EFFECT OF THERMOCOUPLE WIRE SIZE ON THE COOKING TIMES OF MEAT SAMPLES

ABSTRACT The study was designed to determine if two types of thermocouples give the same readings when placed in the same steak and if not, which thermocouple actually gives the more accurate temperature measurement. The larger thermocouple was made of 23 gauge (0.048 cm diam) copper/constantan wire; the smaller, 40 gauge (0.008 cm diam). Results indicate cooking times will be shorter in small steaks if the larger thermocouples are used. There is evidence the larger thermocouples conduct heat into small steaks whereas the smaller thermocouples do not; the smaller thermocouples give a better indication of the internal temperature of the meat than do the larger thermocouples.