What is the temperature range that a thermometer should measure effectively?

The correct temperature range for effective thermometer measurement is from 0 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is suitable for a variety of food safety applications, including cooking, holding, and serving temperatures.

Thermometers used in food service should cover a range that includes both safe cold holding temperatures (typically below 41°F) and safe hot holding temperatures (typically above 135°F) for various foods. Furthermore, this range allows for sufficient accuracy when measuring temperatures during cooking processes, ensuring that food reaches the necessary temperatures for safety and quality.

Ranges like 0-100 and 0-150 degrees Fahrenheit may not adequately cover all food safety needs, particularly when cooking meats or other items that require higher temperatures to ensure they are safe to consume. Similarly, a range of 0-300 degrees could be excessive for typical food applications and might also lead to the risk of temperature inaccuracies or the thermometer being damaged if it exceeds its intended limits. Thus, the range of 0-220 degrees Fahrenheit strikes the right balance for food safety in various cooking and holding scenarios.