Can You Use a Meat Thermometer to Measure Oven Temperature

The smell of a good roast is like no other. Be it red meat or the big old turkey, everything tastes great after it is roasted.

One of the main ingredients to have a good roast is the outside sear. Along with all the spices and herbs that you will use, you should also check the internal temperature of the meat itself.

Without reaching the proper temperature, the meat won’t be tender. And you don’t want your roast to pull out one of your teeth. 

This is why you should always preheat your oven before putting in your roast or any sort of meat. It will not overcook the top part or burn it, or leave the inside and the bottom uncooked. Everything will be in perfect harmony with the temperature after you have preheated your oven.

If you don’t have an oven that tells you the internal temperature of your oven, the question comes to mind, can you use a meat thermometer to measure oven temperature?

We are here to talk about that in this article.

Can You Use a Meat Thermometer to Measure Oven Temperature or Room Temperature

Not all ovens out there have a built-in thermometer. But it is necessary to preheat your oven to a certain degree for your preferred dish. The easiest way to know the temperature is by using a thermometer. But can a meat thermometer work? Of course, it will! Of all the various meat thermometers, the one with the probe which is a digital thermometer, and the mechanical ones are the best. Not only for meat but also to measure your oven’s internal temperature.

How to Use a Meat Thermometer to Measure Your Oven Temperature

If you want to measure the temperature of your oven with a meat thermometer, the best would be the probe with a digital display and the mechanical one. 

The probe digital thermometer has a wire attached to it and it goes inside the oven. You can leave it hanging outside of your oven handle. And set the oven on heating mode. It will tell the internal temperature of your oven continuously.

In addition, the mechanical one also works great. You just have to toss it in the oven itself. And it won’t damage the thermometer in any way. But be cautious about holding it afterward as metal gets really hot when inside the oven.

Also, make sure they are oven-proof. Sometimes although they are made rugged, they can’t deal with the heat of the oven. So oven-proof ones would be the best way to go.

Once your oven has reached your desired temperature, you can put it in your dish. You can leave the thermometer inside if you want to. 

Which Thermometers You Shouldn’t Use in an Oven

Although there are a lot of thermometers out there on the market, you should be aware of some aspects when it comes to using them in the oven.

The oven reaches a temperature of 600°, which is above the limit of any plastic material. So if you have a meat thermometer with a plastic body, do not use it in the oven. 

Your thermometer might have a metal end to be inserted into the meat, but the main body of the thermometer is plastic, which will melt and get destroyed.

Rather stick to the metal mechanical ones or the one with the wire probe digital thermometer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure the temperature of my oven?

If you don’t have a dedicated thermometer on your oven, you can use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature of your oven. Make sure it is made out of metal and doesn’t have any plastic elements. The best would be the digital probe thermometer and the mechanical one.

What type of thermometer is suitable to measure the temperature in an oven?

Digital probe thermometers and mechanical thermometers are the best suitable to measure the temperature in an oven. They are mostly used to measure the internal temperature of the meat, which also works in an oven independently. There is no risk of damaging them as they don’t have any plastic parts. 

Can you use a meat thermometer on the stove?

Yes. You can use a meat thermometer on the stove. But remember to check if it is oven safe or not. If the thermometer is oven safe, then it will be safe to use on the stovetop. Otherwise, non-oven-safe thermometers will get destroyed due to the heat.

Is a meat thermometer the same as a cooking thermometer?

A meat thermometer is the same thermometer as a cooking thermometer. But the build is different. While the meat thermometer has a shorter and pointy end, the cooking thermometer will have a long and round end. This is because cooking thermometers are used in large pots and stews that are deep.

Conclusion

Meat thermometers are just regular thermometers with just the oven-proof twist. This is why they can take on high heats of the meat. So they will be fine even in the oven. But remember, there are also meat thermometers that don’t go in the oven. Most of them have a plastic shell which is not ideal to go in the oven. So stick with the oven-safe ones to measure the temperature of your oven.