17 Sep 2026
Press release w/ pics - Food safety experts share guidance on how to properly use a food thermometer in 4 steps
Food thermometers are an essential bit of kit that most people have in their kitchen. Maintaining the correct temperature is vital to ensuring that food is safe for consumption, and food thermometers are important tools to support this and help keep people safe. Guidance from experts at High Speed Training highlights how to properly use and clean your food thermometer.
How to properly use a food thermometer
Dr Richard Anderson, Learning Experience Director at High Speed Training, said: “Food thermometers are easy to use, but the method of use will depend on the type of food thermometer that you have. For example, a meat probe thermometer will need to be inserted into the thickest part of the meat, whereas a sugar thermometer can often be left attached to the side of a pot during cooking. As a general guideline, it is always best to read the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand to ensure that you are using it properly.”
Most food thermometers can be used in the following way:
- Ensure the thermometer is clean and disinfected before use.
- Insert or place the thermometer into the food. If using a probe thermometer, ensure it is inserted into the thickest part. If the food is still cooking or has only just been removed from the stove/oven, avoid touching the heated pan or placing the thermometer too close to the heat source, as this will give an inaccurate reading.
- Measure the temperature. The temperature is likely to rise rapidly (or fall, depending on the situation), so be sure to wait until it has settled before noting it.
- Remove the thermometer, clean and disinfect it.
Dr Anderson continues: “Your thermometer should be calibrated regularly to ensure that they continue to give accurate readings. How frequently you choose to do this is up to you, the type of thermometer you use and how regularly you use it. It is also worth reading the manufacturer’s instructions on calibration to see whether they recommend a specific timeframe and/or method.”
How to clean a food thermometer
It is important to keep your thermometer clean and disinfected to avoid cross-contamination.
Most food thermometers can be cleaned in the following way, but you should always check your manufacturer's instructions:
- Wipe off any food or visible contaminants.
- Wash the probe in hot soapy water. Be careful not to submerge the whole thing in water and focus on the part that has been inserted into the food.
- Disinfect the probe using an appropriate, food-safe sanitiser or by leaving it in boiling water for a few minutes.
- Dry thoroughly.
For more tips and in-depth guidance, visit High Speed Training Hub, or our article: A Guide to Food Thermometers
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Contact Information
Kira Smith
PR & Content Executive
High Speed Training
kira.smith@highspeedtraining.co.uk
Notes to editors
For any additional information, interview requests or comments, please contact Daniel.Raymond@highspeedtraining.co.uk, PR & Brand Manager or Kira.Smith@highspeedtraining.co.uk, PR & Content Executive.
High Speed Training
High Speed Training is a leading online training provider, dedicated to empowering learners in the workplace and beyond. They make compliance and learning simple, straightforward and engaging by delivering accredited digital training that helps people to be engaged, effective and safe.
With over 4 million learners supported to date, High Speed Training works with industry experts and specialists to provide up-to-date thinking and relevant, useful knowledge and deliver practical and user-friendly learning content across all devices.
Founded in 2008, the Yorkshire-based company delivers more than 170 specialist courses for the professional services, hospitality, food manufacture, logistics, education, construction, and health and social care sectors, as well as covering topics including health and safety, food hygiene, risk and compliance management, safeguarding, personal development and core skills.
Since 2023, High Speed training has been an employee-owned trust, and is now wholly owned by its employees, enabling staff to have a financial and directional say in how the business operates.
In 2023, High Speed Training won the Learning Technologies Organisation of the Year award, and won the First Class E-Learning Large Provider of the Year award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in 2023 and 2024.
All of High Speed Training’s courses meet Continuing Professional Development guidelines and are accredited by the CPD Certification Service. All of their online courses are independently checked and approved by recognised authorities such as CPD, RoSPA, IATP, IIRSM and the Institute of Hospitality.
In 2025, High Speed Training placed 3rd in the Best Education and Training organisations in the UK to work for, 6th in the Yorkshire and Humberside Best Companies to work for and 7th in the Top 50 Best Mid Sized companies to work for in the UK.
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