What is a characteristic of bimetal thermometers?

Bimetal thermometers are designed with a metal probe that reads the temperature based on the expansion of two different metals bonded together. One key characteristic of bimetal thermometers is their versatility. Some models are specifically designed to be safe for use in an oven, while others are meant only to measure temperatures in foods or liquids that are not placed in high-heat environments, such as ovens. This versatility allows culinary professionals to select the appropriate thermometer for various cooking or baking applications, ensuring accurate temperature measurements under different conditions.

In contrast, the other options do not capture this essential feature. Bimetal thermometers are generally not considered ideal for very thin foods as they require a bit of depth for accurate readings. They can be used for all types of foods, not just liquids, making option C incorrect. Additionally, they do not provide instant readings; there is usually a lag compared to digital or instant-read thermometers, making option D also unsuitable.