Acu-Rite 00681 Digital Instant Read Cooking Thermometer

Need an instant-read digital cooking thermometer that you insert, read, and then remove? If so, the Acu-Rite 00681 Digital Instant Read Thermometer may be just what you're looking for. This compact thermometer from the Acu-Rite Kitchen Digitals line provides accurate temperature readings in only 5 to 10 seconds. It can be used in virtually any roasting, barbecuing, baking, or other cooking application that allows you to get your hands relatively close to the hot food for a short period of time. (We don't recommend using it, for example, when deep-frying because oil spatters can cause nasty burns on bare hands.) But cooking is only one application of this versatile instrument. Read on, and we'll tell you more.

In addition to cooking in general and meats in particular, additional applications of the 00681 suggested by its manufacturer include beverages, brewing, food storage, pharmaceutical, photography, automotive, and refrigeration.

The probe on the 00681 is 4-7/8 inches (123.8 mm) long. An included sheath protects the probe when the thermometer is not in use. The display is large enough for easy reading, and you can select °F or °C at the push of a button. The displayed temperature ranges are -50°F to +392°F and -45°C to +200°C. Printed on the sheath are the USDA recommended internal temperatures for a variety of meats. On the back of the 00681's package, along with the instructions, are even more USDA recommended internal temperatures for meats and cuts. You'll want to keep this list available for quick reference.

The required L1154 button cell alkaline battery is included with the 00681. A convenient auto-off feature maximizes battery life.

Overall length of the 00681 thermometer, with sheath removed, is about 5-5/8 inches (142.9 mm). Please be aware that this thermometer is not for use in an oven or other cooker during the cooking cycle. It is intended for quickly checking the temperature of food, after which it must be promptly removed. Please note also that this thermometer should never be submerged or soaked and is not dishwasher-safe. To clean it, you simply wash the probe in hot, soapy water. To prevent cross-contamination, the manufacturer suggests washing the probe after each insertion.