How to Understand Meat Thermometer Readings

Food heats unevenly, and moving the probe can place its sensor near a hotter surface, cooler center, bone, or fat. Check several nearby spots and use the lowest relevant internal reading.

Usually not. The sensing area differs by design, so consult the manual and place that section at the target depth.

It can rise during carryover cooking, depending on the food's size, shape, and cooking method. Food-safety decisions should follow an applicable time-and-temperature method rather than an assumed rise.

Reposition the probe away from bone and cookware, confirm the selected unit, and perform the maker's recommended accuracy check. Replace or service a damaged unit.