A jam thermometer is a good support to your achieving an ideal set for your jams, jellies, and marmalades. However, its uses aren’t confined to just preserving; some thermometers offer the versatility needed for a wide array of cooking tasks, which can increase its helpful role in the kitchen.
With jam making, especially for those just beginning their preserve-making adventures, attention to detail is recommended. A reliable jam thermometer can make the difference between a fruit spread that’s delightfully spreadable and one needs to be chipped out of the jar. The precision it offers can support your confidence in determining when your fruity mixture has reached the critical gel stage.
But here’s where things get sticky: as the market floods with an increasing variety of food thermometers, each boasting different features, materials, and prices, the choice can be as confusing as trying to pick the perfect fruit blend for your next batch of jam.
Some thermometers are designed with the singular purpose of jam and candy making in mind, featuring high heat tolerances and specific temperature markers for gel stage, hard crack, soft ball stages, and more.
Others pride themselves on being multi-functional, seamlessly transitioning from the preserving pan to the everyday cooking pot, to reheated left-overs and checking whether meats are cooked adequately.
Understanding the landscape of food thermometers is crucial in making a good decision in line with your cooking needs and budget.
REVIEWS
Tala Jam Thermometer
PRICE: £7.79**
FEATURES:
- Easy-to-read temperature dial with clear markings for showing temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- Stainless steel construction for durability and easy cleaning.
- Clip attachment for securing the thermometer to the side of the pan.
PROS:
- Affordable price makes it accessible to budget-conscious shoppers.
- Temperature ranges from 40-200 Celsius (100-400 F).
- Versatile – can be used for more than just making jam – can also make sweets like fudge and even be used to check the internal temperature of cooked meats.
CONS:
- Basic design lacks advanced features.
- The temperature marking could be small and awkward to read.
- The build quality may not be as robust as higher-priced options.
Candy Thermometer
PRICE: £12.99**
FEATURES:
- Food grade stainless steel.
- Black markings of temperature ranges in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- Clip attachment for securing the thermometer to the side of the pan.
PROS:
- The design includes a clip which allows for fixing of the thermometer to the edge of a pot.
- The thermometer handle has a stay-cool plastic handle and loop design – to protect your hands and allow for storage on a hook.
- It looks good and works well
CONS:
- May be considered old-fashioned, too simple without any additional features.
- Limited range of uses (preserves, candy, oil) – not suitable for meat temperatures.
- Hand wash only
Polder Instant Read Digital Probe Kitchen Thermometer
PRICE: £16.99**
FEATURES:
- Digital readings for both Celsius and Fahrenheit to accommodate all recipes.
- Compact design for easy storage.
- Versatile use and heat resistant up to 200 Celsius.
PROS:
- Wide temperature range: 45-200 Celsius (-49-392 Fahrenheit)
- Readings available in 4 seconds. And the last reading remains on the digital display for ease of reference.
- Versatile and may meet all your food thermometer needs.
- Comes with a Lakeland 3-year guarantee.
CONS:
- Higher price compared to more basic options.
- The switch to change the readings from Celsius to Fahrenheit or reverse in located inside the battery cover.
- No clip and may better suited to general cooking than making preserves, especially for a beginner.
Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Thermometer
PRICE: £17.99**
FEATURES:
- Large, easy-to-read digital display. for quick temperature monitoring.
- Design includes an integrated magnet so that you could store it on a convenient metallic surface.
- Wide temperature range, with readings in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
PROS:
- Compact design stores easily. And it looks good, available in different fun colours.
- Splash-proof construction – with ease of cleaning as it can just be wiped down.
- Could meet all your food thermometer needs.
CONS:
- Higher price than other options.
- The metal prong is rather short, so you must open the thermometer as far as possible and get your hands a bit close to boiling preserves to get a reading.
- You must remove the battery cover to change the temperature reading options.
In the vibrant, tasty world of jam-making, where the scent of simmering fruits fills the air and anticipation builds with every stir, having a jam thermometer by your side is like having a trusted supporter along for the ride. It can guide you along the path to a satisfying set jam or jelly preserves and does so with precision and reliability that other set-test methods simply can’t match. Offering a clear reference point for the all-important set point, a jam thermometer is indispensable in transforming fruit and sugar into jars of glistening jams and marmalades.
Whether you’re drawn to value of additional functionality, swayed by the style or colours, or influenced by the price, the benefits of having a food thermometer to hand are many. The key lies in selecting a thermometer that aligns with your needs, considering factors such as price, accuracy, ease of cleaning, and storage requirements. Additional features, whether they be digital readouts, waterproof capabilities, temperature range and durability can all make the investment even more worthwhile.
Your ideal jam thermometer is out there, ready to help you in crafting batches of jam that are not only successful but celebrated.
**Note:
The prices listed here were correct at the time of this review was written. For up-to-date prices, please visit the relevant retailer’s website.