What is the primary purpose of using a thermometer in barbecue?

The primary purpose of using a thermometer in barbecue is to ensure that the meat reaches the safe and desired internal temperature. This is crucial for food safety and the overall quality of the dish. Cooking meat to the correct internal temperature helps eliminate harmful bacteria, ensuring that it is safe to eat. Additionally, reaching the desired temperature impacts the tenderness and juiciness of the meat, which contributes significantly to the flavor and eating experience.

Using a thermometer provides an accurate and reliable measure, allowing pitmasters to avoid the risk of undercooking or overcooking the meat, both of which can ruin a meal. While measuring the grill temperature, speeding up cooking, or determining when to add more charcoal are important aspects of the barbecue process, they do not directly relate to the essential goal of achieving safe and ideal internal temperatures for the meat itself.