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Use and Care of KitchenAid Thermometers
How to Use and Care for Your KitchenAid Kitchen Thermometers
KitchenAid® offers a full collection of analog and digital thermometers designed to take the guesswork out of your cooking and baking. They are durable, simple to operate, and precision-calibrated for impeccable results every time. With proper care, KitchenAid® thermometers will stand up to everyday use for a long time.
How to Get the Most Accurate Temperature Readings
To get an accurate reading, place the food thermometer in the thickest part of the food without touching bone, fat, or gristle. For analog thermometers, it is best to insert 1½ inches into the center of the food. For thinner foods, insert into the side as close to the middle as possible. For digital thermometers, 1 inch is sufficient to get a good reading. See images for recommendations based on food type.
| Protein/Food Type | Suggestion | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Meat |
Be sure meat is entirely thawed to the center before using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to a point where the tip is 3/4" past the center of the meat but not in contact with bone, fat, or gristle. We suggest a leave-in meat thermometer for best results. |
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| Poultry |
When the time is ready for your poultry, stick the thermometer down into the fleshiest part of the thigh, where it attaches breasts to the drumstick. It should be near the bone but not touching it. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF (73.8ºC). We suggest an analog or digital instant-read thermometer for the best results. |
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| Ground or Thin Protein |
Insert the tip of the thermometer into the side of the food in the center of the thickest portion. We suggest a digital thermometer for the quickest results. |
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| Candy |
Adjust the sliding pan clip so that the bottom of the stainless steel thermometer housing rests on the bottom of the pan. Using the clip, gently attach it to the side of the pan to avoid scratching the surface. Ensure the liquid covers the end of the glass thermometer bulb to register the correct temperatures. |
Calibrating the Thermometer
Some thermometers can be reset. The Analog Instant Read Thermometers (1 inch and 1¾ inch) can be calibrated at home using the custom wrench built into the storage sleeve. See the Calibration graphic for instructions. All KitchenAid® thermometers are factory-calibrated and tested for superior accuracy and precision. Avoid dropping or mishandling to maintain the correct readings throughout the product's life.
- Fill the cup with ice and add water to about 1/2" below the top of the ice.
- Attach the sleeve on the thermometer stem and align the hex nut with the wrench.
- Insert the probe, stir slowly, and keep the tip away from the sides and bottom.
- Let the temperature stabilize, and use the wrench to rotate the hex nut until the thermometer reads 32ºF (0ºC).
Cleaning Kitchen Thermometer
Wash thermometer probes before their first use using a damp washcloth with warm water and a mild detergent; then dry them immediately and thoroughly. Metal probes can also be sanitized in boiling water or with alcohol wipes. Thermometers should not be submerged in water or held under a faucet.
After use, wipe clean with a damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as these may scratch the thermometer. Dry thoroughly. Thermometers are not dishwasher safe and cannot be submerged in water for cleaning.
Storing the Kitchen Thermometer
Securely place the storage sleeve over the thermometer stem to avoid damaging it while in the drawer. For items without sleeves, put the pointed ends down in the drawer. Batteries should be removed if the thermometer will be stored without use for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will My KitchenAid Digital Thermometer Turn Off on its Own? | KitchenAid® digital thermometers that are battery-powered have an auto-off feature. This is the ability of a device to turn itself off to conserve power after a specified period without any user inputs, such as a change in temperature or weight readings. The auto-off times vary by product. |
| Why Did the Glass on My Oven Thermometer get Discolored? | It is normal for some discoloration of the outside of the glass dial to occur with extended use from food splattering in the oven. When cooled completely, use a baking soda paste to scrub the lens. This should remove some of the debris. Wipe it with a damp cloth to remove the paste and dry it thoroughly before putting it back in the oven. |
| Can I Leave My Thermometer in Food While Cooking? | The meat thermometer can be left in food while cooking. The oven thermometer is intended to monitor temperatures inside of the oven, so it can also be left in the oven while cooking. The digital and instant-read thermometers are not oven-safe and are designed for quick reads only. |
| Can I Use My Meat Thermometer as an Instant-Read? | This type of thermometer does not provide an instant-read and is meant to be left in foods while cooking. The pointer does not move instantly and requires a longer period to register the temperature. |
| Why Does the Needle on My Leave-In Meat Thermometer Spin When I Place It in Meat Before Cooking? | The thermometer will instantly start adjusting to the temperature of the food. If the piece of meat is colder than room temperature, the pointer will spin counterclockwise. As the food cooks, the pointer will move clockwise around the dial and back into the temperature tick marks. |
| What is the Hold Feature on My Thermometer? | The Hold feature allows you to quickly take your hand away from the heat source while measuring the temperature of food. Hold will display the last recorded temperature of the food even after the thermometer is removed. To use this feature, insert the probe into the food, wait until the temperature has stabilized, press the Hold button, and remove the thermometer. The temperature will be displayed. Press the Hold button again to return to active monitoring. |
| Why is the Pointer on My Leave-in Meat Thermometer Not Pointing at the Numbers? | The pointer moves in complete circles in both directions around the dial. It typically rests at or near the bottom of the dial because it is reading the current ambient temperature of the air. Once used, the pointer will spin clockwise as the food begins to cook and the temperature rises. |
KitchenAid Thermometer Warranty
KitchenAid® measurement products (thermometers, food scales, timers) offer a one-year, hassle-free replacement and Lifetime Limited Warranty. KitchenAid® measurement products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship. For one year from the date of delivery, under normal use and care, KitchenAid® will replace these products free of charge, if they are found to be defective in material or workmanship. From year two through the life of the products, any piece found to be defective under conditions of normal use and care will be repaired at no charge or replaced with the same item or an item of equal or better value.
Please contact Customer Service at 866-457-9340 or kitchenaid.customerservice@lifetimebrands.com.