Ina Garten, AKA the Barefoot Contessa, has built a name as one of America's most beloved culinary experts – and a reputation like that doesn't come with inconsistently cooked food. Thankfully, we can buy into a piece of her success for as little as $5. Her secret? The Taylor Large Thermometer – which happens to be reduced this Amazon Prime Day.
Garten, like many of us, understands that ovens can be temperamental when it comes to consistent heat – resulting in undercooked sections of food (or the opposite). 'No matter what it says on the dial, the oven itself could be totally different,' she told the New York Times. To avoid this, she uses the aforementioned thermometer, and following in her lead has never been more accessible.
Made from sleek, durable stainless steel, the thermometer has a large display with a bright red pointer designed for better visibility. It reads temperatures ranging from 100-600°F (50-300°C), and, unlike its alternatives, it's created with versatility in mind. Its unique design can be hung from a rack or stand on its own, meaning it has a place in even the smallest of kitchens. It's hard to believe you get all this for $5.
There's a lot to like about this simple yet powerful product, but above all, we love its simplicity. Designed to deliver exactly what we need from a thermometer, it has a colorful 2-1/2-inch dial that's refreshingly easy to read.
Considering Garten's seal of approval, it should also come as no surprise that the thermometer is NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)-certified, meaning it's been thoroughly tested for safety.
Garten shared her appreciation for the thermometer over on the Barefoot Contessa blog, along with her list of other kitchen essentials, including this salad tosser, also available via Amazon below.
However, while Garten didn't go into detail about exactly how she uses it in the kitchen, the manufacturer (Taylor) has a tip for making the most from your purchase. They recommend placing it in an area that's visible through your oven door, which means you won't have to keep opening the door to check the reading. This should preserve the heat, keep the cold out, and prevent any of that unwanted temperature inconsistency.
Also from Garten's favorites list, this chef-approved salad spinner has a one-handed pump for maximum drying with minimum effort. We also love its patented brake, which immediately stops the basket with a simple press.
