Can a candy thermometer work just as well?
597164
I assume you are talking about the heating of the milk before you pour it into the Yogurt Maker. (the yogurt maker is necessary to keep the milk at a warm temp for 8 hours while the yogurt starter multiplies.) I started out by using a candy thermometer to bring the milk to the required temperature, and it wasn't reliable. Now I do it "by sight" and it works perfectly every time: I stir over medium heat until JUST BEFORE boiling. The milk starts to get little bubbles on the surface. If it breaks into a boil, no harm is done, just remove from heat immediately. The milk is not that fussy. I set a timer to the approximate time it will take - makes me watch carefully at the end. Do not underheat - that will be a disaster and the milk will run through the sieve.
597165
If you want to idea thermos + thermometer, that works. BUT use a regular thermometer - candy thermometers do not go as low as 100 degrees Fahrenheit I think, and you actually start the whole yogurt culturing process at 100-115. I used thermos +thermometer for many years but quantity was lower and it sometimes didn't work. That's why I prefer the dash. Good luck.
597166
A glass candy thermometer is what I had so I used this for my first batch of yogurt and it turned out well. Discovered that I had another thermometer - the metal probe type so I decided to use this along with my candy thermometer and noted that it was measuring the milk temperature lower than the strobe type, this is despite calibrating both thermometers in a glass of iced water. The candy thermometer had a reading of 180 degrees and the strobe thermometer read 200 degrees - sure the milk was frothing but not yet boiling. Anyway, I have used the candy thermometer for many of my batches and it has not failed me so far! A glass candy thermometer is what I had so I used this for my first batch of yogurt and it turned out well. Discovered that I had another thermometer - the metal probe type so I decided to use this along with my candy thermometer and noted that it was measuring the milk temperature lower than the strobe type, this is despite calibrating both thermometers in a glass of iced water. The candy thermometer had a reading of 180 degrees and the strobe thermometer read 200 degrees - sure the milk was frothing but not yet boiling. Anyway, I have used the candy thermometer for many of my batches and... » Read More A glass candy thermometer is what I had so I used this for my first batch of yogurt and it turned out well. Discovered that I had another thermometer - the metal probe type so I decided to use this along with my candy thermometer and noted that it was measuring the milk temperature lower than the strobe type, this is despite calibrating both thermometers in a glass of iced water. The candy thermometer had a reading of 180 degrees and the strobe thermometer read 200 degrees - sure the milk was frothing but not yet boiling. Anyway, I have used the candy thermometer for many of my batches and it has not failed me so far! « Show Less
1033374
Yes. Only problem is that you must use it in the exact angle or it won't read the correct temperature.
360872
The package indicates that the thermometer is good for meats and fish. I have not used it for other candy making or oil. There is no indication on the wrapper that this would be one of the uses.
1326672
I have not seen the sensor malfunction per say. I have had issues with people not knowing exactly where the sensor is and being caught off guard when candy is dispensed. Also the serving amount of small candy such as skittles can be quite large in all three settings, also catching people off guard.
681965
if someone 'elderly' has been making candy for years, think they would find it very easy and safe to use, you just set the candy temp you want and it buzzes when it reaches it....
1130222
If you just stick the probe in the mixture for quick check, I guess, but the old fashioned candy thermometer that clips on the pot is best and it's hands-free.
1636043
Certainly. It will read the surrounding temperature -- in air, in water, in bread or wherever else. Just embed the temperature sensor (it's not really a "probe") deep inside the bread. The one I have is quite accurate. It reads 212 degrees F in boiling distilled water at about a sea level elevation.
240619
Yes I believe it can be used for that, we have. Some meat thermometers have a way to do it from a distance (ie on a string so you can put it in the oven and keep the door shut) this doesn't. It is also different because it can stand on the pot edge and goes high enough for candy use.
1343680
No, there is no clip. I don't think you would want to leave it in the hot syrup. Just dip it in for 5-6 seconds to test the temp. It isn't like a traditional candy thermometer.
1742210
This is a non-contact thermometer so probably not. In my experience you would want a candy thermometer directly in the liquid. This is great for cooking to get the temperature of pans for searing, etc. though.
1742212
It didn't work for me at all with fudge or carmels. I got different readings, wildly different, depending on where I aimed it. It will not work at all as a candy thermometer, which is what I wanted it for.
1983073
Hi, Stephanie, Let me start by encouraging you to buy something else. Anything else. This is a flimsy, cheap tool that I regret having bought. I bought it to use as an accessory for fondue dinner parties. I used it just once and it is stored somewhere. But, back to your question. It did maintain the temperature for chocolates (milk and hazelnut chocs) but it took a long time to come up to temperature. If memory serves, I plugged it in about 30 minutes before the dinner and it was not quite up to temperature at desert. By time of cleanup, the temperature was OK and the remaining chocolate was just right. As a novelty, go for it. But as an ongoing usable appliance, forget it. Jay
1587442
yes , you can use it to check the temperature.but the one I bought just so happens it doesn't work at all.so the answer is No because this product is terrible.
892727
yes you can, just wait a few seconds for the most accurate reading....i have used it for the liquid portion of bread already and it is very accurate. Just be sure when checking temperature, that the tip does not touch the pot or the container. because that will give you an inaccurate reading.
65423
Based on another answer that the high range is 450 degrees, this should work for candy since 360 is the top range for candy. http://foodreference.about.com/od/food_reference_charts/a/Candy-Making-Temperatures-And-Stages-Of-Hardness.htm
691502
Yes, mine does. I check it every now and then with a candy thermometer when I am using it
2044146
I would think that depends on the moisture level (humidity). It would certainly work but if the gauge itself is in the same high humidity environment as the probe, it might not have as long a life. I use mine at ambient room conditions with the probe in a lab oven at 113F and 70% humidity. Works great but my gauge display is always cool and dry.