For sugar recipes such as caramel and jam, you will require a higher temperature than with standard cooking. So, to help you bake to perfection, you'll need a sugar thermometer that's up to the task. As there are a lot of features you'll need to look out for, we've broken down the key considerations in this article to help you in your search.
We'll explain the differences between analogue, dial and digital scales, and whether you'll be better off with a handheld or clip-on model - including the differences between Celcius and Fahrenheit scales, and where each will come in useful. If you're still unsure which to go for, take a look at the 10 best sugar thermometers in the UK, currently available through Amazon.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of sugar thermometers available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() ThermoPro | 2 ![]() Thermometer World | 3 ![]() KitchenCraft | 4 ![]() Salter | 5 ![]() Tala | 6 ![]() KitchenCraft | 7 ![]() CDN | 8 ![]() ETI | 9 ![]() Chef Aid | 10 ![]() CDN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | TP02S Digital Thermometer | Sugar Thermometer for Making Jam | KitchenCraft Sugar / Jam Thermometer Spoon | Probe Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Thermometer | Stainless Steel Jam & Confectionery Thermometer | Jam / Sugar Thermometer | Digital Candy Thermometer | Brass Sugar & Jam Thermometer | Traditional Design Confectionary Thermometer | Candy Deep Fry Thermometer |
Features | Stainless Steel Probe Designed for Baking, Barbecue and Candy | A Wide-Scale Dial From 0 - 300°C With Fahrenheit Conversion | Digital LCD Display Embedded in a Silicone Spoon | A Stainless Steel Probe Providing Accurate Digital Readings as Low as -20°C | Classic Analogue Scale in Both Celsius and Fahrenheit | Traditional Handheld Glass Thermometer With Optional Clip | Digital Scale That Notifies You When the Desired Temperature Is Reached | Brass Thermometer With Indicators for Common Recipes Like Caramel and Jam | A Low-Budget Glass Thermometer for Quick Temperature Checks | 100 - 400°F Clip-on Dial That Won’t Be Too Obstructive |
Price | £8.99 | £8.25 | £15.60 | £19.99 | £7.00 | £5.49 | £29.99 | £11.99 | £3.79 | £11.42 |
Display Type | Digital | Dial | Digital | Digital | Analogue | Analogue | Digital | Analogue | Analogue | Dial |
Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Metal, silicone | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Glass | Metal, plastic | Brass | Glass | Stainless steel |
Handheld / Clip-On | Handheld | Clip-on | Handheld | Handheld | Handheld | Both | Handheld | Handheld | Handheld | Clip-on |
Temperature Range | -50 to 300 °C | 0 - 300 °C | 20 - 220 °C | -20 - 250 °C | 40 - 240 °C | 0 - 205 °C | -40 - 232 °C | 40 - 200 °C | 0 - 200 °C | 100 - 400 °F (37 - 204 °C) |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both | Both | Both | Both | Both | Both | Both | Celsius | Both | Fahrenheit |
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There are three types of display available on sugar thermometers, and your choice of analogue, dial or digital will depend on your preference. To help you choose the right option for you, we've listed the key features of each type below:
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You'll also need to consider how long you will need to monitor your food's temperature for. This will help you to determine whether you will need a handheld or clip-on model. If your recipes tend to need constant monitoring and gradual temperature changes, a clip-on thermometer will serve you best. Just position it inside the pot with the attached clip and you'll be able to keep an eye on the readings completely hands-free!
For quick temperature checks, handheld models are the preferred option. Since sugar work commonly requires constant stirring, handheld thermometers are more convenient in that they don't cause obstructions or take up space inside the pot when not in use.
Since sugar recipes often require very high temperates, the temperature range on your chosen thermometer is essential! A standard sugar thermometer measures between 40 - 200 °C, as this is the most common temperature range for most recipes. If you're after something that's more versatile, opt for a thermometer that starts at 0 °C and ranges all the way up to 250 - 300 °C.
It's also important to note the temperature units that are used. UK recipe books depict temperature in Celsius, marked °C, but some thermometers on the market will also feature a Fahrenheit scale, marked as °F. This is useful if you tend to get your recipes online, as it will save you the hassle of converting every temperature manually.
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This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£8.99
Display Type | Digital |
---|---|
Material | Stainless steel |
Handheld / Clip-On | Handheld |
Temperature Range | -50 to 300 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both |
£8.25
Display Type | Dial |
---|---|
Material | Stainless steel |
Handheld / Clip-On | Clip-on |
Temperature Range | 0 - 300 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both |
£15.60
Display Type | Digital |
---|---|
Material | Metal, silicone |
Handheld / Clip-On | Handheld |
Temperature Range | 20 - 220 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both |
£19.99
Display Type | Digital |
---|---|
Material | Stainless steel |
Handheld / Clip-On | Handheld |
Temperature Range | -20 - 250 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both |
£7.00
Display Type | Analogue |
---|---|
Material | Stainless steel |
Handheld / Clip-On | Handheld |
Temperature Range | 40 - 240 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both |
£5.49
Display Type | Analogue |
---|---|
Material | Glass |
Handheld / Clip-On | Both |
Temperature Range | 0 - 205 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both |
£29.99
Display Type | Digital |
---|---|
Material | Metal, plastic |
Handheld / Clip-On | Handheld |
Temperature Range | -40 - 232 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both |
£11.99
Display Type | Analogue |
---|---|
Material | Brass |
Handheld / Clip-On | Handheld |
Temperature Range | 40 - 200 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Celsius |
£3.79
Display Type | Analogue |
---|---|
Material | Glass |
Handheld / Clip-On | Handheld |
Temperature Range | 0 - 200 °C |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Both |
£11.42
Display Type | Dial |
---|---|
Material | Stainless steel |
Handheld / Clip-On | Clip-on |
Temperature Range | 100 - 400 °F (37 - 204 °C) |
Celsius / Fahrenheit | Fahrenheit |
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
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