What is the proper way to check the internal temperature of a pot of soup?

To accurately check the internal temperature of a pot of soup, using a probe thermometer in the soup is the appropriate method. A probe thermometer is specifically designed to be inserted into food, allowing you to get an accurate reading of the internal temperature where the soup is thickest. This ensures that you are checking the temperature at the point that is most critical for food safety, especially in soups which can vary in temperature depending on their volume and depth.

Using a surface thermometer does not provide an accurate reading of the soup's temperature since it only measures surface temperature, which can be significantly lower than the actual temperature at the center of the pot. Employing a meat thermometer can also be problematic, as these are typically designed for solid foods rather than liquids, and may not give a reliable reading when used in soup. Holding the pot against the wrist is not an acceptable method for checking food temperature, as this can lead to subjective and inaccurate assessments of heat and does not provide a proper measurement.

In summary, using a probe thermometer in the soup ensures a precise and safe temperature reading, critical for maintaining food safety standards.