When using the Magimix Cook Expert, you may notice that the temperature of your food doesn’t exactly match the temperature you set. This is completely normal and is influenced by a few factors, including the type of food, the cooking method, and how heat is transferred within the appliance. Here’s why:
1. Internal vs External Temperature
The temperature you set on the Cook Expert reflects the external cooking environment—the heat generated at the base of the bowl. However, the internal temperature of the food can vary. Different foods absorb and retain heat differently, so the internal temperature might not match the set temperature exactly.
For example, if you set the base temperature to 110°C to boil water, the water itself will heat to approximately 99–100°C. However, once you cook pasta in this boiling water, the pasta’s internal temperature may only reach around 80°C by the time it’s ready to serve.
2. Type of Dish and Cooking Method
Just like in conventional cooking, the internal temperature of food is influenced by the cooking process. For instance:
- A leg of lamb in an oven set to 180°C fan forced can have different internal temperatures depending on your desired done-ness (medium rare at 60–65°C, medium well at 70°C, etc.).
- Similarly, soups can vary in temperature. Clear soups are best served at around 99°C, while creamy soups should be served slightly cooler, between 88–93°C.
In the Cook Expert, the type of dish and ingredients you are cooking will determine the final temperature of your food.
3. Specific Cooking Modes
Some programs on the Cook Expert, such as STIR FRY mode, are designed to simulate traditional cooking techniques. For example, while stir-frying in a restaurant kitchen is done at very high temperatures (260–300°C), the Cook Expert’s STIR FRY mode operates at a controlled 160°C. This provides a more consistent result while the blades stir the food. However, the internal temperature of the food being stir-fried might only reach around 71–75°C.
4. Safety Considerations
It's important to ensure your food is safe to eat by cooking it to the appropriate temperature. Generally, most foods are considered safe when their internal temperature reaches above 75°C. This is especially important for meat and other perishable items.
5. Adjustable Temperatures
The Cook Expert allows you to customise temperature settings for certain programs. If you find the preset temperatures don’t suit your cooking style, you can adjust them according to your preference. Keep in mind that the final internal temperature of the food will still depend on factors like the type of food, how long it’s cooked, and how much stirring or blending occurs during the process.
In Conclusion
The temperature displayed on the Cook Expert is the external cooking temperature, and it doesn’t always reflect the internal temperature of the food. Variations in internal temperatures are normal due to the nature of cooking. Understanding these factors helps you get the best out of your Cook Expert, ensuring both great taste and food safety.