Summarize the following:
If you think you may have difficulty operating a digital thermometer, buy one with a needle gauge. However, digital thermometers do have a distinct advantage. They provide a more precise temperature reading in a matter of seconds. This will keep less heat from escaping your oven or outdoor grill while your are checking the meat's temperature. An instant read thermometer is inserted into the meat at the end of cooking time to check the internal temperature. A probe is designed to be inserted in the meat before the meat is placed in the oven, and allows you to monitor the temperature and know when the meat has finished cooking.
Read the label to make sure you're buying a meat thermometer and not a candy or oven thermometer. Buy an instant-read thermometer for meats such as ground beef patties, pork chops or grilled chicken. Purchase a probe thermometer for meats such as whole birds, ham, beef or lamb roasts. Use a meat thermometer specially designed for microwave use if you cook meat in the microwave.