When you’re cooking meat, you need to be careful to ensure it is safe to eat. This is tricky to do since the safe temperature varies depending on the meat in question. You also don’t want to overcook your meat or it will be dry and tough instead of juicy and tender. For those who want their meat cooked to perfection, the best meat thermometer is the right tool for the job. These little devices let you keep track of the internal temperature of the meat while it cooks. You can also use them for any type of cooking, including in the oven, on the barbecue, or in your smoker.
When choosing a new meat thermometer, there are a few features you may want to look at. First is the type, as there are a few to choose from. The temperature range tells you the lowest and highest readings you’ll get. It also needs to be accurate, so you know the temperature displayed is the right one. The dimensions of the meat thermometer tell you how much space it will take up in your pocket, on the counter, or in a drawer. We believe that our Editor’s Choice, the ThermoPro TP20, is truly superior in all these aspects.
More features: alarm for programmed temperature; countdown and count up timer
There are several reasons why the ThermoPro TP20 is the best-rated meat thermometer around. It is versatile, letting you monitor the temperature of the meats you’re cooking in your oven, on the grill, or in your smoker. You don’t need to hover near your cooking area, either, thanks to the wireless monitor that you can take with you almost anywhere. This means you can relax with your guests without risking an overcooked meal.
This package includes the transmitter with dual-probe technology that allows you to monitor the temperature of two different types of meat at the same time. These temperatures are then sent to the splash-proof receiver, which you can clip to your belt or stand on a table nearby as needed. The receiver has a range of up to 300 feet for added convenience.
The receiver has numerous functions to make your cooking experience even easier. This includes a Meat button, which has preset temperatures, depending on what you’re cooking, and a Taste button for the perfect doneness level. There is also a button for choosing Celsius or Fahrenheit. Another button allows you to count up or down as needed, with two time duration options. The large backlit LCD screen displays all your settings.
An alarm will beep and flash when you’re preset temperatures have been reached. If the unit is powered off, the timer and the temperature settings will be saved until it comes back on again.
More features: comes with 6 probes; 3.44-foot cable length
The best remote meat thermometer allows you to adjust the settings and monitor your food from the comfort of your couch or deck chair. The Bfour Bluetooth Meat Thermometer gives you this capability, due to its decent range and Bluetooth capability.
The setup of this wireless meat thermometer is easy. All you need to do download the Grill5.0 app to your smartphone or tablet. Then you need to sync the device to the meat thermometer base, and you’re ready to go. You can adjust all of the settings from wherever you are in the house or yard. It does state that it is good for up to 200 feet, but many have found that interference from walls or other factors may shorten this range a bit.
The app includes a temperature display, a high-low temperature range, preset temperatures, and a timer. The presets can also be reset manually as you see fit.
Of course, for the system to work, you still need a base and some probes to monitor the meat. The base has a large LCD screen that displays the current temperature and the preset temperature or the timer, depending on your settings. It also includes a backlit mode for those low light conditions. There are six stainless steel probes, which all have an aluminum alloy handle and are heat-resistant up to 662 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use as many as are needed for each meal.
More features: ±1°F accuracy, IP67 rated waterproof
If you’re interested in the best digital meat thermometer, the Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer is a good option. This little tool has a wide temperature range of -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. It is an instant read model, so can read the temperature in about 2-3 seconds, though it may take as long as ten seconds in some cases.
This handy thermometer is versatile, working on various types of meat, as well as drinks, baking, and candy making. It made of impact-resistant ABS plastic, plus comes with an IPX7 rating for waterproofing, so it is easy to clean along with the rest of your dishes.
There are a ton of great features on this meat thermometer, too. It has a large LCD screen with backlighting for easy reading in a dark area. There are three buttons, one for the backlighting, one to hold the temperature or take a min/max reading, and the last to choose either Fahrenheit or Celsius and calibrate the thermometer.
There is no on/off button, either. Instead, the thermometer turns on when you open the probe and off again when you close it. If you forget to close it, there is a ten-minute auto shut-off.
This ergonomic meat thermometer has an internal magnet and a large hang hole for easy storage. There is a temperature chart right on the thermometer, plus an extra temperature card, so you always know when the meat is ready.
More features: 2.5-inch face; dishwasher-safe
If you’re on a tight budget, you likely won’t be able to afford a fancy meat thermometer with all the bells and whistles. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get your hands on one that works great and is easy to use, though, as the KT THERMO Meat Thermometer proves.
Though it looks quite basic, with no buttons or bright screens, this handy little meat thermometer is easy to use and works quite well. It has a fast reading time, even faster than many of the digital brands on the market. Though the limited temperature range makes it unusable for cold items, it has a range of 120 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for any meat you plan to cook. It even includes a handy doneness guide right on the face for an easy reference guide.
There is a red target on the side, which you can move to the temperature you want your meat cooked at to eliminate the guesswork while you’re making sides or entertaining guests while you cook. This meat thermometer is also very accurate, so you won’t need to worry about under- or overcooked meat.
Another great feature is the heat resistance, which allows you to leave this thermometer in your meat cooking in the oven, as long as it is under 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also dishwasher safe, so when the meal is done, cleanup is a breeze.
More features: comes with 2 probes; hard shell carrying case included
In this modern world, having the best instant read meat thermometer with some high-tech features makes cooking your meals even easier, allowing you a bit of freedom as well. The Tenergy Solis Digital Meat Thermometer is a smart model with some great capabilities.
First of all, this model has the normal features, including a large range of -32 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. It includes two colored probes, which connect to the base using durable metal braiding with a Teflon core that can withstand temperatures of up to 716 degrees Fahrenheit. The base has a large black LCD screen, which is lit for easy reading and has enough space for up to six probes.
This smart features of this meat thermometer include an app that you can download through your phone, which connects to the base using Bluetooth. This allows you to check the temperature reading from up to 100 feet away, though walls and some other surfaces may interfere with the range.
Some of the features offered through the app are the preset temperature settings, as well as some customizable ones so you can create them as you see fit. It sends you notifications, includes a graph for each probe to show the temperature readings throughout the cooking process, and notifies you when the set temperature has been reached.
More features: digital temperature readout; 15-minute auto-off
Though it has an extremely simple design, the Weber 6750 might just be the best meat thermometer for your grill. It reads pretty quickly, so you don’t need to stand around with the lid up for too long to get a proper reading. It also has a decent digital screen on it to make it easy to read.
There are only 2 buttons on this handy meat thermometer, both of which are located beneath the digital display. One of these buttons turns the thermometer on and off, while the other lets you change the readout from Celsius to Fahrenheit and back again. There is no auto-shutoff, though, so be sure to turn it off when you’re done to keep from draining the battery.
This handy little tool has a wide temperature range of 32 to 446 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it easy to keep track of the temperature of every piece of meat on your grill, no matter how thick or thin they are. You can also use it for other items you’re barbecuing, like veggies or desserts.
The Weber 6750 meat thermometer is easy to clean, with a simple wipe with a clean, dry cloth. It includes the batteries needed to work it, as well as a probe cover for storage, though this piece is a bit small and hard to lose if you aren’t careful. The low price of this thermometer is a bonus.
More features: 0.6″ readout with blue backlight; antimicrobial housing
The Taylor 9867 is a handy little meat thermometer. It is compact and easy to use, even if it’s your first time in the kitchen. This little model also comes in 6 stylish colors, so you can pick the one you like best to match your other kitchen utensils.
This meat thermometer has a folding probe, which turns the thermometer on when you open it and off when you close it again. The probe is also protected when you fold it up, so you don’t need any covers to keep it in perfect working order. It is a bit hard to open it, so you do need a bit of finger strength to use it.
With a huge temperature range of -40 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use it for almost anything in your kitchen, including cold drinks, candy making, and cooking your favorite meals. It has a fast readout, too, so you don’t need to wait around for the temperature to show up on the blue backlit display. The readouts are also quite accurate, within two degrees Fahrenheit.
The downside of this meat thermometer is that it isn’t waterproof, so you need to be a bit careful when using it for liquids or cleaning it. It does have an antimicrobial housing, though, making it safe to use with your foods. It uses only two AAA batteries to power it, which are included with the thermometer for added convenience.
More features: 4.7″ FDA approved stainless steel probe; storage sheath with a pen clip
If you’re looking for a meat thermometer that is easy to use and gives you accurate readings quickly, you can’t go wrong with the Habor 022. This slim tool comes in stylish colors, too, including Elegant Silver, Navy Blue, and Pimiento Red.
The Habor 022 has an extremely long probe of 4.7 inches, which makes it the best BBQ meat thermometer for those who want to keep their hands away from the grill. It also works great for larger cuts of meat in your oven or slow cooker. It can’t handle those high temperatures for too long, though, so be sure to get it away from the heat as soon as you have your reading.
There are only 2 buttons on the handle, one to turn it on and off and the other for switching it between Celsius and Fahrenheit. If you forget to turn it off after you’re finished with it, there is also an auto-shutoff that kicks in after ten minutes of inactivity.
Another great feature is the huge temperature range which goes as low as -58 and up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes this a great tool for meat, bread, jam, hot drinks, and even bathwater. The digital readout displays the temperature in a matter of seconds for added convenience. There is a handy protective sheath for the long probe, to keep it safe for travel or storage.
More features: IPX7 waterproof rating; 8 meat settings and 5 doneness levels; timer
Not everyone has the time to sit and monitor every meal that they cook. That’s why many people are choosing the best wireless meat thermometer for their smoker, barbecue, oven, and crockpot to help them keep track of their meats and other items without forcing the chef to hover by the cooking area.
The Benewell Wireless Read Meat Thermometer has a wireless design which includes a base that doubles as a transmitter. You can attach up to two probes to monitor two types of meat at the same time, or you can use it with the third shorter probe to check the ambient temperature of your oven, smoker, or barbecue. The probes are all stainless steel, with an IPX7 rating for waterproofing, plus resist heat up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
The receiver can be left on the base or you can carry it with you in your hand or on your belt using the handy clip on the back. It includes a large LCD screen with blue backlighting for low light areas. The six buttons below it allow you to choose the preset meat temperatures, your favorite doneness level, or the maximum temperature. You can also set a timer or switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit and back. When the meat is done, a loud alarm will sound, so you know it’s ready to eat.
More features: countdown timer with beeper
If you’re looking for the best meat thermometer for smoking, grilling, slow cooking, or to use in your oven, this little model from Famili MT004 can do it all. It has a ton of great features that make it worthwhile, no matter how you like to cook your meat.
This electric thermometer includes a 6.5-inch stainless steel probe, which is connected to the base with a 40-inch stainless steel mesh cable. This cable is strong enough to withstand the temperatures of your cooking area, so you can leave the probe in the meat the entire time it`s cooking.
There is a large digital display on the front of the base so that you can see your chosen settings at all times. You can choose to use the pre-set temperatures for the specific meats you’re cooking, which also includes an alarm when the proper temperature is reached. It also displays the current temperature, so you know the exact meat temperature at all times. If you prefer to use a timer, this is also included, counting down from the time you set and alerting you when the time is up.
There is a magnetic back on the base, though it isn`t very strong, so you do need to be careful not to knock it off your oven. There is also a flip-out stand on the back of the base for setting it on the counter.
Those who like their meat cooked perfectly don’t rely on kitchen hacks to be sure it’s done. Instead, they get themselves the best meat thermometer to ensure their meat is cooked to the right temperature, keeping it juicy and tender. There are a variety of types to choose from, including the basic models that have been around for years to the more modern ones with digital screens and Bluetooth connections. To help you choose which one is right for you, check out the following sections.
Many people have some hacks to tell if their meat is done. These include cooking their chicken until the juices coming out are clear or pressing between your thumb and one of your fingers to test the doneness of a steak. Some people also cut the meat open while it’s cooking to check if the middle is cooked, though this can release those juices, drying out the meat.
Though these methods are fine to use, there is a much more precise way to ensure your meat is perfectly cooked. This is a handy meat thermometer, which includes a probe that is stuck in the meat to check the internal temperature. Not only does this ensure that your meat is cooked to a safe temperature, but it also allows you to keep those tasty juices inside the meat where it belongs. It also lets you cook your meat to the doneness level you prefer.
Another reason some people buy the best meat thermometer is that some of them can be used for more than just meat. If they have a large temperature range, you can use them for cold drinks, desserts, and even making candy that cooks at a high temperature. This versatility makes these little tools even more useful in your kitchen.
When you’re looking for a new meat thermometer, there are a few features you should keep in mind. This will help you decide which one is the right thermometer for your specific needs in the kitchen.
There are a few types of meat thermometers to choose from, so you need to check them out to be sure you’re getting the right one to meet your needs. The first is the basic probe model, like the KT THERMO Meat Thermometer. You insert the probe into the meat, and the analog dial shows you the temperature. This type stays in the meat the entire time it’s cooking.
Instant read thermometers are a type of probe thermometer, though they are not meant to be left in the meat while it’s in the oven. Instead, you remove the meat from the cooking area and insert the probe. The temperature shows up on the digital display in a matter of seconds, which is why they are called “instant read” thermometers. These can be long probes or folded ones, like the Taylor 9867 model. These can be used for more than just meat, too, testing the temperature of hot liquids or sauces, as well as drinks or desserts.
There are wired thermometers as well, which allow you to insert the probe in the meat while it’s in the oven, while a heat-resistant wire connects it to the thermometer outside of the oven. This allows you to check the temperature without opening the door and losing the heat.
Wireless thermometers are also handy, with probes that go into the meat and connect wirelessly to a receiver on the outside. Some of these also have apps that you can download onto your phone via Bluetooth, so you don’t need to carry a separate receiver around.
When you’re cooking meat, you only need a thermometer that has a range of 145 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to safely cook every different type. So, a basic thermometer with a limited range is fine for all you’re meat-cooking needs. Of course, not everyone uses their meat thermometer for just meat. For these people, a much wider temperature range is a must. Thermometers like the Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer with a temperature range of -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit are great for a wide variety of uses. These types of thermometers can be used for making ice cream, candy, homebrews, and soups. This makes these handy tools much more convenient to have in your kitchen.
The accuracy of a meat thermometer is one of the most important features. This is because a thermometer that doesn’t correctly measure the temperature could result in some undercooked meat, which is unsafe to eat. It could also overcook your meals, making them too dry and tough to enjoy. To be sure your meat thermometer is accurate, be sure to calibrate it first if needed, or just put the probe into a pot of boiling water. If it reads a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, it is reading properly and ready to use for your more delicate meals.
If your meat thermometer uses a cable to connect the probe to the thermometer base, the length is something to look at. This is because the cable needs to reach from the inside of the oven, barbecue, or smoker to the outside counter or table you’re resting the base on. If the cable is too short, you’ll have to reposition the meat to the outside of the cooking rack instead of keeping it in the middle where it will cook more evenly. If the base is too close to the heat source, it may not be able to withstand the temperature, depending on the type. A longer cable, like the 50-inch one on the Tenergy Solis Digital Meat Thermometer, is a safer option to use to keep every piece in perfect working order.
The remote range of wireless models needs to be a decent distance to ensure it can reach you when you’re out of the kitchen. The larger the range, the further from your heat source you can be without losing the signal and risking overcooked meals. The ThermoPro TP20 is a good option, with its range of 300 feet from the transmitter to the receiver. Of course, you need to consider something when it comes to these types of receivers. Walls and other surfaces may interfere with the range, shortening it more than you may expect.
If your transmitter is in your kitchen, or even out by your barbecue, and you head upstairs to the bedroom, you may lose your signal. Be sure to try out best wireless meat thermometer when you first get it to be sure it gives you the range you’re expecting.
It doesn’t matter what type of meat thermometer you buy, they are all pretty compact. They may be long probe models, like the Habor 022, or shorter folding ones, but all of them are pretty small when you look at them. When it comes to the dimensions of the probe or folding models, you mainly want to look at the size of the handle, to be sure it fits your hand well. If it is too small or uncomfortable to hold, you won’t enjoy using it and may put it aside for a new version.
As for the wireless models, you should check out the size of the receiver. Is it small enough to fit in your pocket, or is it too big to carry around with you comfortably? The easier it is to carry around your house or yard, the more likely you’ll use it with every meal.
Another thing to consider in terms of dimensions is how easy it is to store. The long probe ones seem big, but you can slide them to the side in a drawer, out of the way. The folding ones are also handy to store, without risking damage to the probe since it folds in and keeps it safe.
The wireless ones have a few extra pieces, including the probes, the transmitter, and the receiver, so be sure you have the space to fit all of these nicely in a storage area.
Those who like to cook may use their meat thermometer every day, so it needs to last as long as possible to be worth purchasing in the first place. If you receive a faulty meat thermometer, you’re going to want a decent warranty to ensure you aren’t on the hook for the repairs or the replacement of your new device. Thermometers like the Famili MT004 have a one-year limited warranty, which is all right to test out the model for defects. Of course, if they don’t show up right away, or if you don’t use it very often, those issues may just cost you the use of your meat thermometer. Models like the Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer include a lifetime warranty, which gives you a bit more peace of mind when using it, especially if the model you buy is not quite as budget-friendly as some others.
When it comes to meat thermometers, the type, temperature range, and accuracy are the most important features to look for. Of course, there are a few others that make these thermometers a bit easier to use.
If you’re using one with a digital display, the screen should be large and easy to read. Backlighting is also handy to have, especially if you’re using your smoker outside for an all-night cook. The backlighting will help you see the temperature in low-light conditions. The display should also let you keep track of all the information possible, such as the features you’re using. These can include a timer to keep track of your cooking time, some presets to help you cook each cut of meat precisely to the perfect temperature, and the doneness level that lets you cook your steaks and other cuts to your preferred level, from rare to well-done.
The number of probes included with your meat thermometer is also something to consider. The more probes there are, the more items you can monitor at the same time. This makes it easy to smoke multiple cuts of meat at once or keep track of burgers and chicken at the same time on your grill.
Some meat thermometers also include a storage case, which protects the thermometer from damage when you’re not using it. If there are multiple pieces, it also keeps them all together, so you don’t have to waste time searching for any of them when you need them.
If you’ve never used a meat thermometer, you may be unsure how to do so correctly. The following tips will help you get started.
With so many meat thermometers available, it may be hard to choose the right one for your cooking needs. We’ve reviewed several great options here, though some have a bit more to offer than others.
Our favorite is the ThermoPro TP20, which is wireless, with a range of 300 feet, a temperature range of -32 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, and dual probes. It also includes a splash-proof receiver with a backlit LCD screen and a belt clip, plus has great features like preset temperatures, doneness levels, and a programmed alarm when your meat is done.
The Bfour Bluetooth Meat Thermometer syncs an app with the thermometer through Bluetooth, displaying the temperature right on your smartphone. Its features include six probes, a large backlit LCD screen, a high-low temperature range, customizable preset temperatures, and a timer.
Finally, there’s the Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer, which is a great option with a folding probe. It doesn’t cost much, but it’s still capable of doing ultra-fast readings, while its big backlit display is readable in all conditions.
