The fire school

Using a thermometer

The most useful tool beside your grill.

A grill probe measures the air at the grate. A food probe measures the internal temperature of your food. Keep those readings separate and never assume the lid dial shows the food temperature.

Insert a clean food probe into the thickest part, away from bone and large fat pockets. For thin foods, approach from the side. Check several pieces and more than one spot. Clean the probe before and after use.

Follow your thermometer’s calibration instructions. Read the safe-minimum temperature guidance linked below, including any resting time. Colour and clear juices are not reliable measures of food safety.

Read our food-safety guidance