Leaving a meat thermometer in the oven for too long can have several consequences, both for the thermometer itself and for the food being cooked:
Damage to the thermometer: Most meat thermometers are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to high oven temperatures. The excessive heat can damage the thermometer's electronic components, dial, or probe, leading to inaccurate readings or even rendering the thermometer unusable.
Inaccurate temperature readings: If the thermometer gets damaged due to extended exposure to high heat, it may start providing inaccurate temperature readings. This can be dangerous because you may not be able to accurately gauge the doneness of the meat, leading to undercooked or overcooked food.
Contamination of food: If the meat thermometer has a plastic or silicone handle or any other non-oven-safe components, leaving it in the oven can cause these materials to melt or release harmful chemicals, which can contaminate the food being cooked.
Safety hazards: Leaving a meat thermometer with a metal handle in the oven for too long can make it extremely hot to touch. Removing it without proper protection can result in burns or injuries.
Fire risk: In extreme cases, if the thermometer or its components are flammable, leaving it in the oven for too long could lead to a potential fire hazard.
To prevent these consequences, always remove the meat thermometer from the oven as soon as you have taken the temperature reading. If you're using a digital meat thermometer with a probe attached to a cable, make sure the cable is oven-safe and rated for the temperatures you plan to use. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper care and usage of your meat thermometer to ensure its longevity and accuracy.