Thermometer: "don't put it in water"

[Rainy-Day]

I bought a thermometer to measure water temp for tea, but now I noticed it says "don't put in water". It's actually a meat thermometer, the only one that a store nearby had. What is the reason for "don't put in water" warning? Is it just going to be inaccurate (which is ok for me) or is it going to leach something dangerous?

[Dreamer]

Does it, perhaps, mean not to immerse the top part of the thermometer in water?
I know all the kitchen thermometers I have have indicated not to immerse them (and for sure not to put them thru the dishwasher).

-Dreamer

[Victoria]

I am guessing they mean - do not submerge.
I'm sure it's fine.

[thirtysixbelow]

Any thermometer that is meant for food should be safe from leeching, theoretically. Like the others have said, as long as you don't drop it in your kettle you should be fine.

[JP]

Yep, you want to keep the dial dry.

Look around in the cooking sections of stores to find and instant read thermometer. They are really handy for checking water temperatures because the water can change quickly while waiting for a slower thermometer.

[Rainy-Day]

Thanks for all the great replies. Unfortunately we don't have fast thermometers around here, this one is the only one I could find..

[clareandromeda]

amazon.com has a great selection,

[tea-guy]

amazon.com has a great selection,

Seconded!

[finddream2020]

May be you can check the range of the thermometer. the upper line that be from 100 to 150 degree Centigrade is just fine.