Chapter 1: The Art of Cooking with Precision

Cooking is often regarded as an art form, but it takes on a scientific twist when baking, intertwining chemistry into the mix. In my culinary endeavors—whether I'm roasting, grilling, or baking—I rely on a blend of instructions, flavors, and intuition. Yet, I often find myself guessing when my dish is perfectly cooked.

The reality is that cooking meat can involve a fair amount of uncertainty, especially when it comes to ensuring it’s not overdone. A perfectly seared sirloin might hide an unpleasant truth: an overcooked and unappetizing interior. Traditionally, I’ve monitored my meats using an analog thermometer and the clock, which works for quick checks but doesn’t allow for continuous monitoring during cooking, leading to tedious waits for temperature readings.

The clear solution? Embrace digital technology.

A while back, I experimented with Meater’s digital thermometer, which came in a stylish bamboo case. Unfortunately, after switching phones, I lost access to the device and its registration, which was disappointing. So when Yummly offered me the chance to test their Smart Thermometer, I jumped at the opportunity, hoping to be more careful this time and explore the differences in smart thermometers.

Unlike the chic Meater, Yummly’s version arrives in a bulkier plastic case that houses a more robust digital thermometer. The case, powered by AA batteries, charges the thermometer and pairs with your phone via Bluetooth through the Yummly App. Additionally, there's a plastic extractor attached to the back of the case designed to help remove the thermometer from hot meat. I had a bit of trouble detaching the extractor from the case, which I chalk up to my own clumsiness. The case also features magnets that allow for convenient attachment to your oven or grill.

Setting up the thermometer was straightforward, although I was surprised that activation required visiting a website. Naturally, the device needed a firmware update before its first use, which is a common requirement for modern consumer electronics.

Chapter 2: Testing the Yummly Smart Thermometer

After the firmware update, I was ready to start cooking. I followed the provided instructions and successfully paired the thermometer with my phone. With everything set up, I selected the type of meat I wanted to cook. However, I was out of meat at the time, so I decided to test how well the device could withstand the heat of my toaster oven.

Electric ovens heat up much quicker than gas ones, and it wasn’t long before the Yummly app notified me that the thermometer was overheating. I quickly grabbed an oven mitt to remove it. It seems the thermometer requires actual meat for accurate readings.

For my next test, I used a frozen beef patty. Once the juices began to rise as it cooked, I inserted the thermometer into the side of one patty. Unfortunately, the meat was too thin, and the temperature reading skyrocketed in the app, even though I knew the burger wasn’t fully cooked. I needed a thicker cut of meat.

I then defrosted some filet mignon and opened the app. Since the app also controls several other Yummly smart appliances, it took me a moment to find the thermometer controls. I selected the meat type and the desired doneness. After inserting the thermometer into the steak and placing it in the oven, I could see the ambient temperature, the internal temperature, and the target temperature on the app.

I had to ensure that the case was within five feet of the thermometer for proper communication. Initially, the internal temperature target for medium rare seemed a bit too low. I opted to monitor the temperature in real-time through the app, which also allowed me to set audio alerts as recommended.

The app provided consistent updates on the meat’s progress, guiding me on when to take it out of the oven and how long to let it rest afterward.

With the meat resting, the Yummly Smart Thermometer cooled sufficiently for me to remove it by hand. As for the steak? It was cooked to perfection.

While $99 may seem steep for a cooking thermometer, I’m confident that this device will become an essential tool in my kitchen for years to come, whether I’m roasting chicken, grilling steak, or preparing pork (though I might skip using it for burgers).

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