do you have to use a thermometer while cooking?
1990872
If you want to know if your food is cooked correctly I would use a thermometer. The PBC website shows videos on how to cook different items but I have found the actual cook times they demonstrate vary b/c the PBC is not insulated so winter cook times are longer
1990873
No, but I do just to make sure it doesn't overcook. It cooks faster than you expect. But you can check visually.
1990874
To measure the temperature of the cooker: No. It regulates itself but you can if you're curious. For the meat: I would highly recommend using a high quality digital thermometer to determine the final temps of your meat. I use a Thermapen by Thermoworks and I always know where the meat is at and when it will be done.
1531292
The thermometer should be kept on the grill in the same area as the food that is cooking. It will not take a quick read, as it is not an instant thermometer.
1726954
It would be difficult. You would probably get burns as the thermometer is not instant and has no clip, etc., to attached to side of any vessel. I have to pull items out of oven to check temp due to heat.
1640678
I do not, I am very careful not to put any thing hot on it, if I do I have a pot holder on the bottom. I do use the extra space while getting everything ready for cooking.
287663
No, but I don't know why you would need one. I just put the item in the oven, set the temp and the timer, and when the timer sounds off that it's done, I take the item out. There's really nothing to see inside the oven.
144230
It has a built-in oven thermometer hanging at the top. It's face is pointed upwards, so you can read it without opening the oven. I've had my oven for a couple years and have done LOTS of cooking with it. It seems that the built-in thermometer is no longer accurate: it often reads high. I don't tend to worry about it...the food cooks just the same. If you are not using the entire shelf for your pot, you could add a regular oven thermometer or use a meat thermometer inside your pot if you're not satisfied with the built-in one.
321526
Yes! Insert the probe in the thickest part of the meat, not fat. Put it in the oven and close the oven over the wire. Set the temperature to what you want, and cook away. The timer will give you a warning when it gets close to the temperature that you want. Take the meat out when done and remove the probe; rest and/or tent with foil if needed.
221630
I do all the time but I don't keep it at "high" temp all the time. I start out with high and as soon as it is cooking well I lower it to medium or lower depending on what I am cooking.
562858
You shouldn't have to "mash" anything, except potatoes ;) You press the button and insert the probe (at least that's how I do it) and the read-out will provide the temperature. You should not have to hold the button down. I've been incredibly satisfied with this item.
121573
Yes, it can be used without the probe. It's great when you've got multiple items cooking and you need more than the oven timer. Loud enough to hear from another room as well.
235745
I have only used it with the probe in meat in the oven and the thermometer either on top of the stove top or the counter. It is a very handy thermometer. I especially like it to roast a turkey as you dont have to open the oven that much, only if needing to baste.
399066
Short answer: Yep.Longer answer: Yep. Just keep the heat on medium-low, and wait for the pan to heat up.
805833
yes, you leave the thermometer in while it cooks; the alarm rings when it reaches the right temp.
758830
No need to, the water surrounds the temperature sensor, and conducts accurately the heat of the WATER. IF you WANTED to sense the temperature of the walls of the slow cooker, you'd have to go to elaborate measures to do so. I've checked my Dorkfood controller with a digital thermometer, and it's spot on.
1761407
Nope. It's not intended for that use. Just check the internal temperature about half-hour before end of recommended cook time then you'll know how to gauge it.
480911
They can but it's not like you leave them in while you cook. It's better to get an instant read thermometer.
1135778
Yes, best thermometer you can buy. If you see cooking shows you will see chiefs using one if needed