Great BBQ isn’t just smoky—it’s safe and juicy. Ensuring Safe Internal Food Temps means you can relax when entertaining, so here we cover the core temps that matter, how resting really works, and a few thermometer tricks that save the day—tailored for UK home smokers and grills.
Safe minimum temperatures (°C)
Use these as minimums for safety. For tough cuts (brisket, pork shoulder, short ribs) you’ll often cook beyond these to reach probe‑tender.
Poultry
- Chicken (whole/parts): 74°C minimum in the thickest part of breast or thigh (avoid bone).
- Turkey crown: 74°C minimum.
Pork
- Pork loin/steaks: 63°C, rest to ~65°C (juicy and safe).
- Pork shoulder (pulled): typically 95°C and probe‑tender.
- Pork ribs: 93–96°C and tender between the bones (skewer slides like butter).
Why pork isn’t chicken (UK context)
- Different risk profile: In poultry, Campylobacter/Salmonella can exist throughout the bird, so you must cook to 74°C (no resting shortcuts). For whole, intact pork cuts, bacteria are mostly on the surface, which is sterilised quickly by searing; the interior is effectively sterile.
- EU/UK Trichinella controls: Commercial UK/EU pork is controlled and tested under EU rules, making Trichinella in retail pork extremely rare.
- Modern guidance for whole cuts: For pork chops, loin and roasts you can cook to 63°C and rest (carryover takes it higher). This keeps pork juicy without compromising safety.
- But not for minced/rolled/stuffed: Sausages, mince, burgers, mechanically‑tenderised, injected or rolled joints should be treated like poultry: ≥71–74°C (or 70°C for 2 minutes) because surface bacteria can be mixed through the meat.
Beef
- Burgers/minced: 71°C (minced meat must be cooked through).
- Brisket (flat/pack): pull when probe‑tender—often 92–98°C.
- Short ribs: 95–98°C and jiggles like jelly.
- Steak (guide): rare 50, med‑rare 57, medium 63, well‑done 71. Always probe the thickest part.
Fish
- Salmon: 50–52°C for medium; firmer 54–56°C.
- Delicate fish (cod, haddock): 50–52°C; oily fish (mackerel): 52–55°C.
Label wording you can copy: Always probe food before eating to ensure it reaches at least X°C at the thickest point.
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Resting makes it better
Resting allows juices to redistribute and fibres to relax—so slices stay moist.
- Brisket / pork shoulder: Vent for 5 mins (stop carryover), then rest 60–120 mins wrapped in a warm box/cooler.
- Short ribs: 30–60 mins wrapped.
- Ribs (pork): 10–15 mins.
- Chicken: 10–15 mins; keep the skin side up so it stays crisp.
- Salmon: 5 mins—don’t over‑hold or it will keep cooking.
Carryover cooking (what to allow)
- Large joints: +2 to +5°C after pulling.
- Thin cuts/steaks: +1 to +2°C.
Pull a little early if you’re targeting a specific doneness.
Thermometer tips (fast wins)
- Trust your probe, not the clock. Time is a guide; tenderness wins. Use the Planner to schedule, then verify with temperature and feel.
→ https://kitchensizzlers.com/bbq-smoker-time-calculator/ - Calibrate now and then: 0°C in ice slurry; ~100°C at full boil (adjust for altitude).
- Multiple spots: Check 2–3 places; aim for the centre of the thickest part, away from bone and big fat seams.
- Chicken legs: Probe near the joint but not on bone.
- Brisket: Probe across the grain in the flat; go for that warm‑butter slide.
- Don’t hit the tray or grate. Touching metal gives false highs.
Target temps + texture cheat‑sheet (by cut)
| Cut | Target (°C) | Texture cue |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken legs/thighs | 74+ | Clear juices; probe slides in easily near joint |
| Turkey crown | 74+ | Moist fibres, no red near bone |
| Pork loin | 63 (rest to ~65) | Slight blush in centre; juicy |
| Pork shoulder (pulled) | 95 (tender) | Probe‑tender; bone wiggles free |
| Pork ribs | 93–96 (tender) | Skewer between bones like butter; rack bends cleanly |
| Brisket | 92–98 (tender) | Probe glides with little resistance; jiggle |
| Beef short ribs | 95–98 | Jiggles; bone almost clean |
| Salmon | 50–52 (med) | Pearly flakes; still silky |
Common pitfalls (and fixes)
- Reading only one spot: Move the probe—cold centres hide in thick roasts.
- Chasing a number for brisket/ribs: Temp is a waypoint; tenderness decides.
- Dry chicken breasts: Pull at 63–65°C if you sous‑vide or pan‑finish; otherwise cook to 74°C and rest.
- Split fibres after slicing: Didn’t rest long enough—give big joints at least an hour.
- Over‑resting fish: Serve within 5–10 mins of pull.
Handy tools
- Planner: Build a step‑by‑step timeline with your smoker style, weight and wrap choices → https://kitchensizzlers.com/bbq-smoker-time-calculator/
- Kitchen Calculators (Brine + Yield): Work in grams, plan servings, and mix brines by percentage → https://kitchensizzlers.com/brine-calculator/
FAQs
Why is brisket “done” at different temps? Collagen converts at different rates; fat content and thickness vary. Pull when probe‑tender, typically 92–98°C.
Is pink chicken ever safe? Colour can mislead. If the thickest part reads ≥74°C, it’s safe.
Can I skip resting? You can—but expect drier slices. Resting is free juiciness.
Where should I insert the probe? Thickest point, centred, away from bone (bone conducts heat).
Recommended Thermometers (Amazon UK)
Our picks
- Editor’s pick (what I use): Instant‑read pen thermometer — perfect for fast checks at the grill.
Buy on Amazon - Wireless dual‑probe (pit + meat): Leave‑in probes for long cooks; monitor cabinet + internal temps without lifting the lid.
Buy on Amazon - Multi‑probe/Bluetooth option: Track several cuts at once; great for parties or mixed trays.
Buy on Amazon - Industry workhorse (cheap & reliable): The simple catering‑style probe that pros carry everywhere.
Buy on Amazon
Editor’s notes: I run the #1 instant‑read alongside my smoker’s in‑built probe every time I’m on the BBQ. In my professional life, #4 has been the go‑to because it’s inexpensive, tough and consistent.
What to look for (quick checklist)
- Speed & accuracy: aim for ≤3 sec read time; accuracy around ±0.5°C.
- Probe & cable quality: for leave‑in sets, choose high‑temp cables; keep a spare probe.
- Backlight & auto‑hold: handy for dark winter cooks.
- IP rating / splash resistance: useful in British weather.
- Magnets/stand & rotating display: quality‑of‑life features you’ll actually use.
