ref=”https://thinktasty1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Timer-Thermometer.jpg”>As someone who uses a variety of cooking methods, quite often I need to gauge the temperature of the item that I am preparing.  Although there are some who can determine the doneness of meat by touch, that is a skill I have not acquired.  Other items, such as candies, need to be cooked to a specific temperature, which is easier to determine with a thermometer.  Thus, the Polder Original Cooking All-In-One Timer/Thermometer is a commonly used tool in my kitchen.

One of the features that I like about the thermometer is that the display has a magnetic back.  Whether working at my grill, stove, or oven, I can attach the display and not worry about it falling.  Another beneficial feature is the long cord between the probe and display, allowing me to attach the display to the stovetop while the probe is placed inside a roast in the oven.

This thermometer has a temperature alert feature, which I have found to be quite helpful.  Place the probe inside a pork tenderloin, choose the desired temperature for the alert, and go about whatever else is needed.  The thermometer will sound a loud alarm when that temperature is reached, so there is no need for repeated checks on the doneness of the meat.

The thermometer also works well when working with stovetop items, such as caramel sauce and fudge.  I have found that candy thermometers that attach to the side of a pot can be difficult to use if there is a limited amount of liquid in the pot.  While the Polder thermometer doesn’t attach to the side, there are two options for checking temperatures. First, if the liquid doesn’t need to be stirred, simply resting the probe in the pot works.  Second, if stirring is needed, the probe can be placed in the liquid and quickly provides a temperature reading.

With a timer included, it can help you keep track of baking or cooking times while awaiting the correct temperature on another dish.  At a price point of approximately twenty-five dollars, this timer/thermometer is an affordable and indispensable kitchen tool.