It's important to make sure you're serving meat that's cooked to a safe temperature, Scott says. Sometimes, cooks may be inclined to show that they don't need a thermometer to know when their food is done. But Scott says to check your ego when it comes to food safety.
"Don't be embarrassed to not be a professional," he said.
Scott pointed out that many thermometers will have a label on the back that indicates the safe temperatures for different proteins, which could save you the step of looking up the information on the internet.
He did acknowledge, though, that some people do have a good idea about their meat's doneness just by feeling it with their hands.
"If you're a touchy-feely person, great, that means you've got it down pat," he said. "But still, temp it to make sure. [A thermometer is] a cheap purchase, and it's well worth it. You can protect yourself and whomever your guest may be when you're cooking for them in the backyard."