Overcooked roast beef is a thing of the past with this handy 3-in-1 digital device. The timer can be set to go off when the meat reaches a desired internal temperature; the 7-inch stainless-steel probe stays in the roast during cooking, with the oven door closing right over the flexible 39-inch cable. The digital thermometer/timer is also useful for candy-making: the clip attaches the probe to the side of a saucepan, and again, the alarm can be programmed to sound after a certain number of minutes or when a particular temperature is reached. Different sounds for the timer and thermometer alarms avoid confusion.
The LED screen displays three readings: the current time with seconds in large digits, internal food temperature, and the set temperature. A switch changes the scale from Fahrenheit to Celsius, with a temperature range of 14 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit (–10 to 200 degrees Celsius). A hinge in the 4-3/4-by-2-3/4-inch control module allows it to sit upright on a countertop or stovetop, while magnetic strips on the back secure it to a metal surface. Buttons are clearly marked and instructions provided for setting temperatures and the count-up/count-down timer. The device is also useful for testing the accuracy of oven temperatures so that settings and cooking times can be adjusted accordingly. A two-year warranty covers the device against defects. One AA battery is included for operation.
--Ann Bieri
