When cooking halal food, ensure that it is cooked at the right temperature. A laser food thermometer is an easy-to-use tool that helps you measure the surface temperature of food without having to cut it open, and it is also called an infrared thermometer.
This thermometer detects infrared energy emitted by food and converts it into a temperature reading. This can be especially helpful when you are cooking a large pot of soup or stew, which can be difficult to test without taking it off the heat.
Using a laser food thermometer ensures that your food is cooked at the proper temperature and prevents undercooking or overcooking with food safety. In this blog, I will tell you how to use a laser food thermometer properly, its benefits, and important tips to help you get the best results.
What is a Laser Food Thermometer?
A laser food thermometer is a handheld device that is used to measure the temperature of a surface from a distance. This device works by using a laser beam to detect the infrared radiation emitted by an object, such as food, and translating that into a temperature reading.
Traditional food thermometers need to be inserted into the food, while laser thermometers allow you to get an instant reading from a distance without physical contact. This device is especially useful for the temperature of foods that are difficult to reach, too hot to touch, or cooking in large quantities.
Using a Laser Food Thermometer in the Kitchen
Infrared thermometers have been used to measure the temperature of different things. Recently, it has also been used in commercial and household kitchens. Below are the reasons why laser food thermometers are ideal for cooking and food safety situations:
1: Surface Temperature
The infrared thermometers are the best for measuring the surface temperature of foods. For example, you can check the temperature of a hot pan, grill, or cooked meat’s surface.
2: Frying Oil
When you want to cook food in oil, this handy thermometer is best for measuring the temperature of cooking oil before adding food, ensuring it’s hot enough to fry effectively.
3: Baking
The food thermometer can also be used in baking to check the temperature of baking surfaces like a pizza stone or baking tray.
4: Cold Foods
Laser thermometers also have a great ability to check the temperature of cold foods or refrigerated items, ensuring they stay within safe storage temperatures.
5: Quick Checks
Since these laser thermometers provide you with instant results, they are great for situations where you need to check temperatures quickly.
How to Use a Laser Food Thermometer Step-by-Step
Using an infrared food thermometer is easy; the correct steps are below to ensure accurate readings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
a. Prepare the Thermometer
Turn on the thermometer by pressing the power button. Most laser thermometers have an on/off switch or button on the side or top. Some thermometers have different modes for different types of surfaces. Make sure that you set to the correct mode, typically “Surface Temperature” for food. While checking the temperature, always check that the thermometer has sufficient battery power to avoid inaccurate readings.
b. Aim at the Target
Now hold the thermometer in your hand and point it at the food or surface you want to measure. Many laser, thermometers have a red laser beam that helps you in the aim. Aim the laser on the exact spot you want to measure, such as the surface of a piece of meat, the top of a baking dish, or the oil in a frying pan.
Keep in mind that most laser thermometers have a distance-to-spot ratio. This means the further away you are from the food, the larger the area it will measure. For example, if your thermometer has a D ratio of 12:1, it measures a 1-inch area at 12 inches away. For accuracy, keep the thermometer as close as possible to the food without touching it.
c: Take the Temperature
When you point the laser and aim at the food, press the trigger or button to take the temperature reading. The temperature will appear on the thermometer screen. It usually shows the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The reading is instantaneous, so you’ll get the result in seconds. If the temperature is not at the desired level (e.g., frying oil isn’t hot enough), adjust your cooking process and recheck the temperature.
Benefits of Using a Laser Food Thermometer
There are several benefits to using a laser food thermometer over traditional thermometers. Below are some benefits which i listed for you.
- Using Infrared thermometers, they do not need to come into contact with food, making them hygienic and preventing cross-contamination between different foods (such as raw meat and vegetables).
- This thermometer provides instant readings that allow you to check temperatures quickly without waiting for the device to stabilize or adjust.
- These types of thermometers are easy to use and can measure the temperature of hard-to-reach areas, such as the back of an oven or the surface of a large cooking pot.
- These thermometers are versatile and can be used to check the temperature of different things. You can measure the temperature of cooking surfaces, refrigerators, freezers, and even liquids like oil.
A laser food thermometer is a handy kitchen tool that makes cooking easy by measuring surface temperatures quickly and easily. Whether you want to grill, fry, bake, or just check the temperature of food, a laser thermometer can save you time and provide accurate surface readings. It is the best infrared thermometer over the traditional thermometer for internal temperature checks, especially when cooking meat or dishes where the internal temperature is crucial for safety.
