The difference between the two is just as you guessed, they are focused on different temperature ranges. A candy thermometer will need to be able to accurately measure melted sugar, which is way hotter than a medium rare steak. Putting a meat thermometer in to 350F sugar may break the thermometer..
Correspondingly, can I use a regular thermometer instead of candy?
The simplest answer is yes—but it all depends on the thermometer. Meat thermometer usage can easily be applied to making candy, as long as the temperature rating is high enough, so read on for the answers to all your thermometer questions!
Additionally, what is special about a candy thermometer? A candy thermometer, also known as a sugar thermometer, or jam thermometer is a cooking thermometer used to measure the temperature and therefore the stage of a cooking sugar solution. (See Candy making for a description of sugar stages.) These thermometers can also be used to measure hot oil for deep frying.
Likewise, what can I use if I don't have a candy thermometer?
To check your sugar syrup has reached the correct stage without using a sugar thermometer, place a bowl of very cold water next to the hob. Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water.
Can you use a laser thermometer for candy?
Two essential thermometers to have when you make candy are a candy thermometer and a chocolate thermometer. Some thermometers take readings by laser, but they don't penetrate beyond the surface of the candy, so they're less reliable for actual temperature readings.
Related Question Answers
How do you make taffy without a candy thermometer?
Lay out a spoon and a bowl of cold water beside your pot of boiling sugar. Every few minutes, drop a small spoonful of syrup into the cold water. Let the candy cool for a second, then form it into a ball with your hand.Can I use an instant read thermometer for candy?
You can indeed use instant read thermometers for candy making and deep frying - just double check before buying that their temperature goes up high enough. Most do. Alternatively, you can just buy a food-safe ceramic paint and mark the lettering again on your current thermometer.Is there a difference between meat and candy thermometer?
The difference between the two is just as you guessed, they are focused on different temperature ranges. A candy thermometer will need to be able to accurately measure melted sugar, which is way hotter than a medium rare steak. Putting a meat thermometer in to 350F sugar may break the thermometer.What temperature does a candy thermometer go to?
400°F
How can you check temperature without a thermometer?
Without a thermometer When using touch to diagnose a fever in someone else, touch your own skin first, then compare the two temperatures. If the other person is a lot hotter than you, they may have a fever. You can also try pinching the skin on the back of the hand to check for signs of dehydration.How do you check a thermometer?
Stick your thermometer into the center of the glass so the tip of the probe is submerged by about two inches. Hold it there for about a minute, making sure it stays in the center, and then check the temperature. It should read 32°F or 0°C, which, of course, is the temperature that water freezes at.How long does it take for Candy to reach 300 degrees?
You'll think it's NEVER going to reach 300 degrees but it does and it MUST so be patient. Just put your candy thermometer in the pan and watch for it to rise to 300 degrees. It takes about 10 minutes from the time it starts to really boil.How long does it take to reach soft ball stage?
about 45 minutes
How long does it take to reach hard crack stage?
Get it Down to a Science {150 - 155° C.}, or what is known as the hard crack stage of sugar. The use of a candy thermometer is not essential, but highly recommended and accuracy is critical. Test a thermometer's accuracy by inserting it in a pan boiling water. After about five minutes, it should read 212° F or 100° C.What is soft crack stage?
Soft-crack stage refers to a specific temperature range when cooking sugar syrups. At this stage, the sugar concentration of the syrup is 95 percent, which determines how pliable or brittle the candy will be. The soft crack stage is used for saltwater taffy, nougat, toffee, and butterscotch.How do you test for the hard crack stage?
If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can use the cold water test in a pinch: Drop a spoonful of hot syrup into cold water, then remove the candy from the water and attempt to bend it. If your syrup has reached the hard-crack stage, it will form brittle strands in the water and crack as you bend it.Can you use a candy thermometer for water?
Candy Thermometers. Do not plunge a thermometer into boiling water since the extreme temperature shock can cause it to break. At sea level, the thermometer should read 212ºF, or 100ºC.What is the liquid in a candy thermometer?
You can identify the liquid in a thermometer based on its color. Silver liquid indicates that the thermometer contains mercury, while red liquid is alcohol to which red coloring has been added.How do you clean a candy thermometer?
Immediately after each use, wash the probe of food thermometers with hot, soapy water, and wipe down the rest of the thermometer so grease doesn't build up. For candy thermometers, clip them onto a pot of boiling water to boil off any caramel or sugary residue.What is a candy thermometer made of?
Most candy or deep-frying thermometers are made of glass, so be careful not to subject them to temperature extremes, which can cause the thermometer to shatter. Clean your thermometer in warm, sudsy water.How do you calibrate a candy thermometer?
To calibrate the thermometer, bring a pot of water to a boil with your candy thermometer clipped to the side of the pan. (Make sure it is not touching the bottom and also make sure there is enough water so that the pot won't boil dry in 10 minutes!) After it has been boiling for 10 minutes, check the temperature.Can I use my candy thermometer for oil?
A candy thermometer, also known as a sugar thermometer, or jam thermometer is a cooking thermometer used to measure the temperature and therefore the stage of a cooking sugar solution. (See Candy making for a description of sugar stages.) These thermometers can also be used to measure hot oil for deep frying.Do candy thermometers have mercury?
It is a dense, shiny, fast-moving liquid metal that can break up into little balls that reform when pushed together. But not all thermometers with silver liquid contain mercury.How fast is an instant read thermometer?
Speed and Reading Time How fast does the thermometer take get an accurate, stable reading? Most instant read thermometers take 2-3 seconds to stabilizing, while some can take upwards of 15 seconds. 
