The Fresh Loaf

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Baking Thermometers

Mark H.'s picture
Mark H.

Baking Thermometers

My daughter needs a thermometer to check the temperature of milk to make sure it will activate the yeast she wants to use to bake bread. We only have meat thermometers. Any recommendations for a great baking thermometer?

BaniJP's picture
BaniJP

I don't have a specific recommendation, but you should be able to pick one up at your local electronics store or places like Amazon (for example this: https://tinyurl.com/r2yatds ). They are not expensive, between 10-20$. Just make sure you get one with a wide temperature range.

Also with some experience you can just check the milk with your finger or try from a spoon. It should be pleasantly warm, like outside temperatures in summer. Despite that, the yeast gets activated just by coming in contact with liquid. But yeah, warm temperatures make it really happy.

But get a thermometer despite your milk needs, it's a great tool to have, especially when you get into some temperature dependent stuff like sugar, tempering chocolate, fermentation etc. etc.

Mark H.'s picture
Mark H.

Thank you!

gavinc's picture
gavinc

I recommend the Thermapen 4. It's an instant-read and I use it for everything I don't have to leave in during the cook.

Room temp, flour temp, pre-ferment temp, water temp, vegetables internal temp, meat internal temp and the list goes on.

Fabulous.

Cheers,

Gavin

Mark H.'s picture
Mark H.

Thank you!

suave's picture
suave

She does not really need one.   I am sure she knows what lukewarm is.

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

if you want to.  Aim for human body temperature.  Or hold thermometer tip in a warm hand for a few minutes, mark the spot and use that mark.  Any liquid too hot to hold a finger into is too hot.  Milk is scalded first and allowed to cool down before adding yeast.