Candy making is a skill that requires a lot of patience and premium-quality equipment. If you enjoy making candies or want to learn, check out our list of the best candy thermometers to choose the right one. Maintaining the right temperature is essential to get the perfect taste and texture of the sweet treat. If you enjoy making jelly beans, fudges, sugar candles, and toffees, you need a thermometer to prevent the candies from burning or overcooking. You can use a candy thermometer for jelly making, monitoring meat temperature, yeast proofing, and deep-frying. So, explore the available options and choose one that suits your requirements.

Types Of Candy Thermometers

Candy thermometers are of two types based on their mechanism.

Ruler-like steel thermometer displays printed stages of candy and has a big stainless-steel body with a hanging hole. Dial thermometer does not have a printed marking for each stage of candy making. It has a large stainless-steel dial for reading and nuts for manual calibration. Pyrex thermometer has a tube-like body made from glass. It cannot calibrate temperature and is fragile. 

15 Best Candy Thermometers

1. Best Auto-Off:Habor Candy Thermometer

If you frequently host barbeque parties or love to make candies at home, the Habor candy thermometer could be a good pick. The digital thermometer is elegantly designed in silver and has a probe equipped with a strong plastic cap to prevent damage. When you insert the 4.7-inch long stainless probe into your dish, the thin needle accurately shows the temperature. This thermometer is fast and reads temperatures ranging from -58ºF to 572ºF within four to five seconds of insertion. It also has a ten-minute auto-off feature and a 1.5V button battery. It weighs 1.13oz and measures 0.8×9.2×1.1″. Watch this video of the product for more information. Pros

Accurate and durable Easy to use Ideal length Switches unit of readings from ºF to ? 

Cons

Plastic casing may melt easily Battery cover might fall off

2. Best Dual-Probe:ThermoPro TP-17 MeatCandy Thermometer

The ThermoPro thermometer features a dual-probe technology with two stainless steel 8.5-inch probes to read two food items cooking simultaneously. It saves you time when making multiple dishes. The step-down probe tip is designed to deliver accurate temperature and has a backlit LCD for cooking in low-light conditions. The thermometer has a timer that beeps and flashes if the temperature rises above the pre-decided Hi/Low-temperature range. The thermometer has a magnetic back and a flip-out countertop stand to place it conveniently in the cooking container. It has a temperature range of 14° to 572°F with an accuracy of ±1.8°F. Its probe wire can endure up to 716°F when connected to the base with a 40-inch long stainless steel mesh cable. It weighs 4.6oz and measures 3.23×0.85×3.23in. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product. Pros

Dual probes and accurate Easy to read and set Durable and easy to clean AAA battery and a Celsius/Fahrenheit selector included 

Cons

May be sensitive to water intrusion Probes may stop working after a few uses

3. Best Lightweight:Lavatools Javelin Candy Thermometer

The Lavatools Javelin digital thermometer is the go-to tool for making candies and bread and deep-fried delicacies. It gives you a reading on its digital screen within three to four seconds, with an accuracy of ±0.9°F. The NSF-approved thermometer can endure 4000+ hours of continuous use on a single battery. It has an IP65 splash-proof body and an incorporated magnet for comfortable storage on ovens and refrigerators. The thermometer weighs 1.76oz and measures 4.5×1.4×0.75in. Check out this video for a detailed review of the product. Pros

Easy to use with a 1.4-inch display Reads instantly Accurate and lightweight Easy to clean and maintain 

Cons

Plastic may crack easily May not last long

4. Best Easy-To-Use:Taylor Precision Candy Thermometer

Taylor thermometer can be used for making candies, jellies, or for deep frying chicken. It includes a stainless steel paddle, a shatter-proof plastic lens, and an insulated nylon handle. The enlarged 8-inch display on the thermometer’s face shows reading from 100 to 400°F to cover various stages of candy making temperature, suitable for making ‘thread’ to ‘hard crack.’ It is 12 inches long, weighs 0.81oz, and measures in both F and C. Pros

Easy to use and handle Sturdy Adjustable clip Safe and durable Dishwasher-safe 

Cons

Might not give an accurate reading May break or leak easily

5. Best Pre-Set Stages:CDN Digital Candy Thermometer

The CDN candy thermometer is programmed to deliver accurate readings each time you make candies at high temperatures. It has a 9½ -inch long stainless steel stem and a sturdy ABS plastic case that encompasses pre-programmed candy stages. The thermometer features a dual progress display, an alert system to indicate the desired temperature achieved, and an auto-off function. The sheath has a temperature guide, a pocket clip, and the thermometer is powered by two button IEC L444 alkaline batteries of 1.5V. The thermometer weighs 3.2oz and is 14×1.25×0.75in in dimensions. Pros

Wide temperature range, versatile Pre-set stages for candy making Adjustable to fit different containers Can measure from -40°F to 450°F 

Cons

Assembly may not be easy May be difficult to read

6. Best Easy-Lift Clip:GoodCook Classic Candy Thermometer

The GoodCook high-precision classic thermometer is perfect for the candy chef in you. It can measure temperature ranging from 100° to 400°F, making it ideal for the candy-making process and deep-frying. The thermometer has an easy-lift clip to keep your hands free while it stays clipped to the side of the cooking pan. It weighs 1.58oz and measures 12x4x1.25in and has a protective sheath for keeping it safe.  Pros

Easy to use and read Wipes off easily Accurate reading Versatile and long-lasting 

Cons

May not have a calibration facility May not be watertight

7. Best Versatile:GDealer Candy Thermometer

The versatile meat thermometer is perfect for making candies, chocolates, chicken, and barbeque right on point. It features a long probe of 4.45in with a thin tip, making it convenient to immerse in the cooking vessel. The thermometer measures the temperature ranging from 58° to 392°F in two to four seconds and is accurate to ±2°F. It comes with a backlit LCD to read the temperature easily, even at night. It has a magnet that makes it easy to store on the refrigerator. The thermometer weighs 1.59oz, measures 9.3×1.7×0.8in, and has a ten-minute auto shut feature. Pros

High-quality, handy, and compact Easy to use and read Backlit screen Accurate reading Protective sheath included Long battery life 

Cons

Magnet could be weak May be fragile

8. Best Waterproof:Ikanzi Digital Thermometer

The FDA-certified food thermometer, made of heat-resistant and sturdy ABS material, is perfect for measuring high temperatures with ease. The 4.2-inch long and thin probe reads the temperature in less than three seconds and with a high precision sensor measuring range of -4° to 302°F temperature and accuracy of ±2°F. It has a hold button to retain the last reading when switching on the light or changing the unit. The thermometer has an auto-off feature that turns on after ten minutes of inactivity, and you can rotate the probe by 235°. The magnet on its back makes it easy to store on your oven or refrigerator, while its loop lets you hang it conveniently. This versatile thermometer comes with a user manual, a round plastic sheet to open the battery lid, a temperature guide, one hanging lamp, and two-button batteries. It weighs 3.52oz, and its dimensions are 6.9×2.6x1in. Pros

Made of IP67 grade waterproof material Easy to read with backlit LCD Accurate and works under running water Well-engineered to switch from °F to °C Reads fast, saves power, and lasts longer Waterproof

Cons

Battery may drain easily Instructions may not be accurate

9. Best For Instant Temperature Reading:Greenrain Mechanical Candy Thermometer

The Greenrain cooking thermometer can be your perfect companion for the BBQ parties that you host at home. It works without battery and measures temperatures ranging from 50 to 550? with an accuracy of up to ±5?. The 12-inch waterproof thermometer reads the temperature instantly and is ideal for making candy, deep frying, and barbequing. The thermometer weighs 3.2oz and measures 12.7×2.6×2.2in. Pros

Reads instantly Two-inch dial and adjustable clip included Easy to use and maintain Sturdy and durable 

Cons

May stop working after a few uses May not be accurate always

10. Best Stainless Steel Probe:AikTryee Digital Instant Candy Thermometer

Used for candy making, deep frying, barbecuing, and grilling, the AikTryee versatile cooking thermometer is perfectly designed to deliver ±0.5? accurate readings in four to five seconds. Insert the probe in the food, and the reading locks for display even after removing it from the cooking container. It has a ten-minute auto-off function, which saves battery life. The thermometer offers a wide temperature range of 58 to +572? and is useful in preparing various foods. It weighs 1.59oz, measures 9.5×0.98×0.62in, and has one battery. Pros

Easy to use Accurate measurements Protects hands from burning Long stainless steel probe

Cons

May not be durable

11. Best With Large LCD:Maverick Digital Oil and Candy Thermometer

The digital candy thermometer allows you to measure temperature with 14 pre-programmed settings for candy making and deep-frying. When the ideal temperature is reached, it signals with a flash and beeps. The stainless steel probe of 10.5 inches can be inserted in the cooking pan, and the large LCD monitor will display the reading within seconds. It has an auto shut-off feature of 3.5 minutes and a low battery indicator too. The thermometer also comes with a temperature guide to give you the necessary instructions about its handling. It weighs 5.6oz, measures 12.5×2.6×1.8in, has a strong clip to hold the thermometer in the pan steadily, and is powered by an AAA battery. Pros

Durable and sturdy Easy to read and use Accurate readings Has a temperature alarm

Cons

Size could be too big

12. Best Easy-To-Store:Jako Pro Candy Thermometer

Let your taste buds tingle with a perfectly made candy using the fully retractable thermometer. It is equipped with a 4.3-inch long stainless steel probe and a high precision sensor that reads in less than two seconds. The temperature reading of the thermometer ranges from -58° to 572°F with an accuracy of ±0.1°F. It features an auto-shut mechanism, and after ten minutes of resting, it turns off. The magnet behind the thermometer and a hook make it easy to store. It is smartly pre-calibrated and can be re-calibrated before use. Its weight is 2.39oz and measures 0.59×0.16×0.09in. Pros

Easy to use and read Versatile and sturdy Saves battery life Accurate reading Large display

Cons

May not last long

13. Best Uniquely-Designed:Lightbeam Digital Candy Thermometer

The uniquely designed digital thermometer has a detachable spatula made of BPA-free ABS plastic and silicon. It can be used to mix, scrap, and measure the temperature of the food. The sleek portable thermometer is perfect for stirring in the non-stick containers, and its removable paddle can be cleaned easily with hot soapy water. The huge LCD screen displays the temperature reading accurately and quickly. With just a press of a button, the thermometer inserted in the pot measures a wide range of temperatures from 58° and 572°F. It weighs 4.8oz and measures 13x1x2.5in. Pros

Reads accurately Versatile and long-lasting Powered by one LR44 battery Easy to use and clean Ergonomic and non-slip handle 

Cons

Paddle may be too stiff Silicon may crack

14. Best Curved Stainless Steel Body:KitchenAid Curved Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer

The KitchenAid paddle-designed candy thermometer has a curved stainless steel body that aligns with the container’s sides to enable stirring and uniform heating. It has a silicon-coated adjustable clip on the back to fix at a single location as required. The thermometer offers a temperature reading range of 100° to 400°F, weighs 7.2oz, and measures 0.7x4x14in.  Pros

Precise readings Insulated handle Easy to use and read 

Cons

Could be big for some Numbers may rub off easily

15. Best Foldable:Doquas Digital Thermometer 

The FDA-certified thermometer helps in making candies and toffees and grilling barbecue, steak, or chicken. It offers a wide range of temperature readings from -58° to 572°F with an accuracy of ±0.9°F. The 4.5-inch long probe is made of 304 stainless steel and has a bright backlight screen to offer a clear vision of the readings in the dark. The foldable thermometer turns on when unfolded and off when folded. It also has a rotating display and a hold button to continuously display the reading after removing the thermometer from the cooking pan. The thermometer weighs 2.39oz and measures 6.5×1.61×1.02in. Pros

Reads temperature in three seconds Durable and waterproof Backlit display Magnetic back and hook for storage Ten-minute auto-shutoff feature CR2032 battery included 

Cons

Probe may pull out easily May not be precise

How To Choose The Right Candy Thermometer?

We have listed a few features to consider when buying a candy thermometer. [ Read : The First Years Digital Thermometer ]

Why Trust MomJunction?

Sakshi John takes a keen interest in writing about kitchen and household appliances and reviewing them. She brings you this list of the best candy thermometers after carrying out extensive research and reviewing the customer reviews from various ecommerce websites. The writer has also provided a buying guide to help you pick the right product that assists you when cooking.

Candy thermometers have a more extended probe than their meat counterparts to protect the hands from burns Candy thermometers have a higher temperature threshold — 204 degrees celsius — than the meat ones

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