The ThermoPro TP510 was the overall winner in Food & Wine’s February 2023 test of 13 candy thermometers. The OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer followed closely, while the Taylor was the value pick and the CDN was chosen for deep frying. Because these results come from a published 2023 test—not new testing for this article—model identity and current specifications should be verified before purchase.
The ThermoPro TP510 was Food & Wine’s overall winner in its 2023 test of 13 candy thermometers. It was fast, accurate, easy to read, and practical for candy making and deep frying. The OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer was a close runner-up, while the Taylor offered the best value and the CDN was the strongest choice for deep frying.
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Important date note: These rankings and hands-on observations come from Food & Wine’s test published February 1, 2023—not from testing conducted for this article. Food Network published a separate roundup updated February 3, 2026, using a different 10-model test pool and a different ranking. Its results should not be merged with the Food & Wine list.
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| Thermometer | Best for | Type and reported range | Standout features | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThermoPro TP510 | Best overall | Digital; -58°F to 572°F according to ThermoPro’s product information | Backlit rotating display, long probe, pot clip, printed temperature guidance, approximately five-second response | Top-heavy and potentially unstable |
| OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer | Runner-up | Analog glass thermometer; current product dimensions are 16.5 × 4.2 × 1.5 inches | Large offset markings, U-shaped probe end, adjustable clip, sugar-stage guidance | Clip can be tight and difficult to reposition |
| Taylor Candy and Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer | Best value | Analog; 100°F to 400°F as reported in the test | Bulb design, 12-inch length, useful for large or relatively shallow batches | Markings can be difficult to read through steam |
| Williams Sonoma Bluetooth Candy Thermometer | Programmable monitoring | Digital Bluetooth model; verify the current model’s specifications | Target settings for 14 candy or deep-frying categories, metal clip, audible alert | The currently listed model should be confirmed as the same generation used in 2023 |
| CDN Digital Deep Fry Programmable Thermometer | Best for deep frying | Digital; verify the current model’s range before purchase | Steam guard, programmable target, alert beep, strong reported accuracy | No dedicated off button; automatic shutoff takes about one hour |
1. ThermoPro TP510: Best overall
Food & Wine named the ThermoPro TP510 candy thermometer its overall winner after finding it fast, accurate, and straightforward to use. Its backlit display is helpful when steam or a dim kitchen makes a traditional scale difficult to read. The display can rotate, which is useful when the thermometer is clipped to a pot and viewed from an awkward angle.
The TP510 also prints common target-temperature guidance on the unit, gives the cook a long probe, and includes a clip for attaching it to the pan. ThermoPro’s product information lists an approximately 8-inch probe, a five-second response time, a temperature range of -58°F to 572°F, and IPX5 water resistance. Those are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements from the Food & Wine test.
The principal compromise is balance. Food & Wine testers found the design top-heavy enough to feel unstable in some situations, so the clip should be checked before leaving the thermometer unattended over hot syrup or oil. Also verify the exact model before buying: ThermoPro currently lists TP509, TP510, and TP511 variants with overlapping ranges and different features. Do not assume a retailer listing for one model describes another.
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Best for: cooks who want one thermometer for candy, caramel, brittle, jam, jelly, and occasional frying, with a numerical display and useful digital conveniences.
2. OXO Good Grips Glass Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer: Best analog runner-up
The OXO Good Grips candy and deep fry thermometer came close to the ThermoPro in Food & Wine’s evaluation. Testers reported quick, accurate readings and appreciated the practical design. The large offset graphics are easier to view than a tightly packed scale, and the printed sugar-stage guidance helps when a recipe refers to soft-ball, hard-crack, or another candy stage.
Its U-shaped probe end is designed to help keep the glass from scratching cookware. OXO’s current product page describes stainless-steel construction, an extra-long adjustable clip, a lifting opening in the handle, and a display that indicates temperature within two degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. The current listed dimensions are 16.5 by 4.2 by 1.5 inches.
The clip is the notable weakness. Food & Wine found it tight, which can make repositioning inconvenient. That matters when the thermometer needs to be moved to keep the bulb immersed without touching the bottom or side of the pan.
The Tool Desk
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Rank #2
- 【Backlit 90° Rotating Display】The large 90-degree rotating screen enables effortless angle adjustment for optimal visibility, while the backlight ensures precise food temperature readings even in dimly lit environment
- 【Easier to Clean】With IPX5 rated waterproof design, this kitchen thermometer probe cleans up in seconds, just rinse it under running water with no worries
- 【Durable to Use】Candy thermometer digital includes 1 AAA battery, made of sturdy plastic and food-grade stainless steel, features large capacity that enables long-lasting usage without requiring frequent battery replacement
- 【Temperature Chart】Featuring a printed temperature reference chart, this cooking thermometer covers a wide range from -58°F to 572°F, making it ideal for candy making, frying oil, meat, baking and liquids
- 【10" Long Probe with Pot Clip】This deep fry thermometer comes with a 10“ probe and a secure pot clip, allowing you to safely attach it to your cooking pot, never be splashed by hot food
3. Taylor Candy and Jelly Deep Fry Thermometer: Best value
The Taylor candy and jelly deep fry thermometer was Food & Wine’s lower-priced value choice. Its bulb-style design worked for both large batches and comparatively small or shallow amounts of sugar or frying oil, where some long thermometers may be harder to position correctly. The tested model was reported as 12 inches long and covered 100°F to 400°F.
As an analog thermometer, it does not require batteries and can remain in the pot while the mixture heats. That simplicity is useful for cooks who want a basic tool for occasional fudge, jelly, caramel, or frying rather than programmable alerts.
The tradeoff is readability. Steam can obscure the analog markings, and reading a scale takes more care than reading a large digital number. Check the current temperature range, construction, and price before ordering because retailer prices and product listings change; the price in the 2023 article should not be treated as current.
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4. Williams Sonoma Bluetooth Candy Thermometer: Best for alerts and category presets
The Williams Sonoma model was one of the five products included in Food & Wine’s 2023 test, but the available syndicated text does not provide a complete product-specific verdict for it. That means the historical test pool confirms its inclusion, not a particular performance ranking.
Williams Sonoma currently lists a Bluetooth Candy Thermometer that can set target temperatures for 14 candy or deep-frying categories. It attaches to a pan or fryer with a metal clip and sounds an alert when the target is reached. Those features may be useful when a cook needs to monitor a batch without constantly leaning over hot sugar or oil.
Rank #3
- Pot Clip Design for Safer Operation: This candy thermometer digital with a clip can be fixed to the pot so you can free your hands to focus on the cooking, and protect your hands from the hot
- Digital LCD Display for Easy Reading: Still using inaccurate analog thermometers? This deep fry thermometer shows precise temperature readings in clear, legible digits using its large LCD display
- Easy Cleanup: Compared with the traditional sugar thermometer with its complex structure and sharp edges, this kitchen thermometer owns a single temperature probe and IP65-rated waterproof design, which can be safely washed under running water. No more risk of scratching hands!
- Fast Read Time & Wide Range: This frying food thermometer provides real-time measurements in 3-5s; With a wide range from -58°F to 572°F, this cooking thermometer is perfect for candy maple syrup grease cheese sugar brewing-making
- 10” Durable Probe: The long, stainless steel probe makes for a durable oil thermometer for frying, which is not as easy to break as a glass thermometer. No need to worry about liquid leakage that ensures its high quality and safety
Before carrying over any 2023 performance claim, verify that the currently sold unit is identical to the model tested in 2023. Bluetooth range, app requirements, battery type, compatibility, and the exact temperature range are especially worth checking.
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5. CDN Digital Deep Fry Programmable Thermometer: Best for deep frying
Food & Wine selected the CDN digital deep fry programmable thermometer as its best deep-frying thermometer. Testers valued its fryer-oriented features: a steam guard, programmable target temperature, alert beep, and strong reported accuracy.
The major inconvenience is the lack of a dedicated off button. According to the test account, the unit shuts off automatically after approximately one hour. CDN’s current FAQ confirms that some of its digital units may not have a power switch. This is not usually a safety problem, but it can waste battery power when the thermometer is stored or forgotten after cooking.
CDN also warns that induction cooktops can interfere with digital thermometer displays. If the display behaves erratically on an induction range, move the thermometer away from the cooktop or use a dial thermometer as a workaround. That limitation is more relevant to stovetop candy making than to cooking in a separate countertop fryer.
Best for: cooks who primarily fry and want a steam-resistant design, programmable oil temperature, and an alert.
Rank #4
- 【High Accuracy & Fast Reading】Digital candy thermometer get precise temperature readings in just 1 second with accuracy ±0.9°F, making it a smart choice for candy making and deep frying
- 【Easier to Read 】Screen features larger digits and a 1.5” 90-degree rotating LCD display, making it easier to read this oil thermometer for deep frying
- 【Durable to Use】Candy thermometer digital is made of sturdy plastic and food-grade stainless steel, featuring large battery capacity that enables long-lasting usage without requiring frequent battery replacement
- 【IPX5 Waterproof】Compared with the traditional sugar thermometer with complex structure and sharp edge, this cooking thermometer can be easily cleaned under running water with IPX5 waterproof design
- 【10" Long Probe with Pot Clip】Maple syrup thermometer features with an 10-inch probe and a secure pot clip, allowing to attach it to your cooking pot, so you can safely monitor temperature without worrying about hot splatter
How to choose a candy thermometer
Match the temperature range to the recipe
Candy stages are determined by the final temperature reached as water boils away and the sugar concentration rises. Common stages span roughly 230°F to 350°F, although the exact target depends on the confection. ThermoWorks’ candy-stage chart illustrates why a thermometer must reach high enough for the recipes you make. A model that tops out below the hard-crack range will not be suitable for brittle or some hard candies.
For deep frying, the important range is lower than for hard candy, but the thermometer still needs to recover quickly and remain stable as food is added to the oil. Check that the probe can be immersed to the manufacturer’s minimum depth without touching the pan.
Choose digital or analog
- Digital: generally easier to read precisely and may offer a backlight, rotating display, alarm, programmable target, or calibration function. It requires batteries and can be affected by steam, water exposure beyond its rating, or induction interference.
- Analog: needs no battery and can provide continuous leave-in monitoring. It may be slower or harder to read, particularly when steam fogs the scale, and it cannot normally alert you when a target is reached.
Prioritize a secure clip and sufficient length
The clip should hold the thermometer firmly without allowing the probe to touch the bottom or side of the pan. Contact with cookware can produce a misleading reading. A long probe also keeps hands farther from hot syrup and oil, but an excessively long or top-heavy design may be harder to balance. For shallow batches, confirm that the sensing bulb or probe can be immersed deeply enough to measure the mixture accurately.
Consider visibility and cleanup
Large markings, an offset scale, or a backlight can make a meaningful difference when steam rises from a pot. After use, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Water resistance is not the same as submersibility: for example, ThermoPro lists IPX5 water resistance for the TP510, but that does not mean the entire unit should be immersed or placed in a dishwasher.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check a candy thermometer in boiling water
A boiling-water check is a useful accuracy screen, but it is not a complete laboratory calibration. Water boils at 212°F at sea level, and its boiling point decreases at higher elevations. Local atmospheric conditions and the thermometer’s placement also affect the result.
- Use at least two inches of water in a pot.
- Bring the water to a steady boil.
- Place the thermometer’s bulb or sensing area in the water without letting it touch the bottom or sides of the pan.
- Wait for the reading to stabilize.
- Determine the local expected boiling point and record the difference between that value and the thermometer’s reading.
The University of California Cooperative Extension recommends determining the local boiling point and keeping the sensing area properly immersed. If your thermometer reads several degrees differently from the expected local boiling point, account for that difference only if your recipe and thermometer instructions support doing so—or replace or calibrate the thermometer according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Do not assume that one boiling-water reading proves universal accuracy across all temperatures.
Best Value
- 11" Long Probe & IPX6 Waterproof - Extra-long 11-inch food-grade probe keeps your hands safely away from hot oil and heat. IPX6 waterproof design lets you rinse it directly under running water for easy cleaning.
- Adjustable Pot Clip – Hands-Free & Stable, Smart clip design allows you to adjust the probe angle for different pot sizes and depths. Keeps the thermometer securely in place for continuous, hands-free monitoring.
- Fast & Highly Accurate Readings - Get precise temperature readings within 2–3 seconds with an accuracy of ±2°F (±1°C). Wide range from -58°F to 572°F, perfect for deep frying, candy, and more.
- Backlit Display – Easy to Read Anywhere. Bright backlight makes it easy to read temperatures in low light or nighttime cooking. No more guessing while frying or cooking.
- Simple to Use & Convenient Storage - Power on and measure instantly. Hold button locks the temperature reading. Switch easily between °F/°C. Built-in magnet for quick storage on any metal surface.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the ThermoPro TP510 for the best all-purpose combination of digital readability, speed, range, and useful features.
- Choose the OXO if you prefer an analog tool with a large scale, no batteries, and a probe end designed to be gentler on cookware.
- Choose the Taylor if the lowest purchase cost and simple battery-free operation matter most.
- Choose the Williams Sonoma Bluetooth model if programmable temperature alerts are the priority, after confirming the current model matches the tested generation.
- Choose the CDN if deep frying is your main use and you want a programmable target, steam guard, and alert.
Any of these thermometer types can be useful beyond candy: they can help with caramel, jams, jellies, brittle, marshmallows, fudge, and frying oil. The most important safeguards are a temperature range suited to the recipe, a probe that is properly immersed without touching the pan, and a clip stable enough to hold the instrument in place.
How the 2026 Food Network roundup differs
Food Network’s roundup, updated February 3, 2026, should be treated as separate research rather than a newer version of the five-product Food & Wine ranking. Food Network tested 10 models, used boiling water and peanut brittle, recorded the time each thermometer took to reach the boiling point, and tasted the finished batches for signs of overheating. It published four top picks rather than the five-product list covered here. Different models, methods, dates, and rankings can produce different results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test a candy thermometer for accuracy?
At sea level, water boils at 212°F, but the boiling point is lower at higher elevations. Use at least two inches of water, keep the sensing area immersed without touching the pan, and compare the reading with your local expected boiling point.
Are digital or analog candy thermometers better?
Digital thermometers are usually easier to read and may include alarms, backlights, or programmable targets. Analog thermometers do not need batteries and can remain in a pot continuously, but their markings may be harder to read through steam.
Can I use a candy thermometer for deep frying?
Yes. Candy thermometers can also be used for caramel, brittle, fudge, jams, jellies, marshmallows, and deep-frying oil, provided the thermometer’s range and immersion requirements suit the recipe.
Is this the same ranking as the 2026 Food Network candy-thermometer review?
The TP510 was Food & Wine’s overall winner in its test published February 1, 2023. Food Network’s roundup updated February 3, 2026 used a different test pool and methodology, so it should not be treated as the same ranking.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Based on Food & Wine’s February 2023 test of 13 models, the ThermoPro TP510 is the best overall choice. The OXO is the strongest analog alternative, Taylor is the value pick, and CDN is the better fit for dedicated deep frying. Check the exact model, current specifications, and local boiling point before relying on any thermometer for high-temperature cooking.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
