Analog vs Digital: which is the best candy thermometer?
Making candy require precision, especially when it coms to temperature. I have been start my candy making hobby for two years and I know that one of the biggest considerations when doing this is choose the righ thermometer.
I used to try many thermometers but they are mainly organized in 2 types: Analog and digital thermometers. Let’s take a closer look at these two types of candy thermometer to see their pros and cons and to find the best candy thermometer for you.
#1 Operation
Analog thermometers contain mercury or spirits which react to heat and move through the thermometer to deliver a reading on either a round dial with a hand, or a ruler-like bar, or the scale to display the reading.
They are usually made of metal or glass. The glass unit have a case around them, to prevent breaking and also to prevent the thermometer from touching the sides of the pot during cooking. While analog metal thermometers usually have a round dial face for the temperature reading.
Digital candy thermometers use electronic sensors to measure the temperature and show the output result on an LCD or LED screen. As it will show the result in digits, it is easier to read than an analog candy thermometer. It is also equipped with a metal probe.
#2 Price
The price ranges on candy thermometers vary widely depending on the type of thermometer and the features offered. However, it is obvious that Analog Thermometers are much more cheaper than digital thermometers.
With $5-$10 you can easy get the quality analog models with a simple temperature dial. If the price is your first consideration factor, you should purchase on analog units.
But with digital models with LED or LCD displays, you may have to pay for up to $25. The multi-use thermometer that you can use for many types of foods can cost up to $30 – $40. Higher technology thermometer that you can take with you into another room, or one with Bluetooth compatibility, you can expect to spend $50 or more.
#3 Reading speed
Analog thermometers take a longer time to read the right temperature. They need to be in the liquid for a few minutes before a result is produced. Digital models have one significant advantage over analog thermometers in that many offer quick-read capability. It shows the temperature result in just a few seconds.