Best Candy Thermometers of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Candy thermometers are essential tools for any home cook or professional baker who wants to master the art of making candy. These thermometers are designed to measure the precise temperature of sugar syrups, caramel, and other confections, ensuring that they reach the perfect consistency and texture. With a candy thermometer, you can avoid the guesswork and the risk of overcooking or undercooking your candy, which can ruin the flavor and texture. Whether you're making fudge, toffee, or caramels, a candy thermometer is a must-have kitchen tool that can help you achieve perfect results every time.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer Cover #TOP 1
ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Candy Deep Fry Thermometer with Pot Clip Cover #TOP 2
Candy Deep Fry Thermometer with Pot Clip
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Craft911 Digital Candy Thermometer Cover #TOP 3
Craft911 Digital Candy Thermometer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Candy Thermometers

#TOP 1

ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer

TP510
Orange
ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer Cover
ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip, 8" Long Probe Instant Read Food Cooking Meat Thermometer for Grilling Smoker BBQ Deep Fry Oil Thermometer

The ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer is an easy-to-use and accurate kitchen gadget. With an 8-inch probe and pot clip, it allows users to measure the temperature of hot food without being splashed. The pivoting backlit display enables users to read the temperature from any angle in low light conditions. The thermometer is waterproof and easy to clean. It has a wide temperature range from -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for candy, meat, frying oil, baking, and liquids.

What We Like
Fast and accurate readings
User-friendly design
Waterproof and durable
Large, easy-to-read display
Versatile for various cooking methods
What We Don't Like
Backlight button sensitivity
Clip design could improve
#TOP 2

Candy Deep Fry Thermometer with Pot Clip

CRAFT911-7EF90FCA
Classic (Popular)
Candy Deep Fry Thermometer with Pot Clip Cover
CRAFT911 Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip - Deep Fry Oil Thermometer for Frying - Cooking Thermometer for Frying Oil Candle Making Hot Oil Deep Fryer Thermometer 8" Side of Pot Thermometer

The Candy Deep Fry Thermometer with Pot Clip is an essential tool for cooking, grilling, and baking. Its large dial gives an instant and accurate reading, while the food-grade long probe allows you to measure the temperature at any depth. The pliable clip ensures secure attachment and prevents you from touching the hot pot. This multi-purpose thermometer is perfect for measuring the temperature of oil, liquid, meat, fish, turkey, and even candles and chocolate. Its premium quality guarantees high-temperature resistance and durability.

What We Like
Sturdy design
Easy to read
Attaches to pan
Accurate temperature readings
Shorter stem for small pots
What We Don't Like
Calibration issues
Inconsistent temperature readings
#TOP 3

Craft911 Digital Candy Thermometer

DT104
Orange
Craft911 Digital Candy Thermometer Cover
Digital Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip, Instant Read Kitchen Thermometer for Cooking, Baking, and Candy Making – 10" Stainless Steel Probe, LCD Display, Essential Baking Tool (Orange)

The Craft911 Candy Thermometer is designed to enhance your cooking experience. Its pot clip feature allows you to secure it to the pot, freeing your hands for other tasks while keeping you safe from heat. The digital LCD display ensures you can easily read the precise temperature, eliminating the guesswork often associated with analog models. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to its waterproof design, which allows you to wash it under running water without worry. With rapid readings in just 3-5 seconds and a wide temperature range, this thermometer is ideal for all your candy-making and cooking needs.

What We Like
Easy to read
Sturdy build
Quick reading
Includes cover and battery
10" probe length
What We Don't Like
Primed for Celsius
Requires toothpick for adjustment
#TOP 4

Taylor Stainless Steel Candy Thermometer, 12 Inches

Taylor
5983
Multicolor
Taylor Stainless Steel Candy Thermometer, 12 Inches Cover
Taylor Stainless Steel Candy Deep Fry Food Cooking Kitchen Analog Paddle Thermometer, Frying Thermometer for Candy, Maple Syrup, Sugar, Brewing, Includes Pan Clip, 12 Inches

The Taylor Stainless Steel Candy Thermometer features an insulated handle and pan clip, making it adjustable to attach to any size pan. The helpful candy temperatures are printed directly on the surface for convenient reference. The classic design is 12 inches long and can be wiped clean with a damp wash cloth. This highly accurate thermometer measures both in °F and °C from 100 to 400°F, making it easy to read. With a lifetime limited warranty, this thermometer is a reliable addition to your kitchen.

What We Like
Accurate temperature readings
Sturdy and well-made design
No batteries required
Easy to clean with boiling water
Good for various candy recipes
What We Don't Like
Limited storage options
Cleaning under glass can be tricky
#TOP 5

ThermoPro TP509 Candy Thermometer

TP509
Orange
ThermoPro TP509 Candy Thermometer Cover
ThermoPro TP509 Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip, Instant Read Meat Analog Thermometer with LCD, Cooking Oil Thermometer Deep Frying Thermometer for Candy Maple Syrup Grease Cheese Sugar Brewing Making

The ThermoPro TP509 Candy Thermometer is a versatile kitchen tool that offers precise temperature readings for a variety of cooking tasks. With its pot clip design, you can easily attach the thermometer to the pot, allowing you to focus on the cooking process without worrying about holding it in place. The digital LCD display provides clear and easy-to-read temperature readings, eliminating the guesswork associated with analog thermometers. Additionally, this thermometer is easy to clean thanks to its single temperature probe and waterproof design. With its fast read time and wide temperature range, from -58°F to 572°F, this thermometer is perfect for making candy, maple syrup, grease, cheese, sugar, and brewing. The durable 8" stainless steel probe ensures longevity and eliminates the risk of liquid leakage. Experience the convenience and accuracy of the ThermoPro TP509 Candy Thermometer for all your cooking needs.

What We Like
Accurate temperature readings
Easy to read display
Convenient pot clip
Versatile for multiple cooking tasks
Durable and easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Requires specific button battery
#TOP 6

Polder Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer

THM-515
Silver
1 EA
Polder Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer Cover
Polder Candy Thermometer Deep Fry/Jam/Sugar/Syrup/Jelly Thermometer with Hanging Hook Cooking Thermometer Food Thermometer Quick Reference Temperature & Pot Clip

The Polder Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer features 6 temperature zones printed on the display for easy reference, as well as an insulated handle that stays cool-to-the-touch and a pot clip attachment for precise readings. It has temperature ranges in Celsius and Fahrenheit, making it convenient for making candy, melting chocolate, yogurts, creams sauces, jams, deep frying, and more. Additionally, it is dishwasher safe and made of rust-resistant stainless steel.

What We Like
Well made
Easy to read
Accurate temperature readings
Large size
Adjustable clip for pots
What We Don't Like
Temperature markings can wash off
Packaging not secure
#TOP 7

Escali AHC1 Stainless Steel Deep Frying and Candy Thermometer

AHC1
Silver
(Pack of 1)
Escali AHC1 Stainless Steel Deep Frying and Candy Thermometer Cover
Escali AHC1 Stainless Steel Deep Frying and Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip, 5-Inch Probe with Candy Temperature Zones, NSF Certified

The Escali AHC1 Stainless Steel Deep Frying and Candy Thermometer is a versatile kitchen tool that can measure temperature from 100° to 500°F /40° to 260°C, featuring confectionary temperature zones indicating various stages of candy making and a hands-free clip design. The adjustable metal indicator on the dial face allows users to mark specific temperatures. Additionally, the durable stainless steel construction makes the thermometer oven and dishwasher safe.

What We Like
Accurate temperature readings
Easy to read display
Stable and secure clamp
Lifetime warranty offered
What We Don't Like
Calibration may be required
Clip width adjustment issues
#TOP 8

KitchenAid Curved Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer

KQ907
Black
KitchenAid Curved Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer Cover
KitchenAid KQ907 Curved Stainless Steel Paddle Style Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer with pan clip, TEMPERATURE RANGE: 100F to 400F, Black

The KitchenAid KQ907 Curved Stainless Steel Paddle Style Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer is a unique kitchen gadget, designed with a curved paddle to hug cookware walls for easier stirring. Featuring a large, stay-cool nylon handle, it keeps hands away from heat during use. With an adjustable silicone-coated clip, it fits on most cookware and prevents scratching. The key temperature ranges for various candy stages are printed on the paddle for easy reference, and it can also be used for deep-frying. It is recommended to hand wash only; do not immerse in water or put in the dishwasher. For best results, wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

What We Like
Easy to read
Accurate temperature readings
Durable and solid design
Multi-purpose use
Silicone clip for stability
What We Don't Like
Large size
Challenging to clean
#TOP 9

ThermoPro Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer

TP03H
Orange
Medium
ThermoPro Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer Cover
ThermoPro TP03H Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Grilling Waterproof Kitchen Food LCD Thermometer with Calibration & Backlight Smoker Oil Fry Candy Thermometer

The ThermoPro Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer is a fast and accurate kitchen tool that can measure internal temperature of food within 3-4 seconds with an accuracy of ±0.9 degree Fahrenheit. It is completely waterproof with a IPX6 rating, has a lock function to keep the temperature displayed, and features a foldable probe design for easy storage. The calibration function allows for precise accuracy and a long-lasting lifespan.

What We Like
Quick temperature readings
Easy to clean
Durable construction
Accurate results
Affordable pricing
What We Don't Like
Battery issues upon arrival
#TOP 10

CDN DTC450 Digital Candy/Deep Fry Thermometer

CDN
DTC450
White
10.4"
CDN DTC450 Digital Candy/Deep Fry Thermometer Cover
CDN Digital Candy Thermometer Long 8'' Stainless Steel Stem, Adjustable Pot Clip, Preset Candy Stages with Audio/Visual Alerts, Instant Read For Cooking, Deep Frying & Oil - DTC450

The CDN DTC450 Digital Candy/Deep Fry/Pre-Programmed & Programmable Thermometer is an essential tool for making your favorite sweets. It features a large easy-to-read display with a temperature range of 40 to 450 degrees F. The thermometer has a dual progress display, which is both pre-programmed and programmable, and has an auto-off function. The adjustable stainless steel clip and pocket clip make it easy to use, and the temperature guide on the sheath is a handy reference. Wipe clean with a damp cloth for easy maintenance.

What We Like
Accurate temperature readings
Easy to use
Durable and long-lasting
Alarm for temperature alerts
Large, easy-to-read display
What We Don't Like
Small numbers on display
Slow to respond sometimes
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Candy Thermometers

Why Use a Candy Thermometer?

Many home cooks and bakers are familiar with the importance of using a thermometer when cooking meats to ensure that they are cooked to a safe internal temperature. However, many people may not realize the importance of using a candy thermometer when making candies and other confections.

Candy making is a delicate process that requires precision in order to achieve the desired texture and flavor. The temperature of the sugar syrup plays a crucial role in the outcome of the final product. Using a candy thermometer allows the cook to accurately monitor the temperature of the syrup, ensuring that it reaches the correct stage for the specific candy being made.

Choosing the Right Candy Thermometer

When choosing a candy thermometer, there are a few key factors to consider.

Type of Thermometer

Candy thermometers come in two main types: analog and digital. Analog thermometers have a dial face and a temperature probe, while digital thermometers have a digital display and a probe.

Analog thermometers are generally less expensive and easier to read, but they can be less accurate and more difficult to calibrate. Digital thermometers, on the other hand, are more accurate and easier to calibrate, but they can be more expensive and can be harder to read in low light conditions.

Temperature Range

Candy making requires a wide range of temperatures, from just above the boiling point of water to over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to choose a candy thermometer with a temperature range that can accommodate the range of temperatures needed for candy making.

Ease of Use

Candy making can be a time-consuming process, so it is important to choose a candy thermometer that is easy to use. Look for a thermometer with a clear, easy-to-read display and a temperature probe that is easy to insert into the sugar syrup.

Durability

Candy making can be hard on equipment, so it is important to choose a candy thermometer that is durable and built to last. Look for a thermometer with a sturdy construction and a probe that is resistant to damage from heat and sugar.

Conclusion

Using a candy thermometer is an essential tool for anyone serious about making perfect candies and confections. By considering the type of thermometer, temperature range, ease of use, and durability, you can choose the right candy thermometer for your needs. With the right thermometer, you can ensure that your candies turn out perfectly every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do I do if I don't have a candy thermometer?

If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can still determine the approximate temperature of your candy by using the cold water method. Drop a small spoonful of the candy into a bowl of cold water and try to form it into a ball with your hand. The resulting shape and texture will give you an idea of the candy's temperature.

2. Can I use any thermometer for candy?

It is not recommended to use just any thermometer for making candy. Candy thermometers have a long, narrow shape that allows you to check the temperature of hot sugar or oil without burning yourself. Meat thermometers are shorter and usually have a lower temperature range, making them unsuitable for cooking sugar.

3. How accurate are candy thermometers?

High-quality digital candy thermometers, like the Thermapen® ONE, are accurate to within ±0.5°F (0.34°C) throughout the entire candy-making range. This level of accuracy allows you to achieve precise results when making candies like caramels.

4. What is the difference between a cooking thermometer and a candy thermometer?

The main difference between a cooking thermometer and a candy thermometer is their design and temperature range. Candy thermometers are longer and can safely withstand higher temperatures, up to 400°F (204°C). In contrast, most digital meat thermometers can only read up to 200°F (93°C).

5. How long does it take to boil candy to 300 degrees?

To reach a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit, it will typically take around 25-30 minutes to boil the candy. It will start with a quick boil and then darken slightly, transitioning into a slow boil. During this process, the sugar dissolves as it cooks.

6. How can you tell if candy is 300 degrees without a thermometer?

If you don't have a thermometer, you can use the cold water method to determine if the candy has reached 300 degrees. Drop a small piece of the candy into cold water and wait a few minutes. If it hardens, it has reached the desired temperature. If it remains soft, it needs more time to cook.

7. Can a candy thermometer be wrong?

It is important to test the accuracy of your candy thermometer. Check if it reads 212 degrees Fahrenheit when placed in boiling water. If it doesn't measure boiling temperature correctly, you can adjust it during cooking to compensate for the difference or consider replacing it with a new one.

Editor's Notes

During our candy thermometer research, we found 24 candy thermometer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 266,300 customer reviews through our big data system to write the candy thermometers list. We found that most customers choose candy thermometers with an average price of $13.19.

The candy thermometers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of candy thermometers, including ThermoPro, Craft911, Taylor, Polder, Escali. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,710 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Candy Thermometers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand ThermoPro Craft911 Craft911 Taylor ThermoPro Polder Escali KitchenAid ThermoPro CDN
Special Feature Fast Reading System Fast Reading System Fast Reading System, High Accuracy Large Display, High Accuracy Fast and Constant Measurement, Ultra Clear Screen, Long Probe High Accuracy Fast Reading System High Accuracy Waterproof Fast Reading System
Color Silver, Orange Classic (Popular) Orange Multicolor Orange Silver Silver Black Orange White
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
Product Care Instructions Hand Wash Only Wipe Clean Do Not Soak Hand Wash Only Do Not Soak Wipe Clean Hand Wash Only Hand Wash Only Hand Wash Only Handle with care and do not immerse in water or put the dishwasher.
Unit Count 1.0 Count 1 Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 1.0 Count
Outer Material Plastic Stainless Steel - Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Plastic
Display Type Digital Analog Digital Analog Digital Analog Analog - LCD Digital
Model Name - DFOT DT104 RA17724 - THM-515 Escali Deep Fry/Candy Thermometer KitchenAid Curved Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer - DTC450
Specification Met NSF, CE, FCC Culinary - ANSI NSF - - - NSF -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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