Tosca M White/Getty Images. A friend once told me that the one word which terrifies people, enough to dissuade them from tackling a recipe, was the word “thermometer.” Candy making generally requires the use of a thermometer and I’m not sure why people get uneasy around thermometers because like kitchen scales, when things are in precise measurements – like degrees, pounds, or grams – it’s pretty straightforward. My Peanut Brittle Turned Out Sticky, What Can I Do. Can I use any Thermometer for Candy? It usually has a clip so that it can be affixed it to the side of a pan and sit in the liquid without touching the bottom during cooking. He was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. https://thedomesticrebel.com/2015/12/08/no-thermometer-needed-easy-toffee Each type of thermometer has a specific purpose—either measuring solid meat or liquids. A candy thermometer measures … There are tons of sites that sell them. ;), Reply A candy thermometer, also known as a sugar thermometer, or jam thermometer is a cooking thermometer used to measure the temperature and therefore the stage of a cooking sugar solution. It saves time, you don't have to handle the hot syrup as much – which means fewer chances to burn yourself – and you'll get finer temperature control for the recipes that need it. The Thermapen fits the bill, for a fairly high price tag ($100, frequently on sale for $80). Then … Norpro Candy Thermometer. For every 500 feet you are above sea level the boiling point will approximately be decreased by 1 F. Please know that the parchment paper called for is an absolute necessity unless you want to scrape hard candy off your cookie sheet for … If a recipe reads to bring the syrup to 235 F I will wait until my thermometer reads at least 236 F.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crE3xb0lWRw. Because sugar can burn easily, you’ll need to work quickly. Once your syrup gets above 234 degrees Fahrenheit, however, it starts to hold together and make visible threads in the water. All in all, if you decide to make your own treats at home on a regular basis, it's best to buy a decent candy thermometer and use it. A candy thermometer, also known as a sugar thermometer, or jam thermometer is a cooking thermometer used to measure the temperature and therefore the stage of a cooking sugar solution. The ball will flatten out after a few moments in your hand. Actually cooking from an old recipe can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, though, either because you don't recognize the name of an ingredient – internet search is your friend here – or because the recipe assumes you know a method that's not used much anymore. His work has appeared online on major sites including Livestrong.com, WorkingMother.com and the websites of the Houston Chronicle and San Francisco Chronicle; and offline in Canada's Foodservice & Hospitality magazine and his local daily newspaper. The Norpro Candy Thermometer is a stainless steel built gadget that is … There are several kinds of candy thermometers available. You'll be able to gather them together and roll them into a ball that holds its shape in the water, but flattens easily between your fingers. The Thermapen is actually the perfect candy-making tool and we recommend you use it in place of the classic candy-monster. Polder has been in the business of making … I have burnt my syrup before too. The firmness of the sugar indicates the highest temperature the syrup reached. Once the mixture is clear, all of the sugar is dissolved and you have simple syrup. You don’t want to spend so much time fiddling with the thermometer that you can’t pay attention to the sugar solution. Meat thermometers have a lower temperature range than that of a candy thermometer—most go up to 200°F. There are tons of sites that sell them. Here’s why…. Ideally you would have an instant read thermometer that handles candy making temperatures, so you have one thermometer. Candy or deep-frying thermometers measure the much higher temperatures usually associated with these cooking techniques, up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). You can now making candy even if you do not own a candy thermometer. The mixture will start out cloudy. 99 $22.99 $22.99. Wilton Candy Thermometer. ThermoPro TP01A Instant Read Digital Thermometer. You don't need a candy thermometer to make your favorite sweets. That's the firm-ball stage, which is what you want for caramels and other soft-but-chewy candies. Candy (also know as deep-fry thermometers) are readily available in houseware stores and almost every supermarket in the states. Can a digital meat thermometer be used for candy? Many candy thermometers aren't instant read. The happy news is that there is a better way. Soft Crack Stage: The bubbles on the top of the syrup become smaller, thicker and much closer together. Then pick up the resulting blob and see what it looks and feels like. I'm supposed to cook the caramelized sugar and cream until it … using the thermometer was very easy. Candy thermometers can also be used to measure temperatures when deep-frying or when making jelly. When you're using a thermometer, you know it'll show a certain consistency, because it's reached a given temperature. I have both. A very nice Maverick digital thermometer is available from Amazon for around $20. Simple syrup is great for lemonade, cocktails, sweetening your ice tea, in ice cream/sorbet making and many other uses. Turn the thermometer on by pressing the power button. These thermometers can also be used to measure hot oil for deep frying.. Although there are several different styles of candy thermometers, most cooks like the rectangular metal ones with the thermometer encased in the metal frame. Image zoom. So go out and make some candy!!! Can a Infrared Thermometer Replace a Candy Thermometer? This can seem kind of slapdash and haphazard, but it's surprisingly reliable. It keeps your hands and fingers away from hot, bubbling sugars or oils. If you plan to make candy a lot, consider investing a little more money in a quality, just as you would with any kitchen utensil you use often. If your sugar is between 270 F and 290 F, the threads will bend before they break. I understand that IR Thermometers measure surface temperatures only, however I was wondering how accurate it is with liquids that are pretty consistent or homogeneous (i.e. This allows the thermometer to rest securely on the side of the pan without falling in and ensures that it is easy to take temperature measurements. 4.5 out of 5 stars 56. If after 10 minutes your thermometer does not read 212 F (100 C) note the difference. (See Candy making for a description of sugar stages.) Obviously, when making candy, a thermometer needs to be able to read a much higher temperature than a thermometer that only reads meat temperatures. They have a metal clip used to attach them to the side of a pan, so you don’t have to hold it in place. That's the soft-crack stage, which is what you want for popcorn balls and taffy apples. If you drop that into a glass of cold water, it'll just sweeten the water. 1 cup sugar (use pure cane sugar as other sugars such as beet sugar have different melting points and will react differently) If you can't find a candy thermometer in your city, check online. Soft-Ball Stage is 235 F to 240 F (118 C to 120 C) By contrast, most meat products need only to be heated to a temperature between 63 and 77 degrees Celsius (145 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit). All in all, if you decide to make your own treats at home on a regular basis, it's best to buy a decent candy thermometer and use it. If you can't find a candy thermometer in your city, check online. That's the hard-ball stage, and it's what you want for homemade marshmallows or a really chewy toffee. Candy or deep-frying thermometers measure the much higher temperatures usually associated with these cooking techniques, up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). On average they will range from -40 all the way to 450 degrees F, You can also use an oil thermometer instead of a candy thermometer sine the temperatures needed for both can be very high. The Cold Water Test can also be used along with a thermometer for the most accurate results. The Best Candy Thermometer. Because this is a tradition thermometer, there are no batteries to replace. I don't always use a thermometer for cooking but when I am cooking a turkey or chicken I do as you can't tell it's done unlike with a hamburger. Quickly examine and/or carefully pick up the sugar from the cold water. Water, at sea level, will boil at 212° F (100° C). No you cannot use a regular thermometer because the temperature guage does not go up as high as a candy thermometer. You can buy a very nice digital thermometer for use in making candy from Amazon.com. Its biggest drawback is that the candy keeps cooking while you're messing around with the cold water, so you may go past the temperature you want while you're testing to see what stage you've reached. Prices can range from $12 for a simple thermometer to $35 for a digital thermometer. Recipes call this the soft-ball stage, and it lasts until you get up to about 240 F. That's how far fudge is usually cooked. It is easiest to make candy by using a candy thermometer but you can also use the Cold Water Test. You can use the thermometer's clip to secure the device to a pan, but reviewers suggest they like using this long-probe candy thermometer as an instant read, inserting it as they go to keep track of the temp instead of constantly monitoring. Simple syrup is: Instead, you'll find out what you need to know from the threads themselves. 2 part sugar In fact, all you need is this handy guide and a bowl of cold water. Boil the water for at least 10 minutes and note the temperature. A candy thermometer shouldn’t be hard to use. 1 part water Apple Jellies Candy https://www.instructables.com/id/Apples-Jellies-Candy/  Hard ball: Using a clean spoon when the syrup is dropped into cold water it may be formed into a hard ball. You can deal with that by working with a lower burner, but it's still a risk. View entire discussion (2 comments) 17% off. I'm not sure if there is anything comparable at a much lower price. They have a metal clip used to attach them to the side of a pan, so you don’t have to hold it in place. Lowest price in 30 days. If you do have a thermometer you need to test its accuracy. Once you take the syrup out of the cold water you can feel how brittle and sharp it is. When you're ready to test your candy, scoop up a small amount on a spoon and drop it in a glass of cold water. It'll obviously depend on the quality of the thermometer but my relatively cheap version is probably somewhere between 5-6F off at any given reading. So, can we use candy thermometer where dairy thermometer is required. A candy thermometer is a large glass thermometer used to measure the temperature of melted sugar. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, and top with whatever you like - I've topped mine with Heath chocolate toffee bits, but this would be great with chopped almonds or pecans. Silicon Candy Thermometer Digital Spatula Thermometer Professional Durable deep Frying Instant Read Temperature Reader and Stirrer for Kitchen Cooking,Baking BBQ, Candy,Chocolate,Sauce, Jam. The thermometer is a digital reader with a probe that goes into the meat while cooking in the oven. For the Cold Water Test: 1/2 to 1 … You can actually hear a crack when the syrup hits the cold water. Candy thermometers tend to be long, flat metal rectangles with a thermometer enclosed in the center. oil for frying, water temperature, cooking sugar for caramel or candy). Easy Decorated Marshmallows https://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Decorated-Marshmallows-Taste-like-Peeps/ This handy kitchen tool resembles a pointed stick attached to a dial that contains the temperature. This allows the thermometer to rest securely on the side of the pan without falling in and ensures that it is easy to take temperature measurements. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crE3xb0lWRw, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lchea5BHbgs, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhGe_WajFkg, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-lhRu_Xns, https://www.instructables.com/id/Apples-Jellies-Candy/, https://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Decorated-Marshmallows-Taste-like-Peeps/, https://www.instructables.com/id/Fast-Peanut-Butter-Candy/, https://www.instructables.com/id/English-Toffee/, Yummy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies. $18.99 $ 18. Fred Decker is a trained chef, former restaurateur and prolific freelance writer, with a special interest in all things related to food and nutrition. That's because sugar behaves in specific ways at specific temperatures. For this example I used; The syrup (candy mixture) I am using to show the Cold Water Test is a simple syrup. The ball is very soft, hence the name soft ball stage.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lchea5BHbgs, Hard Ball Stage is 250 F to 265 F (125 C to 133 C) The so-called "cold-water method" is an easy way to estimate the temperature of your candy: Generations of cooks and candy makers have relied on this trick to make all types of candies, from fudge to toffee . Candy Making Without a Thermometer (Cold Water Test): It is easiest to make candy by using a candy thermometer but you can also use the Cold Water Test. First bring a pot of water to a boil and add your thermometer. 1/2 cup water It promises to be very easy to use and clean. These thermometers can also be used to measure hot oil for deep frying.. Just Bing or Google "Candy thermometer" (use the quotes). Difference between dairy thermometer and candy thermometer What is the real difference between a dairy thermometer and a candy thermometer? Between 245 F and 250 F, you'll get a ball that's still a bit soft but needs a good squeeze to flatten it. on Step 2, 9 years ago Some instant-read models may measure temps high enough to make candy, but most oven-safe meat thermometers are designed to accurately measure the range of temperatures that occur when cooking meat. It saves time, you don't have to handle the hot syrup as much – which means fewer chances to burn yourself – and you'll get finer temperature control for the recipes that need it. Modern recipes take for granted that you'll use a thermometer and give you a set temperature, whereas older recipes rely on you to test the candy as you go. Peanut Butter Candy https://www.instructables.com/id/Fast-Peanut-Butter-Candy/ on Introduction. When following a candy recipe add the amount of the difference to the temperature the recipe calls for. Candy thermometers are manufactured with one primary aim, i.e., to check the temperatures of candies. Candy thermometers and meat thermometers differ in that they measure different ranges of temperatures. (See Candy making for a description of sugar stages.) Hard Crack: With a clean spoon, when the syrup dropped into ice water it separates into hard, brittle threads that break when bent. The threads will bend slightly before breaking.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-lhRu_Xns. 10 Wilton Candy Thermometer. Make sure the bottom of the thermometer is not resting on the bottom of the pot or your results not be as accurate. Be careful as I poked myself in the video. Just Bing or Google "Candy thermometer" (use the quotes). 9 years ago Using a candy thermometer will ensure perfect nougat every time.Visit CSRsugar.com.au to view the recipe and join the #BakingNation In fact, when you think about it, grilling meat or fish to the right point require far savvier than simply reading the numbers on a thermometer. You don't even need a thermometer or the cold water test to make the first two. For eaxmple my water boiled at 211 F so when I make candy I make sure my candy reaches 1 degree higher that the temperature called for in the recipe. Share it with us! OKRAD / Getty Images. A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv, Science of Cooking: The Cold Water Candy Test, RecipeTips.com: How to Test Stages of Sugar, Diana's Desserts: Tips for Candy and Confections. A classic example is candymaking, which requires you to cook the candy to a specific temperature. With a clean spoon, when the syrup dropped into cold water it separates into hard but pliable threads. No, we don’t recommend using any random thermometers for candy. It keeps your hands and fingers away from hot, bubbling sugars or oils. For the Cold Water Test: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the syrup (candy mixture) is dropped from a clean spoon into a small bowl of very cold water (not ice cold). Meat Thermometer. Highlighted Features. Soft ball: Using a clean spoom, when a small amount of syrup dropped into chilled water it forms a soft, flexible ball. Once you've got the hang of it, the cold-water test works really well, but it's not perfect. So the second time around, I took the temp up to 302 F. (hard crack stage) using a candy thermometer and it did much better. I'll check your other Instructables, and hopefully fare better next time. There are several kinds of candy thermometers available. 9 years ago (Best Ruler-Like Steel) Wilton traditional steel thermometer is 14.7-inch … b. banksm137 | Jan 28, 2015 05:36 AM 4. A meat thermometer can also be used in place of a candy/sugar thermometer. Did you make this project? Cold water does certainly cost less than a thermometer when making candy, but unfortunately you cannot use this temperature technique when deep frying, yeast proofing, jelly making or checking meat has reached a safe internal temperature. Candy and deep-frying thermometers are made of glass and are used for measuring much hotter temperatures. A tall traditional style … When you're using the cold-water test, you'll know you've reached the right temperature when the candy reaches a given consistency. The Wilton Candy Thermometer is designed to be used in a wide range of different ways. If your meat thermometer can read that high at least you know it has the temperature range. Many can’t go above 200 degrees, which isn’t hot enough to work with sugary confections. Polder THM-515 Stainless Steel Candy Fry Thermometer. I know dairy one has capacity to read temperature till 220 and a candy thermometer can read till 400 or so. With oil or water that doesn't make a huge difference but with candy making needing finer windows of temperature I would say it's probably not your best option. Credit: OKRAD / Getty Images. Hence, it is designed and built in such a way to suit the conditions of candy making and give you accurate readings. Old cookbooks and magazine recipes can be a lot of fun: For instance, you won't find many modern chicken recipes that start with plucking the chicken. Polder THM-515 Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer. I'm trying to make caramel frosting for a cake (using only sugar, corn syrup, milk, heavy cream, vanilla and butter) but do not have a candy thermometer. Good luck and I am glad you found my I instructable helpful. Candy thermometers tend to be long, flat metal rectangles with a thermometer enclosed in the center. The basic technique is pretty simple. Some candies require you to cook the sugar to an even higher temperature. The meat thermometer is really ultra fast - it shows the temperature almost immediately and seems very accurate. You really have to watch the whole time because sometimes the temp increases very slowly and ssometimes it increases very rapidly. on Introduction, I just burned the syrup for my last candy attempt, so this is very helpful! If the threads break without bending, you've reached the hard-crack stage at 300 F to 310 F. That's how high you need to go for brittles or hard candies. Are you looking for a thermometer that is especially versatile? With all of these problems, it’s a wonder people still use these old candy thermometers. Hard Crack Stage is 300 F to 310 F (150 C to 155 C) No you cannot use a regular thermometer because the temperature guage does not go up as high as a candy thermometer. I use an meat thermometer for candy with no problems. At 250 F to 265 F, the ball won't flatten at all. At this point there's nothing more to learn from rolling the sugar into a ball, partly because it won't squish and partly because you'd have trouble actually forming a ball. On average they will range from -40 all the way to 450 degrees F, You can also use an oil thermometer instead of a candy thermometer sine the temperatures needed for both can be very high. Candy/Sugar thermometers are also used to measure hot oil for deep frying. You can purchase both types of thermometers at supermarkets and cooking supply stores. There are many wonderful candy recipes including some of mine I have posted on Instructables: The higher the temperature the sugar syrup reached the harder the mixture will be after it cools. English Toffee https://www.instructables.com/id/English-Toffee/ Here is another versatile digital thermometer … When you first start cooking up your sugar, essentially all you've got is a syrup. The ball will hold its shape in your hand but it is still flexiable enough that you squish it easily.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhGe_WajFkg, Soft Crack Stage is 270 F to 290 F (135 C to 145 C) The Cold Water Test can also be used along with a thermometer for the most accurate results. Be long, flat metal rectangles with a thermometer for use in making candy Amazon.com., however, it starts to hold together and make some candy!!!!!!!! 270 F and 290 F, what can you use instead of a candy thermometer cold-water Test, you 'll know you 've got a. 234 degrees Fahrenheit, however, it 'll show a certain consistency, it! Can we use candy thermometer is a better way Alberta Institute of.. Sticky, what can I do batteries to replace use candy thermometer what is the real difference between dairy! 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