Do you know about candy thermometers? The best digital candy Thermometers are a few ways to check the temperature of the thermometer. The best digital candy thermometer rather than employing a thermometer.
However, in just a couple of seconds, the temperature can vary greatly. In other words, you’ll dump the entire batch of candy if you’re not attentive enough.
The thermometer can bear the heat and tell you the slight change so that you’ll stop the warmth immediately. Furthermore, it can clip to the wall of the pot or pan easily. you will not burn your hand with the steam.
”There are two main sorts of thermometer available with traditional and modern features“
Cold water does certainly cost a thermometer when making candy, but unfortunately, you can’t use this temperature technique when deep-frying, yeast proofing, jelly making, or checking meat has reached a secure internal temperature.
Because candy thermometers can measure higher temperatures, it makes them a valuable companion for a spread of cooking requirements.
In this review, we glance at the pros and cons of every type of different sort of thermometer, whether the more traditional tall steel or glass bulb style, to the fashionable digital thermometers.
Even if you have already got the simplest thermometer in your kitchen, it still needs regular testing or calibrating, so during this review, we also offer some step-by-step recommendations on testing and calibrating for temperature accuracy.
Digital Candy Thermometer
A digital candy thermometer is a kitchen tool used to measure the temperature of candy, syrups, and other confections while cooking. It consists of a probe that is inserted into the substance being cooked and a digital display that shows the temperature.
Unlike traditional candy thermometers that use a glass or metal tube filled with liquid to measure temperature, digital candy thermometers rely on electronic sensors to provide accurate temperature readings. They are easy to read, easy to use, and often come with features like alarms to alert you when your candy has reached the desired temperature.
Digital candy thermometers are particularly useful for making candy because candy-making often requires precise temperature control to ensure the final product is of high quality. They are also handy for other types of cooking where precise temperature control is important, such as frying or making caramel.
Type of Best Digital Candy Thermometer
1. Analog Thermometer
The traditional analog thermometer includes a dial, Pyrex, and ruler-like steel thermometers. The features of an analog thermometer are the built-in pot clip, smaller range of temperature, and longer responding time. they’re difficult to read when condensation gets inside.
Dial thermometers have large stainless-steel dial for reading with no printed marking for every stage of candy making. Usually, this sort has nuts for manual calibration.
Pyrex thermometers are made up of glass and have a tube-like shape. Therefore, it’s fragile and wishes special attention. However, you cannot calibrate the temperature.
Ruler-like steel thermometers have bigger stainless-steel bodies with hanging holes above. The display usually has printed stages for candy.
2. Digital Thermometer
The modern digital thermometer includes steel and laser ones. they’re easy to read, and take a shorter time to read. Most of them do not have any built-in clip and cannot be calibrated.
Top 15 Best Digital Candy Thermometer
1. Habor Instant Read Digital Cooking, thermometer
Highlighted Features
1. Wide temperature range of between -58°F and 572°F for a variety of cooking needs
2. Silver-colored digital thermometer with a chrome steel probe
3. Gives a reading between 4 and 6 seconds when placed in food
4. Has an auto shut-off function for extended battery life
5. The manufacturer offers a 3-year limited warranty on this product
Suitable for many cooking needs, including candy, the Habor digital thermometer (silver) can measure temperatures of between -58°F and 572°F. Its chrome steel probe is 4.7″ long and provides a reading within 4 to six seconds of being placed in food.
Various users have reported temperature variations when checked against other thermometers and a few models appear to possess a problem where the battery cover doesn’t close properly – you’ll want to see this once you receive it.
This probe isn’t designed to remain within the food or pan during cooking, and therefore the manufacturer explicitly asks that you simply remove it after a temperature check to increase its lifespan.
This thermometer also comes with three year limited warranty and there’s a ten minute auto shut-off to assist preserve its battery life.
- Silver color digital thermometer
- -58°F and 572°F temperature range
- Stainless steel probe
- Auto shut-off function
- Comes with a guaranty
- The lifespan on this might not be as long needless to say
- Battery cover might not fit tightly or securely
- Risk of temperature variations
- Not designed to remain ‘in-pan’ during cooking
2. Polder THM-515 Candy Thermometer
Highlighted Features
1. A tall traditional style steel thermometer that’s free from mercury
2. Suitable for a spread of tasks including candy-making and deep-frying
3. The temperature gauge shows key temperature stages for candy and frying
4. Has a pan clip to stay attached to the side of the pan
5. Can be cleaned within the dishwasher
The Polder THM-515 mercury–free cooking thermometer may be a traditional steel-style thermometer with a pan clip. It also has an insulated stay-cool handle. Suitable for a variety of uses, including candy, the thermometer gauge includes key temperature stages like candy and deep frying.
This is a tall thermometer that measures a temperature range of between 75°F and 400°F and in contrast to many other sorts of thermometers, it’s dishwasher safe for easier cleaning. Like all thermometers, it is often susceptible to temperature fluctuations, so you’ll want to calibrate it regularly.
- Steel thermometer
- Temperature range of 75°F to 400°F
- Has a pan clip
- Stay cool handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Can be fragile and there’s a risk of the bulb breaking
- May be too tall for a few pans or smaller quantities of food
- You might want to check its accuracy/calibrate it regularly
3. Digital thermometer CDN DTC450
Highlighted Features
This digital thermometer has a temperature range of 40°F to 450°F and is suitable for candy-making and deep-frying
1. Has a large easy-read display and an alarm that sounds before and during the target temperature
2. Comes with an adjustable clip to attach to your pan and a pocket clip
3. Made from 304 stainless steel it is hand wipe only to clean
The digital candy thermometer CDN DTC450 has an adjustable steel clip to attach it to the pan and a pocket clip. The display is large and easy to read, although several users report that the screen can be very difficult to read or may even pixelate as temperatures rise.
This is suitable for use as a candy or a deep-fry thermometer with a temperature range between 40°F and 450°F and you can either use its pre-programmed settings or set up your program. It also has an auto shut-off function.
There is an audible alarm that sounds before and through temperature targets. This thermometer is hand wipe only, made with 304-grade stainless steel, and allows user re-calibration.
However this model does not come with any instructions on how to re-calibrate. Some users have reported temperature discrepancies when checked against manual thermometers.
- Digital candy and deep-fry thermometer
- Temperature range 40°F to 450°F
- Audible alarm
- Easy read display
- Pre-set and user programs
- Auto shut-off
- There is always the risk of battery run down during use
- The display may be difficult to read when in use
- Does not come with re-calibration instructions
4. Winco Deep Fry/Candy Thermometer
Highlighted Features
1. A tall traditional steel thermometer which is suitable for candy making and deep-frying
2. It has a temperature range of between 100°F and 400°F
3. It comes with a pen clip for easy attachment and it also has a hanging loop on the top
With a temperature range of between 100°F and 400°F, the Winco deep fry/candy thermometer is a tall thermometer with a pan clip and a hanging loop on the top.
Some owners have experienced inaccurate readings from this, so you may want to test/calibrate it before using it. Unfortunately, this thermometer does not come with a warranty or any returns policy, so even if faulty, you are unable to return.
- Tall steel thermometer
- Suitable for candy making and deep-frying
- Has a pan clip and hanging loop
- Temperature between 100°F and 400°F
- There is no warranty or return policy for this thermometer
- Fluid may separate/acquire air bubbles during use
- May not be as robust as similar steel thermometers
5. Taylor Precision Products Classic Line Candy Thermometer
Highlighted Features
1. A traditional style tempered glass thermometer containing blue food-safe liquid
2. Magnified tube for easier temperature readings
3. Has a pan clip that adjusts to fit any pan
4. The storage sleeve is printed with a temperature reference guide
The tempered glass Taylor Precision Products Classic Line candy/deep-fry thermometer has a temperature range of between 100°F and 400°F.
This is a traditional-style thermometer filled with a blue food-safe liquid that is easy to read through the magnifying tube.
There can be a tendency for the inner tube to condense, which can make it more difficult to read when in use. This has an adjustable pan clip and it comes during a protective sleeve that is printed with a reference temperature guide.
You just clean this by wiping it over with a damp cloth and then drying it. Like with any candy thermometer, it can be worth doing a quick calibration test with ice or boiling water before using it.
- Traditional style glass thermometer
- Food safe liquid
- Tempered glass
- 100°F to 400°F temperature range
- Adjustable pan clip
- Comes in a protective sleeve
- The tube may not be thoroughly sealed and so allow liquids in
- Can be liable to condense up when in use
- You may find it helpful to check its calibration before use
6. DiGi Digital Thermometer
Highlighted Features
1. Suitable for meats, BBQ and candy, this digital thermometer can measure between 40°F and 450°F
2. The thermometer attaches to the pan with an adjustable clip and the probe is stainless steel
3. The large display is easy to read and has an auto shut-off to help preserve battery life
4. Can be wiped clean or rinsed under the tap
5. The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee and lifetime limited warranty
Ideal for candy, meats, and BBQ, the DiGi digital thermometer has a temperature range of between 40°F and 450°F.
This thermometer uses a stainless steel probe for temperature readings and has a large, back-lit, and easy-to-read LCD display with an auto shut-off function to help preserve battery life.
This thermometer is waterproof for rinsing under the tap, although some users have reported damage when placing in water, so you may want to treat it more as being showerproof.
It also has an adjustable pan clip for straightforward fixing. You can calibrate this thermometer, although you may not be completely successful when doing it. It also comes with a money-back guarantee and a lifetime limited warranty.
- Digital thermometer
- 40°F to 450°F temperature range
- Large and easy to read display
- Waterproof for cleaning
- Adjustable pan clip
- Comes with warranty
- May be more ‘showerproof’ than waterproof
- You may struggle to re-calibrate this when necessary
- Instructions provided may not be as clear as they could be
- Can be slower providing temperatures than similar digital thermometers
7. Gourmia GTH9185 Digital Spatula Thermometer
Highlighted Features
1. A removable stainless steel probe digital thermometer within a silicone spatula
2. This is an instant-read design and can measure temperatures between -58°F and 572°F
3. The ABS plastic used in this thermometer is food grade and free from BPA
4. Has a one year limited warranty
The Gourmia GTH9185 digital spatula thermometer is a silicone spatula spoon with a removable stainless steel probe thermometer running through it. This is an instant-read thermometer and can measure between -58°F and 572°F.
This spatula thermometer is formed from silicone and food-grade ABS plastic which is free from BPA.
Some users are not keen on the shape of the spatula, and there is also a risk of the thermometer coming loose from the spatula during use. This comes with a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
- Digital thermometer and spatula
- Made from silicone and food-grade plastic
- BPA free
- Instant read
- Temperature range of -58°F to 572°F
- The battery needs activating before first use and you will need a jewelers screwdriver to undo the screws holding the battery cover in place
- The thermometer top will not tolerate the same heat levels as the silicone and thermometer
- Instructions for use may not be as clear as expected
- No instructions for (re-)calibration
8. Wilton Candy Thermometer
Highlighted Features
1. This thermometer is suitable for candy making and other high-temperature cooking
2. A tall 14.7″ steel thermometer with a hanging hook and a pan clip
3. It measures a temperature range from 60°F to 400°F
A traditional steel thermometer, the Wilton candy thermometer is 14.7″ tall and has an in-built pan clip to attach it to the side of your pan.
Although some users have found that the panning clip is less than robust and will come loose during use. It also has a hanging loop.
This thermometer measures a temperature range of between 60°F and 400°F which makes it suitable for a range of measuring needs.
- Tall steel candy thermometer
- 60°F to 400°F temperature range
- Comes with a pan clip
- Has a hanging loop
- The glass bulb is quite fragile and at risk of breaking
- Pan clip may come loose and is not easy to adjust
- The numbers may begin to wear off quite quickly
9. PBKay Digital Cooking Candy Liquid Thermometer
A digital thermometer with a stainless steel probe
1. Is able to measure temperatures from 58°F to 572°F
2. Has a fully adjustable pan clip for easier attachment to the pan
3. Comes with a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer
This digital thermometer comes with an adjustable pan clip in order that you’ll leave it attached to the pan during cooking, and its chrome steel probe can provide a temperature reading in 6 to 8 seconds.
Its small circular digital display has a 15-minute auto shut-off function to preserve battery life, although there is no back-light on the display which means you may find it difficult to read at times.
The temperature range of this thermometer is between -58°F and 572°F and it has a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer.
- Digital thermometer
- Stainless steel probe
- Adjustable pan clip
- Temperature range of -58°F 572°F
- Lifetime limited warranty
- No back-light on the LCD which can make it difficult to read
- The digital component of this thermometer may need careful handling as it can be quite fragile
- You may want to regularly test/calibrate this for more accurate temperatures
10. CIA Master Collection Candy Thermometer
Has an adjustable pan clip for easy attachment. Comes with a nut and wrench for you to manually calibrate it. There is a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer
The CIA Master Collection candy/deep-fry thermometer features a large easy to read dial and chrome steel probe. Its pan clip is adjustable, although this may not attach to your pan as well as you would like.
This thermometer also comes with a nut and wrench for you to calibrate it yourself. This thermometer is also NSF certified, which means it is suitable for use in commercial kitchens. It also comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
- Stainless steel dial thermometer
- Easy read dial
- Has a pan clip
- NSF certified
- Able to re-calibrate
- Lifetime limited warranty
- The displayed dial can be harder to read than other types of thermometer
- The pan clip may not attach to a pan as well as it could do.
- Will need to calibrate it regularly
11. Taylor Precision Products Classic Line Candy Thermometer
This traditional style product has a glass tube that is fragile and easy to break. The red plastic sleeve protects the glass tube when in storage.
The thermometer displays both degrees in Celsius or Fahrenheit. However, the bright blue spirit is small and water gets inside the tube which forms condensation. It is free-standing with the adjustable pan clip which secures the thermometer to the pan.
Product Specification
- Temperature range 100 to 400℉
- Printed stage on display No
- Material Chrome spring steel
- Thermometer type Pyrex
- Dimension (inches) 4.8 x 12.29 x 3.91
- Free-standing with adjustable clip
- Metal sleeve included for storage
- Glass tube breaks easily
- Foggy tube
12. CIA Master Collection Candy Thermometer
This traditional dial thermometer by the CIA has a large and super easy-to-read dial. The pot clip works best with more than 4-inch deep pots.
The stainless-steel probe which is 5.5-inch long can’t measure shallow liquid. The tip of the probe is not sensitive enough. Submerge it in the liquid for an accurate reading.
Although there is no marking on the dial, the temperature guide on the plastic sheath is helpful. Moreover, you can calibrate the best digital candy thermometer with the instructions included by adjusting the nut and wrench. I like this easy-to-calibrate feature.
Product Specification
- Temperature range 100 to 400℉
- Printed stage on display No
- Material Stainless steel
- Thermometer type Dial
- Dimension (inches) 6.5 x 2.5 x 3
- Accurate
- Capable of calibration
- Large dial
- Temperate guide on plastic sheath
- Needs regular calibration
- Can’t read shallow liquid
13. KT Thermo Dial Candy Thermometer
The KT Thermo dial thermometer features a wider temperature range than the CIA Master Collection thermometer, which is from 50 to 550℉.
The large 2-inch dial helps you read the temperature easily. You use the clamp to attach the best digital candy thermometer to your pot. However, it doesn’t hold the dial securely.
The long 12-inch probe shouldn’t touch the bottom of the pan. The nut in the back is for calibrating the dial. Within seconds, you can read the temperature.
Product Specification
- Temperature range 50 to 550℉
- Printed stage on display No
- Material Stainless steel
- Thermometer type Dial
- Dimension (inches) 13.4 x 3.1 x 3.1
- Can be calibrated
- Wide temperature range
- Large dial
- Easy to read
- Flimsy clamp
14. Etekcity 749 Infrared Thermometer Lasergrip
The Etekcity laser infrared thermometer is a totally different thermometer measuring the temperature by the infrared laser. Without touching the object or the liquid directly, you can avoid the heat.
The widest temperature range among the listed devices can be used for many purposes, with accuracy up to a tenth of a degree. You can test the baked candy, the candle liquid, the grilled food, boiling water, and oil. However, this product is not suitable for humans.
You aim the gun at the liquid, press the measurement trigger, and receive a reading. The suggested distance for the optimal result is 14.17 inches (36cm). The gun automatically holds the last temperature measured for you.
After 15 seconds, the screen will automatically turn off. Furthermore, it has dual laser and temperature filtering.
Product Specification
- Temperature range 58 to 1022℉
- Printed stage on display No
- Material ABS plastic
- Thermometer type Laser infrared
- Dimension (inches) 7.4 x 3.9 x 1.5
- Instant reading
- Auto-off after 15 seconds
- Back-light feature
- Multipurpose
- Wide temperature range
- Auto hold reading
- Dual laser
- Needs off button
- Can’t calibrate
15. Etekcity Lasergrip 1022 Laser Infrared Thermometer
The 1022 model is slightly different from the 749 model in the impassivity, the dimension, some functions, and the higher price. The impassivity can be changed, which is different from the 0.95 fixed impassivity of the 794 models. It is not a dual laser model.
The larger LCD screen is back-light and auto-turns off. However, I prefer turning the device off myself. When it runs out of battery, there will be a low battery indication on the screen. The battery lasts 9 hours.
Product Specification
- Temperature range 58 to 1022℉
- Printed stage on display No
- Material ABS plastic
- Thermometer type Laser infrared
- Dimension (inches) 7.4 x 4.5 x 1.5
- Instant reading
- Larger screen
- Auto-off function
- Back-light feature
- Multipurpose
- Wide temperature range
- Auto hold reading
- Needs off button
- Can’t calibrate
Things to Consider Before Buying a Candy Thermometer
The Different Types of Candy Thermometers
The steel candy thermometer is still a favorite for many of us as it will stay clipped to the side of the pan throughout cooking.
This type of best digital candy thermometer can be slow to give an accurate reading, may fall out of calibration quickly, and always needs enough mixture in the pan to fully cover its base and bulb
Traditional bulb-style thermometers are low cost but are prone to condensation inside the tube which can make them difficult to read. They can also be quite fragile and break which can mean the loss of a full batch of the mixture if the thermometer breaks in the pan.
Because bulb style and steel thermometers can also have sharp edges and nooks and crannies, they may cause sugar crystals to develop and affect a full batch of mixture.
Dial style thermometers can usually be manually calibrated and with their thinner steel probes, it can be easier to keep out of the way when needing to stir the mixture. The dials on these can be harder to read through, especially as the dial only gives enough room to mark a few key temperature points.
Like traditional thermometers, a dial style will only give a reading for where it is clipped, whereas the center of the liquid may be much hotter.
Although these tend to be more expensive, digital thermometers offer some automation to cooking, especially if they have audible alarms that sound when the mixture is nearing its temperature.
Some digital thermometers also give a reading much faster than a manual thermometer and because most tend to have a stainless steel probe they can be quickly inserted into any part of the mixture for a more accurate reading.
Temperatures for Candy Making
Thermometers that are specifically designed for candy will often be programmed or give the subsequent readings for various sorts of candy:
1. The thread stage is when a syrupy thread is formed on cooling which is pour-able over desserts. The temperature for this is usually 230°F to 235°F
2. The Soft-ball stage is for pralines, fondants, and fudges. At 235°F to 240°F, a collapsible softball is formed when the mixture is cooled
3. Caramels can be made from the firm-ball stage when the mixture has reached 245°F to 250°F and forms into a stiff ball when it is cooled
4. The hard-ball stage is at 250°F to 265°F, suitable for nougat, rock candy, and gummiest, the mixture will form into a stiff ball once cooled
5. When a mixture reaches 270°F to 290°F and is cooled, it will have flexible threads that can bend before they break. Known as the soft-crack stage, this is for butterscotch
6. Brittle and toffees can be made when the mixture has cooled from 300°F to 310°F. This is known as the hard-crack stage
Why a Thermometer Should Be Calibrated
For the various folks who want to check candy with cold water, a thermometer is usually just a handy addition to measure when the candy is getting near its correct stage.
However, the wide temperature range of the best digital candy thermometer means they’re also useful for the spread of other kitchen and BBQ tasks.
Over time, thermometers will lose their accuracy, and even being out by a few degrees can be the difference between great candy and ruined candy, or even internally safe meat and unsafe meat.
Testing a Thermometer
The easiest way to test a thermometer is through a boiling water test. Insert your thermometer into a pan of water making sure the bulb/probe end is fully immersed that it is not touching the sides or base of the pan.
Bring the water to a rolling boil (vigorous and constant bubbling) and then leave it to boil for at least five minutes, as this ensures the thermometer has time to give an accurate reading.
You can then take an eye-level reading from the thermometer and turn the pan off. If you live at sea level, then water boils at exactly 212°F. If you are 1000 feet above sea level, water will boil at 210.2°F, at 2000 feet it will be 208.4°F and so on.
The temperature given on your thermometer should match the boiling point for the altitude in which you live. If it does not, then you need to make a note of what temperature the thermometer actually read and keep this reading safe.
Calibrating a Thermometer
A number of thermometers will allow you to manually re-calibrate them using a boiling water test as above, or an iced water test. However, as you cannot calibrate all thermometers, the easiest way to get around this is by calibrating your recipe!
When you next use the thermometer, you will need to adjust the recipe temperature by the reading you obtained through the boiling water test.
For example, your recipe needs you to boil a mixture for ten minutes at 250°F. You live at sea level (where water boils at 212°F) and when you tested your thermometer in boiling water, it read 216°F.
This difference is 4 degrees over the correct boiling point, so you need to let your mixture go to and stay at 254°F for ten minutes – as read on the thermometer as this will mean your mixture is at 250°F.
Likewise, if your boiling water test reading was 204°F, or 8 degrees under, you would need to boil your mixture at 242°F for ten minutes.
Now for the Tricky Part
If you are making candy at altitude, then once you have adjusted the temperature from your thermometer calibration you also need to deduct an extra 2 degrees °F from a recipe temperature for every 1000 feet that you simply live above water level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can you use a digital thermometer for candy?
Ans: The simplest answer is yes, but it all depends on the thermometer. Meat thermometer usage can easily be applied to creating candy, as long because the temperature rating is high enough, so read on for the answers to all or any of your thermometer questions!
Q. What is the difference between a thermometer and a candy thermometer?
Ans: A thermometer’s long, the narrow shape allows you to safely check the temperature of hot sugar or hot oil without burning yourself. A meat thermometer is much shorter in length, and its temperature range isn’t typically high enough for cooking sugar.
Q. How accurate are candy thermometers?
Ans: It may be that your thermometer is entirely accurate, and that is just the boiling point of water at your high altitude. No matter the reason, you will still need to take this discrepancy into account and subtract 3 degrees from every temperature in a candy recipe.
Q. What can I use if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Ans: Use cold water to check the temperature of your candy. You don’t need a thermometer to form your favorite sweets. All you would like is that this handy guide and a bowl of cold water. Every jiffy, drop a little spoonful of syrup into the cold water.
Q. How am I able to check my candy without a thermometer?
Ans: Skill level. To check your syrup has reached the right stage without employing a sugar thermometer, place a bowl of very cold water next to the hob.
Using a clean spoon, carefully take a touch of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to chill for a flash then devour the ball of syrup.
Q. What is special about a candy thermometer?
Ans: A candy thermometer also referred to as a sugar thermometer, or jam thermometer maybe a cooking thermometer won’t measure the temperature and thus the stage of a cooking sugar solution.
A thermometer is analogous to a thermometer except that it can read higher temperatures (usually 400 °F/200 °C or more).
Q. How do you fix a separated candy thermometer?
Ans: Tapping Method. Hold the thermometer in an upright position and gently tap the stem above the liquid separation against the palm of the hand.
Continue tapping until the liquid above the separation breaks faraway from the wall of the capillary and runs right down to join the most column.
Q. How do you reset a candy thermometer?
Ans: To calibrate the thermometer, bring a pot of water to a boil together with your thermometer clipped to the side of the pan.
Make sure it’s not touching rock bottom and also confirm there’s enough water in order that the pot won’t boil dry in 10 minutes! After it’s been boiling for 10 minutes, check the temperature.
Q. How long does it take for Candy to reach 300 degrees?
Ans: About 10 minutes. Just put your thermometer within the pan and wait for it to rise to 300 degrees. It takes about 10 minutes from the time it starts to really boil.
After it’s reached 300 degrees, remove it from the heat and add whatever flavor you want, stirring constantly then add food coloring.
Final Thoughts
In this review, we have looked at some of the bestselling candy thermometers currently available, as well as the advantages each type of thermometer offers over others.
We have also looked in some detail at the importance of calibration, as fluctuations in temperature can not only ruin candy but if the thermometer is being used elsewhere.
Such as for checking internal meat temperatures, then an inaccurate reading may increase the risk of food-borne illness. Even if you do rely on cold water for testing candy, a candy thermometer is still useful to have around, and if you are new to candy making.
Then until you become familiar with candy stages, a thermometer will give you some reassurance that you are cooking it correctly.
We do hope you found our review valuable and that it will help you when choosing the best candy thermometer to ensure your fudge is always soft-ball and your peanut brittle is always brittle.
We also have a detailed review on Best Blood Glucose Meter in case if you want to check that out! and other articles.