Oven Safe – This type of thermometer is inserted in your food and remains in there during the cooking process. It should be inserted 2- 2 ½ “deep in the thickest part of the food. This does not work well with thinner cuts of meat or food. Dial Instant Read – Similar to the oven safe thermometer this one should also be inserted 2 -2 ½” deep in the thickest part of the meat. It should remain in the roast about 20 seconds to capture an accurate reading. Digital Instant Read- This is my go-to food thermometer. The heat sensing mechanism is in the tip of the thermometer. Place the thermometer at least ½” deep in the thickest part of the food. It will take about 10 seconds for it to display an accurate temperature.