Tech Toys and Christmas Gifts

Thu, 05 Dec 2002 03:25:34 GMT

Tech Toys and Christmas Gifts

I write a regular column on tech toys and consumer electronics for an online company. Since it's the holiday's here's some of my picks for this year. If you like them, I'll include them here as a regular feature. Let me know! MLW

How would you like a little insurance the Christmas Turkey or Roast is cooked to the proper temperature? Is the meat thermometer in your house a relic that should be replaced? Well-- Here's a hint for a stocking stuffer that won't break the bank.

For less than $15.00 you can have the Polder Instant Digital Instant Read Thermometer. (left) This little gem is a godsend. It can be used for meat and candy temperatures, runs on one AAA battery and reads in less than 1 minute.

However if you're in the bi-focal brigade, here's a gem I highly recommend: Polder Cooking Thermometer and Clock Timer, with probe. (right- Less than $20.) While I own both of these, the Thermometer/Timer is the best thing I've ever had in the kitchen. The screen is large and easy to read. I've even used the timer function to keep me on schedule. With it's magnetic back, I stick it on the top of the microwave so it's always there to use. The probe clips easily into the slot and can stuck into meat, or a pot to measure the temperature with little fear of getting burned. You can even program a temperature into the device, stick the probe into a roast inside the oven, and run the probe cable out the oven door to monitor your cooking temperature and time. On the grill it measure meat temperatures to insure the steaks were done to perfection. The 7 inch probe is replaceable directly from Polder should you need a spare for less than $8.

Mary Wehmeier: TechToys

Tech Toys and Christmas Gifts