How to Check Oil’s Temperature: 3 Ways to Do It Without a Thermometer

When it comes to frying, the most important advice is to pay close attention to the temperature of the oil. Luckily, there are various ways to measure this temperature, even when you don't have a kitchen thermometer in handy. Anyone can measure the temperature of the oil with simple kitchen tools: here's how to do it.

1. The Bread Method

Bread is probably a food that is always available in the pantry: everyone finds themselves with a few pieces of bread on hand, which can be used to test the temperature of the oil. For this method, just dip a small piece of bread into the more or less boiling oil. If the bread browns in a minute, then the temperature of the oil is about 180 °C.

Bread can also be used to lower the temperature: if you see that your oil is getting too hot, immerse a larger piece of bread in the pan or fryer, so as to lower the temperature of the oil without burning it.

2. The Wood Method

Using wood is also a good way to test the temperature of your oil, if you don't have a thermometer. To do this, all you need is a wooden spoon or chopstick: heat the oil and then dip the wooden object into the oil; if the oil starts to bubble constantly, then it is hot enough to fry. If the oil bubbles too vigorously, then it is too hot and you should let it cool a bit. If there are only a few bubbles, then the oil is not hot enough to fry.

3. Popcorn Method

Do you happen to have some popcorn at home? If so, dropping a single kernel of popcorn into the oil while it is heating is also a good way to test its temperature. As soon as the oil and the popcorn are golden, the oil will have reached a temperature of about 180 °C: hurry up and remove it to avoid it burning and ruining the oil.