"Default User" wrote:
> Dog3 wrote:
>
> > From the original poster's description; I interpreted the thermometer as
an
> > instant read. I wonder if the big "dial" is the actual dial or is the
head
> > of the thermometer depicting the varying temperatures.
>
>
> The instant-reads that I've seen have a dial that is about 3/4 inch
> across. The ones I pictured him asking about are like this:
>
>
> http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=198974

Okay, that's what you think he's asking about, but stores in my area sell
*large dial* instant read thermometers as well as small. Instant reads must
not be left in the oven.

Paul, is the dial covered with glass or plastic? If glass, it's probably a
leave-in. If plastic, it's an instant read.

The best tip yet though is to read the directions that come with the
thermometer.