The Best Candy Thermometers According to a Pro Baker

A candy thermometer seems like one of those tools you’ll never use. That is, until it’s time to make a batch of peanut brittle, old-fashioned fudge, strawberry jam, or homemade caramels. These recipes all have one thing in common: precise temperature measurement is just as important as ingredient measurements.

Many sweet recipes are a specific science, and certain ingredients need to be heated to particular temperatures in order to set for proper texture. Eye-balling it simply won’t do when you’re trying to achieve thick, creamy fudge or dreamy, chewy caramel.

As a former bakery owner and professional baker, I’ve tested kitchen tools for years. The best candy thermometers are simple to use and read, and provide a useful range of temperature from 100°F up to at least 400°F. From analog and digital options to a splurge pick with specific treat presets, these are the tools you need for making homemade candies, jams, and more.

Our Top Picks

Our Top Analog Pick:

Williams Sonoma Easy-Read Candy Thermometer at Williams Sonoma $22

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Our Top Digital Pick:

SALE

ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer at Amazon ~~$32~~ $20

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Best Budget:

Polder Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer at Amazon $11

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Best for Beginners:

SALE

Taylor Precision Products Candy And Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer at Amazon ~~$11~~ $9

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Best Splurge:

SALE

CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer at Amazon ~~$28~~ $23

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Our Top Analog Pick

Williams Sonoma Easy-Read Candy Thermometer

PHOTO: Williams Sonoma

$22 at Williams Sonoma

Why It’s Great: Large, bold fold for easy reading; included pot clip; cool-touch handle

Grain of Salt: Not dishwasher safe

An analog candy thermometer will give you a quick, simple, accurate read-out of temperature for any recipe, whether you’re making divinity for the holidays or fudge for a bake sale. This option from Williams Sonoma makes the task of reading the temperature that much easier. The temperatures for Fahrenheit are bolded, with Celsius read-outs on the right side and notations for specific candy-making stages.

As you dive into making your recipe, use the clip to fasten the candy thermometer to your pot. This will help keep it put throughout the process, so you simply need to keep watch for the proper temperature. It also has an easy-grip handle on the top, making it possible to remove the thermometer from hot liquid without any worries of burning your hand. Once you’re done cooking, it’s easy to clean up by simply wiping the stainless steel thermometer clean with a damp cloth or using hot water with soap for more stubborn residue.

The Details: Analog; 12.5 inches; 100°F to 400°F

Our Top Digital Pick

ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer

PHOTO: Amazon

$32 $20 at Amazon $23 $18 at Target $18 at Walmart

Why It’s Great: Large backlit screen; quick read-out; includes pot clip; versatile for candy, fried foods, and meat

Grain of Salt: Can be a bit top-heavy; not dishwasher safe

While a bit more expensive than an analog option, a digital candy thermometer is worth the extra cost if you need quick, easy-to-see read-outs. Once the 8-inch probe on this thermometer is inserted, you’ll have a temperature reading in about four seconds. If preferred, you can also use the included clip to fasten the thermometer to your pot.

The large backlit screen on top not only offers temperature details but there’s also a helpful chart to refer to while measuring. Temps for stages including hard crack and soft ball are on the list, along with temperatures for savory foods such as crispy fish fillets and French fries in case you’re using it for fried foods. With its wide temperature range from -58°F to 572°F, this candy thermometer can actually be used as a meat thermometer as well. It’s built to be waterproof and sturdy enough to handle a variety of recipes with an auto shut-off function to preserve battery life.

The Details: Digital; 8 inches; -58°F to 572°F

Best Budget

Polder Candy/Jelly/Deep Fry Thermometer

Candy Thermometer Deep Fry/Jam/Sugar/Syrup/Jelly Thermometer with Hanging Hook Cooking Thermometer Food Thermometer Quick Reference Temperature & Pot Clip

PHOTO: Amazon

$11 at Amazon $12 at Walmart $15 at Wayfair

Why It’s Great: Approachable price point; adjustable pot clip; cool-touch handle; dishwasher safe

Grain of Salt: Small font may be harder to read

It can sometimes be intimidating to try a new recipe that requires a thermometer, especially when it comes to boiling liquids for candies. This candy thermometer comes in at a low price point just over $10, making it more approachable to get started. The exterior is constructed from stainless steel, with an insulated handle at the top so it’s cool to the touch at any time. You can fasten it to the side of a pot with ease since the thermometer has an adjustable clip.

Its temperature range runs from 90°F to 400°F, so it is versatile enough to use for a variety of candy, jam, or other recipes. Plus, it notes specific stages from thread to soft ball to hard crack. When it comes time to clean up after cooking, wipe the thermometer clean with hot water and soap, or you can wash it in the dishwasher on the top rack only.

The Details: Analog; 12 inches; 90°F to 400°F

Best for Beginners

Taylor Precision Products Candy And Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer

Taylor Precision Products Taylor Candy And Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer

PHOTO: Amazon

$11 $9 at Amazon $12 at Target $11 at Walmart

Why It’s Great: Durable stainless steel construction; nylon handle; adjustable pot clip

Grain of Salt: May be challenging to read

Whether you’re making peanut butter fudge or candy apples, this thermometer is up to the task. Its simple, straightforward design is a benefit, with a 100°F to 400°F temperature range and notations in red for certain stages of candy making such as soft ball for fudge and meringues or hard crack for brittles. Its generous size allows for larger text for easier temperature read-outs at a glance. Plus, it’s simple to hold and maneuver, with a nylon tab handle at the top to easily pull it out of a hot mixture if needed.

When in use, the clip on the back comes in handy to fasten the thermometer to the pan. Plus, it’s adjustable to find the perfect fit no matter the size of the pot you’re prepping a recipe in. Constructed from stainless steel, the thermometer is durable for years of use, with a shatterproof plastic front to keep it in tip-top shape.

The Details: Analog; 12 inches; 100°F to 400°F

Best Splurge

CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer

CDN Digital Deep Fry Programmable Thermometer

PHOTO: Amazon

$28 $23 at Amazon $31 at Walmart $27 at Wayfair

Why It’s Great: Programmable for temperature alerts; includes pot clip; large display

Grain of Salt: No automatic shutoff

If you’re a professional using a candy thermometer often, it’s worth it to have one with a few extra bells and whistles. First, consider a thermometer with a digital read-out so numbers are quick and easy to see, like this option offers. Even better? This candy thermometer will actually let you know when your mixture is getting close to the proper temperature—so you don’t have to keep a constant watch on the numbers. You can set audio and visual alerts for target temperatures, and the thermometer will sound the alarm, letting you know exactly what temperature you’ve hit without any issues of overheating.

For easy setup, it’s designed with a clip on the side to fasten to a pot, along with a heat shield to keep the digital screen protected from any splashes or splatters. Wash the thermometer by hand and store the probe in the included protector.

The Details: Digital; 10.8 inches; 14°F to 450°F

Our Takeaway

The Williams Sonoma Easy Read Candy Thermometer earned our top pick for the best analog thermometer because of its simple-to-fasten clip and large font for easy reading. The ThermoPro Digital Candy Thermometer is an ideal digital option, with a quick four-second reading and the versatility to use it for everything from candy to fried foods and meat. The CDN Digital Candy Thermometer steals the show as the best candy thermometer worth the splurge because of its preset functionalities, allowing you to set a precise goal and have the thermometer alert you when it has reached the desired temperature.

How to Pick the Right Candy Thermometer

Temperature Range

Recipes that require a candy thermometer generally include ingredients that are combined and boiled to high temperatures. Your candy thermometer should at least register and read 100°F to 400°F. Some may be capable of reading even lower and higher temperatures.

These are the different stages of melting sugar:

Thread stage (sugar syrups): 223-234°F
Soft ball stage (fudge, fondant, pralines): 234-240°F
Firm ball stage (caramels): 242-248°F
Hard ball stage (nougat, marshmallows): 250-266°F
Soft crack stage (taffy): 270-290°F
Hard crack stage (butterscotch, brittle, toffee, spun sugar): 295-310°F
Light caramel stage (caramel sauce, flan): 320-335°F
Dark caramel stage (caramel sauce, glaze): 350°F

Style

Choosing between an analog or digital candy thermometer is all up to personal preference. Which do you find simpler to read? Of course, a digital thermometer will come in at a higher price point. Consider the design of the thermometer, including whether it has a clip to attach to the side of a pot or if you have to hold the probe in the mixture. A clip-on thermometer may not be instant read, but they are designed to be left in the pan to make the task simpler. Considering probe length is also important so you can ensure you’re purchasing a candy thermometer that’s long enough to reach into the pot you’re using.

Ease of Use

Making candies or jams can be a bit tricky—your candy thermometer should be a tool that helps to make the process simpler. Consider how quickly and easily you can read the temperature and how simple it is to calibrate the thermometer for accuracy.

Common Questions

How do you use a candy thermometer?

Most candy thermometers have a clip, allowing them to be fastened to the side of a pot. This allows you to check the liquid temperature at a glance. Digital thermometers may not have a clip. Instead, insert the probe into the liquid to check the temperature. For this method, avoid touching the probe to the bottom of the hot pan.

The candy thermometer will give a read-out of temperature. There are terms for each temperature stage from soft ball stage for fudge at 234 to 240°F to the dark caramel stage at 350°F. The recipe you’re following will note the proper temperature you should aim to reach, and it’s important to stick to it.

What is the difference between a candy thermometer and a meat thermometer?

The key difference between candy thermometers and meat thermometers all boils down to temperature. Meat thermometers can’t reach as high of a temperature as a candy thermometer does. A meat thermometer is crucial for making sure chicken and pork are fully cooked, but it can’t register mixtures boiled to higher temperatures.

How do you clean a candy thermometer?

Dishwashers can be too harsh on candy thermometers, so it’s best to wash them by hand. Run the probe or thermometer under hot water and wipe it clean. If there is stubborn stuck-on residue, use a soapy sponge or leave the probe in hot water to soak, without fully submerging it.

Why Take Our Word For It?

Molly Allen is a former bakery owner turned professional recipe developer and writer. With years of experience in commercial bakery kitchens and her own home kitchen, she found the best candy thermometers based on hours of research along with first-hand knowledge. She evaluated the top picks for the best candy thermometer based on style, design, temperature range, and size.