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If you want to make your own sweet treats that look like you picked them up from an artisanal candy shop, you’ll need one of the best candy thermometers. With a candy thermometer on hand, you’re well on your way to creating drool-worthy confections in your own kitchen.
According to Meggan, heating sugar to very specific temperatures is an integral part of successful candy making, whether you want to take a stab at Meggan’s popular Christmas Crack. Keeping track of these temperatures is nearly impossible without a candy thermometer, so Meggan and I spent weeks researching the most highly rated candy thermometers that will give you an accurate read and simplify your overall candy-making process.
With any of the best candy thermometers below on hand, including Meggan’s personal favorite from ThermoWorks, you’ll be one step closer to becoming a master candy chef.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
- What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: ThermoWorks Thermapen One – $109 at ThermoWorks
- Best Digital Candy Thermometer: ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer – $23.99 at Amazon
- Best Infrared Candy Thermometer: ThermoWorks Industrial IR Gun – $79 at ThermoWorks
- Best Budget Candy Thermometer: Taylor Candy and Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer – $10.49 at Amazon
- Best Clip-On Candy Thermometer: OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer – $22.40 at Amazon
Reviews of the Best Candy Thermometers
1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: ThermoWorks Thermapen One
You know when you try a kitchen tool that’s so incredible you feel the need to buy it for everyone? That’s how Meggan felt about this ThermoWorks candy thermometer. “I bought my first Thermapen in 2003. Over the years, I purchased several more for my test kitchen — specifically one for every employee,” she says.
Whether you’re an avid candy marker or not, the versatility and longevity of this instant read digital thermometer is what makes it such a stellar addition to any kitchen. “It reads the temperature IMMEDIATELY, the battery life is long, it’s easy to wipe clean, and I use it for everything,” raves Meggan. “Along with candy making, I also use it to temperature-test chicken, beef, pork, and leftovers.”
Because of these attributes, Meggan considers this a “must-have” in every kitchen. She says the Thermapen One also makes for an incredible wedding or holiday gift for burgeoning chefs.
The Specs:
- Length: 4.3 inches
- Display Type: Digital
- Temperature Range: -58-572 degrees F
- Clip: No
The Pros:
- Quickly reads temperature
- Wipes clean
- Long battery life
- Can be used for meat
The Cons:
- Only has a 5-year warranty
What Others Are Saying:
Along with being a staple in Meggan’s kitchen, ThermoWorks Thermapen One has garnered over 1,000 5-star reviews on the brand’s site.
Buy the ThermoWorks Thermapen One:
2. Best Digital Candy Thermometer: ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer
If you struggle with reading analog thermometers (I get it, the little lines can be confusing!), Meggan recommends opting for a digital candy thermometer to take out the guesswork. This foolproof design from ThermoPro is one of the best instant read candy thermometers that provides a quick, accurate temperature gauge in seconds. The big display numbers are a nice touch, but additional features, like a backlight and a 90-degree swivel head, allow you to easily read the temp from any angle.
When it comes to making candy, it’s incredibly important to remember the exact temperature you need to warm your sugar mixture to. Rather than going back and forth from your recipe, this handy little thermometer features a temperature reference chart that describes the ideal temperature range for each candy-making stage, lessening the chance of mishaps.
Speaking of mishaps, the long 8-inch probe and pan clip keep your hands safe from the boiling sugar mixture. Between the inherent safety features and well-thought-out design elements, creating the most scrumptious candy will be a breeze with this thermometer.
The Specs:
- Length: 12 inches
- Display Type: Digital
- Temperature Range: -58-572 degrees F
- Clip: Yes
The Pros:
- Backlit screen for easy reading
- Battery operated
- Has a temperature reference chart
- Waterproof
The Cons:
- Turns off after 10 minutes
What Others Are Saying:
The ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer was tested and recommended as the best candy thermometers by Food & Wine, and best digital by Food Network and The Spruce Eats. Additionally, it has attained a 4.6-star rating from more than 2,500 Amazon reviews.
Buy the ThermoPro TP510 Waterproof Digital Candy Thermometer:
3. Best Infrared Candy Thermometer: ThermoWorks Industrial IR Gun
One of the worst parts of cooking is the cleanup. Luckily, with the best infrared thermometer for candy making, you’ll have one less thing to wash. Instead of a probe that you stick into the boiling sugar mixture, all you have to do is point this high-tech temperature gun at the liquid to get an instant and accurate reading. Plus, beyond candy making, this can be used to read the temperatures of your empty pan or grill to help you get the optimal sear when you’re whipping up steak or juicy chicken.
The Specs:
- Length: 5.75 inches
- Display Type: Digital
- Temperature Range: -76-1022 degrees F
- Clip: No
The Pros:
- Zero clean up
- Backlit display
- Instantly reads temperature
- Battery operated
The Cons:
- Bulky
- Operating instructions aren’t totally clear
What Others Are Saying:
Serious Eats tested and named the ThermoWorks Industrial IR Gun the best single laser infrared thermometer.
Buy the ThermoWorks Industrial IR Gun:
4. Best Budget Candy Thermometer: Taylor Candy and Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer
One of the downsides of digital thermometers is the fact that they often cost much more than traditional analog models. If extra bells and whistles aren’t a deal breaker for you and all you really want is a solid, affordable option, you can’t go wrong with this candy thermometer from Taylor.
The stainless steel thermometer offers straightforward temperature measuring whether you’re cooking up homemade fudge or caramel sauce. Simply place it in your pot and use the clip to secure it so you can focus on other aspects of candy making rather than ensuring the thermometer stays upright. While it may not be able to register cold temps like digital options, it reads between 100 and 400 degrees F (and honestly, that range is perfect when it comes to crafting candy).
Despite the low cost, you won’t find yourself replacing this every few years, either, as it comes with a lifetime limited warranty, so you can feel confident and secure in your purchase.
The Specs:
- Length: 12 inches
- Display Type: Analog
- Temperature Range: 100-400 degrees F
- Clip: Yes
The Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Very accurate reads
- Easy to store
The Cons:
- Measurement markings are small and can be difficult to read
- No cold temperature readings
What Others Are Saying:
After testing the Taylor Candy and Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer, Food & Wine named it the best budget thermometer, while The Spruce Eats named it the most popular. It also has a 4.6-star rating from over 11,800 Amazon reviews.
Buy the Taylor Candy and Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer:
5. Best Clip-On Candy Thermometer: OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer
OXO happens to be one of Meggan’s favorite kitchen brands, and it’s no surprise that they make a superb candy thermometer. Little details — like the included candy temperature reference chart that clearly lays out the ranges for most candy stages and the sturdy, adjustable clip — upgrade this analog reader and bring it into the future (or at least the present).
Where other similar models are prone to scratching up the bottom of your pots and pans, this one features a rounded foot to prevent scrapes. Plus, the temperature markings themselves are larger than other thermometers we researched, so it will only take a few seconds for you to record an accurate temperature reading.
The Specs:
- Length: 16.5 inches
- Display Type: Analog
- Temperature Range: 100-400 degrees F
- Clip: Yes
The Pros:
- Clip is extra long (and adjustable!)
- Looped handle is easy to grab
- Includes a candy temperature reference chart
- Relatively affordable
The Cons:
- Must be hand washed
- Reference chart doesn’t include soft-ball reading
- A bit bulky
What Others Are Saying:
Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats tested and named the OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer the best overall thermometer. Additionally, it has a 4.6-star rating from more than 1,800 Amazon reviews.
Buy the OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer:
Other Candy Thermometers to Consider
Williams Sonoma Bluetooth Candy Thermometer
When it comes to high-end, gorgeous kitchen tools, few brands can compare to Williams Sonoma. Yep, even this candy thermometer is pretty! Beyond its looks, this high-tech thermometer is programmed with Bluetooth so it can connect to your phone for the most accurate readings. Both Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats named this the best Bluetooth thermometer. If the cool technological feature is important to you, this is the pick to purchase. However, it’s not totally necessary when other models work just as well without it. The Williams Sonoma Bluetooth Candy Thermometer is available at Williams Sonoma for $64.95.
CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer
Along with candy making, a cooking thermometer is imperative for deep frying and checking the temperature of meats. This model is able to do all three, but according to both Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, it’s one of the best deep fry candy thermometers, thanks to the long probe. That said, it does have its flaws. Even though it’s digital, the display is pretty small, there’s no on/off button, and it can be a bit top heavy. Reviews also mention that it doesn’t last as long as other tools they’ve tried. The CDN Digital Deep Fry Thermometer is available at Amazon for $28.
KitchenAid Curved Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer
A clip is an invaluable feature for a candy thermometer to have, and Food Network named this one from KitchenAid the best clip-on option. However, some Amazon reviews say that the clip isn’t tight enough to adequately latch onto their pots and pans and continuously slips around, creating inaccurate readings. The KitchenAid Curved Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer is available at Amazon for $19.
Pampered Chef Instant-Read Food Thermometer
Pampered Chef makes one of the most highly-rated thermometers of all time, and many shoppers appreciate the magnetic design that allows them to just stick it to their fridge and call it a day. However, it’s on the pricier side, and some reviews mentioned the readings would get less accurate over time, and the thermometer would stop working. The Pampered Chef Instant-Read Food Thermometer is available at Pampered Chef for $52.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi there! I’m Mary Honkus, a freelance writer with over 5 years of experience covering food, home, wellness, beauty, and fashion. I’ve held staff positions at Real Simple, People, and InStyle magazines, and my work has been featured in numerous other publications, including Cosmopolitan, WWD, CNN, and US Weekly.
I worked closely with Meggan Hill, the founder of Culinary Hill, to put together this list of the best candy thermometers. Meggan is an expert in the kitchen, having tested hundreds of culinary tools and developed thousands of recipes. Together, we selected the top-rated candy thermometers after testing them in our own kitchens and diligently researching other highly rated options. Through this process, we narrowed down 5 trusted tools that will simplify your candy-making adventures.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Candy Thermometer
What to Consider Before Buying a Candy Thermometer
Display: When it comes to candy thermometers (or any thermometer for that matter), you can choose between 2 displays: analog or digital. The former might be considered old-fashioned, with a glass temperature gauge and readings on either side, but it has stood the test of time for its accuracy. Some models, including the OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer, also feature reference charts so you can easily glance at the ranges for each candy stage without having to go back and forth with your recipe.
The one downside of analog thermometers is that they’re not always clearly readable. If you want to know for certain what the temperature of your mixture is (or if you have poor eyesight), a digital tool will really come in handy as it displays the exact temperature, ultimately taking out the guesswork. Plus, digital thermometers often offer a wider reading range. Analog options can’t detect negative temps, but digital ones can.
Probe Length: Candy thermometers come in a wide range of probe lengths, and truthfully, there’s no magic number for how long your pick should be. That said, keep in mind that candy making often involves high heat to boil sugar or jammy mixtures. The longer the probe, the less likely you’ll experience any burning mishaps.
The options on our list range from 4.3 inches to 16.5 inches, so it all comes down to personal preference (and considering how accident-prone you are!). Additionally, for those who want to go completely hands-free, you could also use the ThermoWorks Industrial IR Gun, a high-tech option that utilizes infrared technology to measure the temperature.
Clip: This may not seem like a major feature, but a thermometer with a clip can make a world of a difference when making candy. With a sturdy clip, like the one on the Taylor Candy And Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer, you can secure the thermometer to your pot and handle other steps in the process instead of physically holding the tool upright. It’s the little things that truly enhance your cooking experience.
What is a Candy Thermometer?
If you’re not one to regularly make sugary confections, you’re probably fine without a candy thermometer. However, those who enjoy crafting homemade treats will greatly benefit from one. As the name suggests, a candy thermometer measures the temperature of your sugar solution when making candy. It’s incredibly important to have one of these on hand because reaching certain heat thresholds creates different types of candy. For example, warming sugar to lower temps helps make soft candy (like taffy), whereas higher temperatures produce hard morsels (like candy canes).
Can I Use a Meat Thermometer for Candy?
Meggan says that “as long as you have a high-quality meat thermometer, it will work for candy too.” That said, there are some minor caveats (which won’t be a big deal if you don’t regularly make candy). Keep in mind that candy making requires high heat — upwards of 200 degrees F — which is much higher than any slab of meat will be. If your meat thermometer can reach that high, you’re in the clear. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to add a candy thermometer to your kitchen arsenal.
How to Calibrate a Candy Thermometer
Calibrating a digital or analog candy thermometer is relatively easy, and you can use the same method for both. First, fill a pot with 2 to 3 inches of water. Before placing it on heat, submerge your candy thermometer without letting it touch the bottom.
Allow your water to come to a rolling boil, and check the heat measurement after 10 minutes. Here’s where some math comes in: Water boils at 212 degrees F (100 degrees C), knowing that, check to see what your temperature reads. If it’s at 212 degrees F, you’re set to start cooking!
Let’s say it’s 3 degrees over, at 215 degrees F. If that’s the case, you’ll want to slightly adjust your recipe. So, if the directions call for you to cook your candy mixture to 230 degrees F, you’ll instead heat it to 233 degrees F to match your thermometer. This method rings true if your thermometer reads lower, too. For example, if your thermometer heats to 209 degrees F which is three degrees less than boiling temperature, you’ll want to heat your mixture to 227 degrees F for correct measuring.
How to Read a Candy Thermometer
When it comes to making candy, there are 7 stages to look for, and each has its own corresponding temperature.
- Thread Stage: This occurs between 230-235 degrees F. In this stage, the candy won’t ball up as it cools. Instead, it forms little liquid threads. If you stop here you’ll end up with syrup rather than any hard or soft candies.
- Soft Ball Stage: This will form between 235-240 degrees F. The sugar mixture starts to form into a solid yet malleable ball. You’re able to easily mold it, but it will flatten on its own after a few moments.
- Firm Ball Stage: This stage takes place between 245-250 degrees F. Texture-wise, this isn’t as malleable as the softball stage, yet it’s able to maintain its shape much better, so you can form different types of candy.
- Hard Ball Stage: You’ll experience this stage when your mixture heats between 250-265 degrees F. While there’s still some malleability, this thick concoction easily holds its shape and can be molded into different configurations without much effort.
- Soft Crack Stage: Once your mixture reaches between 270-290 degrees F, you’re in the soft crack stage. The moisture content is extremely low, and your candy will quickly solidify once dropped into cold water. That said, there’s still a bit of bend and won’t fully break or crack when handled.
- Hard Crack Stage: This occurs between 300-310 degrees F. Once your candy reaches this temperature, it will form hard threads when submerged in cold water and break into pieces when bent. There is no malleability in this stage.
- Caramel Stage: You’ll reach the caramel stage once your temperature reads over 320 degrees F. Caramel is a rich sugar sauce that can be used to top off ice cream and other treats.
The Best Candy Recipes
Have a serious sweet tooth? With a candy thermometer on hand you’ll be able to master the following recipes to satisfy your cravings!
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
Mary Honkus is a freelance writer with over six years of experience in the beauty and fashion industry. She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her work can also be found in numerous other publications including Cosmopolitan, WWD, Glamour, CNN, and Us Weekly. When she's not writing, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC.