process. After all, a slight difference in temperature can be the difference between your perfect candy and a hot gooey mess.