Which Thermometer is Best for Jam Making?

When choosing a thermometer you want something that is accurate, clear to read, easy to use and easy to clean or wipe off.

Top requirements of a Thermometer for making jams and other preserves

• Easy to understand and read markings
• Doesn’t mist up
• Accurate
• Easy to clean off after use
• Hands-free if possible
• Readings up to 120C
• Small increment readings for accuracy
• Does not break nor shatter in hot jams
• Long handle to avoid getting burnt
• Fast readings (if possible)

Why I Chose and Love My Kilner Thermometer

As you may know, at the time when I first started, I was having a lot of difficulty with the other jam setting methods and getting my jam to set.  So, I decided on getting a thermometer to take out the guess work.

 

I wanted a good quality thermometer on a budget.  I really wanted to pay a lot less than I did. However, the cheap meat thermometers heating levels did not go high enough on the temperature range.  Many stopped at 100C. I needed at least 120C. In the end, I decided to take no chances and went for a brand name I felt I could trust and that was specific for jam making.  Kilner is a good name and experts in the field of jam making so I thought they’d make a great choice.

Quality Kilner Thermometer

The Kilner thermometer is well made, very accurate and clips to the edge of the pan.

However, if like me you are only using a small pan or a saucepan then it may be too long to do that properly.

Also, as with any thermometer that reaches the bottom you have to make sure your reading is not taken from the bottom of the pan as this will/may be hotter than your mixture.

I am really happy with my thermometer as it is easy to use and read and made the difference between getting my jam to set and giving up completely. I also like that you can leave the thermometer in the pan without it steaming up if you want to and move away and do other bits.

It is easy and to wipe off and clean which I love and it helps both with clean up and getting an accurate reading. The case means it is protected when not in use.

Of course, due to the readout display, it is not really safe for the dishwasher.

I think the Killer covers all of the requirements needed in my list for a thermometer.

An Easy to Use Thermometer Probe

This thermometer probe is very popular.

It is great for making jams and also other types of cooking.

What I love about it is that because it is digital it is easy to read and very accurate.  This improves your chances of making a jam actually set.

AVAX DT-7 - Digital LCD Food Thermometer for Kitchen Cooking Probe for Food, Wine, Meat,etc. - Temp range: -50C - 300C


Some people find it a bit slow to react (about 16 seconds to reading).  The probe is quite short so some may find that they do not like it for jam making as you will need to be quite close to a possibly spitting hot substance.  For those that do not want to rest it on the side or have a smaller pan, it may be the better option.

A Different Choice – Spoon and Spatula Combos

Those of you that read my what spoons and spatulas post will know that I just loved this idea.

Its digital display is simple to read, ant the spatula is easy to use and practical.

Here is a different option including the thermometer in a spoon or in this case a spatula.

These are great for making jams and chocolates etc.

Lakeland Thermospatula Thermometer and Stirrer -Perfect for Jam Making & also Chocolate


What I love about this is that you can remove the thermometer from the spatula if you want to use it for other things.  This also makes it easier for cleaning.

A slow reaction time seems to be a common complaint among many of the thermometers and sadly this is no exception.

Again though, here is a clear and precise reading which makes deciding on when your mix is ready much easier.

And because the probe is already in the spatula you don’t have to worry about it touching the bottom of the pan.

A spatula will also stir better and a spoon reaching more of the mixture.

In Conclusion

A thermometer like any of the ones above is a great asset to have.

Not everyone uses them and gets on fine with the other methods.  However, it does make it easier and you stand a much better chance of your jam setting with one.

Don’t worry though if it doesn’t.  You can still use and enjoy your jam even if it is soft.