You’re invested. You’re baking bread on the regular, and you may have noticed that there are some things you can control, like measurements and weight. There are other things, however, that you just can’t control, like the weather. This brings us to temperature in particular.
Temperature is key when making bread. Temperature plays a role in the fermentation process, so monitoring the dough temperature with a dough thermometer is crucial. Another area where temperature bares its weight is in the baking process, maintaining the right temperature in your oven for your bread to bake steadily is essential and an oven thermometer is just the tool you’ll need.
Let’s Talk the “Why?” of a Dough Thermometer
While bread has been baked for thousands (yes, thousands) of years, and the thermometer is clearly a more recent invention (just a little over 300 years), you may think it isn’t so necessary. I’d like to argue, however, that because we now have such accurate and helpful tools to take some of the guesstimating out of the baking process, why not just use them?
There is an extraordinary and beautiful blend of both art and science in the baking of bread, so much so that where there is an opportunity for refinement, you take it. Getting your hands on a dough thermometer, like my Javelin PRO Duo thermapen, really allows you to dive into the precision of baking bread that brings to light incredible results.
A dough thermometer helps you ensure that you’re bulk rising and proofing at optimal temperatures, and if not it gives you the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to get premium results. It’s easy enough to measure the temperature, just stick the thermometer into the center of your ball of dough and make note of the temperature.
Why The Javelin Duo is my choice for best Thermometer?
The Javelin Pro Duo thermometer is great because it’s what I use :). Just being honest here. I have had experience with different brands over the years but for the past while now it has been my go-to thermometer. It has an ultra-fast response time, it’s large, easy to read display, and some other technical features that get me excited as listed below.
- 1 to 3 seconds Response Time –
- Backlit Antifog Display for easy visibility – great in a blackout 🙂 . on a serious note makes it easier to read.
- Approximately 0.9°F @ -4~302°F (±0.5°C @ -20~150°C) Accuracy
- -40~482°F (-40~250°C) Range – these are temperatures for home baking and cooking. No need for anything higher in range as your equipment will not exceed it.
- 1x CR2032 Battery included. Thumbs up from me.
- Battery Life: 4,000+ hours of Battery Life
- Contains Auto-Off – Very cool feature considering it saves you batterie life.
- Imperial or metric (°F/°C) Configurable – should be standard on all thermometers.
- IP65 Splash Resistant for protection against the common kitchen spills
The versatility of the Javelin Pro Duo thermometer is an additional bonus. While I may be pitching its use for bread dough, the 4.5” (11.43cm) probe is not only good for reaching the center of your bread dough it’s great for keeping your face a safe distance from bubbling sugar for candy making. You can also use it for checking the temperature of cooked meats, to get them just right. Into beer making? Need your coffee at just the right temperature? Well, the Javelin Pro Duo thermometer works for that too, and the antifog coating and splash resistances keeps you from slowing down.
While the Javelin isn’t rechargeable, it was designed to last over 4000 hours on a single battery. You may think it’s a bit pricey but, when it comes to quality and durability you get what you pay for (you can check out the price on Amazon right here). The Javelin is made to last, so you’re not running out buying a new thermometer every couple of months. All in all, a great product that I thoroughly enjoy using time and again.
What Do I Need an Oven Thermometer for?
I don’t know about you, but ovens can be finicky. Even a new oven will have its special way of being that you have to get to know, like the hot spot (where your bread and other baked goods brown a little faster than anywhere else in the oven).
Although ovens come with a thermostat, you wouldn’t otherwise be able to set the temperature, they’re not always very accurate. A gap in the seal, the oven door not closing properly – whatever the issue, it can interfere with the temperature. So, if you’re like me and like your oven temperature to be as accurate, an oven thermometer is a great tool to have on hand.
I like the Rubbermaid Commercial Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer because it displays the true oven temperature and helps me make the necessary adjustments to get my desired outcome – the perfect loaf of baked bread.
The Rubbermaid Commercial Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer Is My Go-To Tool
This product doesn’t cost a lot, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and really, truly, honestly is a helpful tool. It’s designed for a professional kitchen, so you know it’s durable and it has a great extreme temperature range, but here take a look at the specs:
- Food Safety is ensured by instantly displaying true oven temperature
- The thermometer has an Extreme Temperature Range that reads between 60° and 580°F (20° and 300°C)
- Versatile and can be used in ovens, toaster ovens, BBQ, smokers, etc.
- Is Durable with stainless steel construction and a shatterproof lens
- Energy Efficient using a battery-free design it’s a mechanical thermometer that doesn’t require a battery for power. Sometimes you just can’t beat analog.
- The Easy To Use design for either a professional kitchen or home kitchen can be hung from an oven rack or standing on a flat surface like a pan.
- The scale is Easy to Read in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
Having your oven set at the right temperature before you put your shaped bread dough in means you’re sure to get a better final product. With an oven thermometer, you’re able to monitor and maintain the correct temperature for a more even bake.
I like to place the thermometer in different places in my oven so I can map out the hot and colder spots. This will help you get an even bake. Make sure to check all 4 corners of your oven.
This product is super cheap and really makes a difference. you can find it on Amazon right through this link.
Conclusion
Ultimately, with the right tools, the joy of baking bread is elevated to a whole new level. You’re able to plan and make adjustments easily and effortlessly. Is the weather wreaking havoc on your proofing stages?
Well, with a dough thermometer to you can monitor the temperature and move it to a better spot, or put in the fridge, etc..
Is your oven is a little wonky, and you’ve got an inkling that perhaps the internal thermometer calibration is off? No problem, easy to check, and rediscover your ovens sweet spot with an oven thermometer. If you spend time in the kitchen, treat yourself to the tools that make the experience all the more blissful.
I use these tools and recommend them from my experience. They never let me down.