A meat thermometer is a handy kitchen tool to measure the internal temperature of steaks, roasts, and poultry. The level of doneness is correlated to its inner temperature as the meat cooks, so the reading of the temperature indicates when the cut of meat is cooked as desired.

It consists of a sharp metal probe, that you can insert into the centre of the food, and a digital display or dial to display the temperature of the meat. Some shows only the temperatures, while others have different markings for different types of meat like lamb, beef, pork, fish and poultry which is being cooked, along with specific doneness, i.e. medium, rare, or well-done.

They also come in different designs, such as the simple folding unit, classic dial, 2-piece base, infrared scanner, and probe thermometers with a built in LCD screen. You can even find wireless meat thermometers which help you check on your cooking away from the BBQ or smoker. It can still work with its clip-on receiver to keep track on the progress of your cooking.

You may have the best meat, but if you don’t cook it to exact temperatures you’ll have wasted it. You need to have an easy to use thermometer while barbecuing or grilling that juicy piece of steak, and we’re glad to bring you this carefully researched comparison article. Our chief editor, Madison has used one since her years working as a sous chef at Florida’s Fresh Grill, and it has been invaluable in grilling different cuts of meat like chicken breasts, pork chops or sirloin steaks.

Best Selling Meat Thermometers

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Some of the models are made to stay inside the oven when meat is being cooked, while others can be used outside. Here is my list for top rated meat thermometer available on the market. 

Best Buy Meat Thermometer Reviews 2020

1. ThermoPro TPO3A Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Remove all the guesswork off your cooking and meat doneness like a pro with ThermoPro TPO3A Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer. It features quick digital read-outs on a large display so you will see the temperature super fast. You can achieve the most accurate temperature within 3-5 seconds. With a practical and simplistic design, and one push, this digital kitchen thermometer with a foldable probe will pop open for easy and fast temperature reading and once you are done taking the reading of the temperature, it can be folded away easily.

You don’t have to turn off the food thermometer as it can turn off automatically when it is not used after 10 minutes thus saving battery. It shows perfect meat temperatures to avoid undercooking or overcooking your meat. You can get the readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius with ease.

Key features

• Accurate temperature reading with fast and unique reading system within 4 to 7 seconds
• Foldaway probe for cleanliness and safety
• Ultra-clear LCD screen
• Power saving design
• Option to select Fahrenheit/Celsius
• Step Down probe tip to get temperature quickly and precisely

Also See: Best Refrigerator Thermometer of 2020

2. ThermoPro TP-16 Large LCD – Best Digital Meat Thermometer

ThermoPro TP-16S food meat thermometer with large LCD display is best for both beginners and experienced cooks to keep track on inside temperature of their favorite meat, quickly and precisely. It features STEP-DOWN probe tip design along with LCD display so you can easily keep track on accurate temperature. Either magnetize to metal surface or place with flip out stand on the counter, it can work wonders. You won’t lose track of time as it has a timer. It also has preset temperatures if you don’t have experience in the kitchen.

Key features

• Show current settings and meat temperature on large LCD display
• Programmed for meats with preset temperatures at different cooking levels (Beef Well Done, Poultry, Pork, Fish/Beef Rare, Ham, Beef Medium, etc.)
• Magnetic back and flip-out counter top
• Wire and probe are heat resistant up to 716F
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty!

3. ThermoPro TP22S – Best Wireless Meat Thermometer

Keep track on your meet at the range of 300 feet with ThermoPro TP22S wireless remote digital cooking food meat thermometer with dual probe for BBQ Smoker Grill thermometer. Accurate temperature reading plays a vital role in well-cooked meal. Whether you are trying something new or cooking from recipe book, getting exact and accurate temperature will always provide best results to you.

You can be kept updated on your meal temperature with a mobile receiver, and feel free to do other tasks, socialize, or watch TV without having to check on your food physically. This is the best meat thermometer for smoker that is equipped with dual-probe system. You can choose from two meat probes to read inner temperature of two meats or use one as an oven probe which will read its nearby temperature accurately.

Key features

• Dual probe technology to measure temperature of two different types of meats
• Easy to setup and simple interface
• Programmed with USDA approved temperatures for various types of meat
• Set your own settings for temperature
• Alarm alert for timer or programmed temperature

4. Habor Instant Read Meat Thermometer

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Habor Digital Meat Thermometer is the new thermometer expert in your kitchen. It provides readings within 4 to 6 seconds at all cooking temperatures. So, it is the ideal thermometer for liquids, meats, baked goodies, candies and outdoor BBQ grills. It features the best-performing 4.7” long probe. It is an accurate, beautiful and easy to use thermometer that comes with a pen clip and plastic sheath to protect the stem against any damage when it is not used. It is a handy option that you can carry anywhere. It is an ideal choice for outdoor, backyard and indoor kitchen activities.

Key features

• Step-Down probe tip design
• Ultra-clear LCD display
• Fahrenheit/Celsius option
• Auto shut off after 10 minutes

5. ThermoPro TP025 Instant Read Meat Thermometer For Grilling

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ThermoPro TP025 Instant Read Meat Thermometer features faster and accurate digital readouts and a clear LCD display to get the temperature quickly. Achieve the most accurate reading in seconds and monitor the internal temperature of your next meal quickly.

Put the probe into the core of the meat and it would display the reading. Wash digital meat thermometer with warm soapy water after insertion to avoid cross-contamination. It can turn off automatically when not in use after 10 minutes.

Key features

• High precision sensor to read temperature within 4 to 6 seconds
• Thermometer with temp ranges from -58°F to 572°F
• Ideal for outdoor and indoor cooking, BBQ, grilling etc.
• 3” food grade stainless steel probe and step down tip design

6. Polder 362-90 Digital In-Oven Thermometer with Timer

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Polder 362-90 In-Oven Digital Thermometer is a high-tech and super comfortable tool which removes a lot of guesswork from your cooking. It comes with an alarm that you can set. It works at the same time with temperature and time. You can set the alarm to go off automatically once it reaches the desired temperature or you may set it to go off when the desired time is over. The alarm temperature can be set from 32F to 392F and it has a loud five-minute alarm.

It has a 43” long probe wire. It needs one AAA battery to operate and one battery is included. It also has a memory to record basic settings that you frequently use. It’s a perfect gift for any wannabe cook.

Key features

• 24×7 countdown timer used individually or together
• Memory function saves frequently used settings
• Programmable thermometer and timer with on/off button and AAA battery
• Magnetic wall mount and flip top display for easy reading
• Celsius/Fahrenheit degrees
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty!

7. GDEALER Instant Read Thermometer Super Fast Digital Electronic Food Thermometer

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GDEALER Instant Read Thermometer is a super fast digital food thermometer with a bottle opener on the hook and it is an easy and convenient option for opening bottles.  All you need to do to turn it on or off is to pull the foldable 4.6” probe. It is a waterproof meat thermometer with IP67 waterproofing. So, it can easily withstand splashes. It is made of robust ABS plastic body to withstand falls and drops.

The BBQ thermometer has back-lit LCD display which shows temperature evThe BBQ thermometer has a back-lit LCD display which shows teThe BBQ thermometer has a back-lit LCD display which shows temperature even in the dark. Press the light button and the screen will light up for five seconds. It makes picnics and barbecues more fun and convenient.

Key features

• Back-lit LCD display
• IP67 waterproofing to make it splash resistant
• Made of ABS plastic body to deal with high impact falls and drops

8. Lavatools Javelin Digital Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer

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Javelin is the leading brand for digital meat thermometers. It provides super fast 3 to 4 second readings in all normal cooking temperatures. So, it is an instant read thermometer for liquids, meats, baked goods and candy. It is the best performing digital thermometer in this range.

Key features

• NSF approved product for professional and commercial use.
• Made of top quality impact-resistant material to avoid cracking and warping.
• Tested with 4000+ work hours consistently on single charge.
• Tapered probes are made of 18/8 food grade stainless steel to reduce puncture footprint on the food.

9. Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer For Grill And Cooking

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Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer is the best choice for your cooking and grill. It removes all the guesswork off your cooking with an instant read probe tip that can provide readings within 2-3 seconds.

Key Features

• Provides readings within 2 to 5 seconds
• Min/max temp feature
• Auto on/auto off
• Display in C and F
• Fully waterproof

10. Soraken Wireless Meat Thermometer for Grilling

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This product comes from the brand Soraken and is one of the best wireless thermometers available today. This product comes with a phone remote monitoring feature that allows the user to monitor temperature at a distance of 100ft if it is indoor and 170ft if it is outdoor. One of the notable things about this product is that it comes with 11 preset temperatures and cooking levels that enable the user to check the temperature of the grill or any food with ease.

Another important thing about this product is that the manufacturer offers it with four different probes, each with a different color. The product is designed to measure temperature that ranges from 32 Fahrenheit to 572 Fahrenheit. The wires incorporated into this product come with metal braiding and upgraded Teflon core that is designed to withstand up to 716 Fahrenheit. This product comes with a strong magnet on its back that can help the user to attach the product to a metal surface with ease. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty on this product.

Key features –

• Comes with different preset modes like Veal, Lamb, Chicken, Hamburger, Fish, Beef, Turkey, BBQ Smoke, Pork, Cold Smoke, and Hot Smoke
• 5 different color probes
• Probes are made of stainless steel
• Smart alarm
• Wireless remote connectivity
• Celsius to Fahrenheit feature
• Timer option

11. New MEATER+165ft Long Range Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer

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This wireless meat thermometer comes from the brand Meater and has a range that exceeds those offered by any other products. The manufacturer claims that this product has a range of up to 165ft and it is 100% wire-free. This product comes with 2 sensors and 1 probe that allow the user to check the temperature of any food with ease.

The product is designed to measure an internal temperature up to 212 Fahrenheit and external temperature up to 527 Fahrenheit. One of the notable things about this product is that it comes with a feature that can guide the user through the cooking process. The feature that makes this wireless thermometer unique is its advanced estimator that estimates the cooking time and helps the user plan their meal and manage their time.

Key features –

• Comes with 165ft wireless range
• Has 2 sensors
• Single probe made of stainless steel
• Maximum internal range of 212 Fahrenheit and 527 Fahrenheit external temperature
• A guided system to predict the time and to help the user cook with ease

12. KFiAQ Wireless Digital Meat Thermometer

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Are you looking for a wireless meat thermometer that comes with advanced features? If yes, then this wireless thermometer is best recommended for you. This digital wireless meat thermometer comes with a large screen that displays any reading clearly. This product is specially designed to produce instant reading and display it in just 1 to 3 seconds. As mentioned above, this thermometer has a wireless range of up to 230ft, which is comparatively higher than most of the wireless thermometers. One of the notable things about this meat thermometer is that it comes with eight preset temperatures for veal, fish, lamb, chicken, beef, pork, turkey, and hamburger. Another important thing about this product is that the probes in this device are made of high-quality stainless steel and the probe wires are designed to withstand a maximum temperature up to 716 Fahrenheit. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty on this product.

Key features –

• 8 preset temperature feature
• Durable and accurate
• High-quality stainless steel probe
• Probe wire made of high-quality material that can withstand temperature up to 716 Fahrenheit
• 2-year product warranty
• Waterproof design

13. Inteli-topia Meat Thermometer for Grilling

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If you are looking for a wireless meat thermometer that is compact and stylish, then, this is the best product recommended for you. This product comes with a wireless feature that allows the user to receive and read the temperature within 60 meters outdoor and 50 meters indoor. This product comes with six different colored stainless steel probes that can help the user monitor the temperature of six different types of food at the same time. The manufacturer claims that this product can deliver accurate readings up to 99%. This meat thermometer can measure a range of temperature from 32 to 572 Fahrenheit.

Key features –

• Has a wireless range up to 60 meters outdoor and 50 meters indoor
• Six accurate probes
• Stainless steel made probe
• 32-572 Fahrenheit temperature range
• 99% precision
• LCD screen
• Compact design
• Lightweight design

14. HAUEA Meat Thermometer Bluetooth

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This product comes from the brand HAUEA and has a wireless range up to 100ft indoor and 196ft outdoor. Unlike most of the products available on the market, this product comes with a 1-year warranty. This wireless meat thermometer comes with six different stainless steel probes and four different silicone probes. One of the notable things about this product is that it is designed in such a way that when the meat is heated to the optimal temperature, the device will beep and flash with backlight.

Key features –

• Comes with 6 different probes
• 4 different silicone probes
• 176 ft outdoor and 100ft indoor range
• 1-year product warranty
• 11 preset temperature

15. Wehome Digital Meat Thermometer

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With this digital meat thermometer in your home, you will feel confident because you can completely control the doneness of your favorite meat and cooking time like a Gourmet Chef. It has a touchscreen design that makes it easy to operate.

Key features

• Rapid response display in clear backlit
• Measure food up to 250C
• On/off switch and cook/timer on the back panel

Before we talk about the Buying Guide for a meat thermometer, let us talk about the parts that a meat thermometer has. This would help you in understanding the functionality of almost every type of meat thermometer that you are planning to buy.

Parts of Meat Thermometer

Before we talk about the Buying Guide for a meat thermometer, let us talk about the parts that a meat thermometer has. This would help you in understanding the functionality of almost every type of meat thermometer that you are planning to buy.

• Probe – This is the first part of the meat thermometer and it is like the mercury tip that you have in the thermometers for measuring the body temperature. The difference between the mercury tip and the probe is that the probe is quite sharp and long. You can insert it inside the meat to get the temperature reading. In addition to this, the probe is made of stainless steel and it is waterproof as well as durable.
• Sensor – Most of the thermometers that you will find right now in the market are the electronic ones. As the name suggests, the main job of the electronic sensor is to convert the physical constraints to a digital one. It would convert the temperature into a digital signal and that can be decoded and displayed in the form of temperature reading. There can be additional types of sensor or additional features in the sensor of the thermometer. The common one is the ability to set an alarm when the meat reaches a certain temperature.
• Digital Display – A thermometer will have a digital display that would display the output for you. The display requires a battery to function and the batteries have a long life. Do not expect any fancy display as it would be a basic monochromatic display capable of displaying temperature readings to you.
• Dial – This part is not available in the digital thermometers. It is mostly available in the mechanical thermometer. The dial is something that can convert the temperature by rotating the needle on a display. It should be noted that the dial is made of a bimetallic strip and it shows the reading of the internal temperature.
• Dummy Markings – Some thermometers also come with markings which indicate the way meat is done. For example, you will commonly find readings such as medium rare or rare. These are quite useful markings and the digital thermometer has it built-in in the display.

You have already looked at the parts of a thermometer. Let us now look at the types of thermometer available in the market. So here we go.

Types of Meat Thermometers

Wireless Meat thermometers – These are one of the most popular thermometers available in the market. There are no wires attached between the probe and the display. You can get accurate temperature reading on the wireless display. It is transmitted  through a sender to a receiver without any wire. There are some models which has a remote control together with the display available in the market . They make a perfect meat thermometer for your kitchen.

Smoker Meat thermometers – If you love to grill and barbecue then this is the perfect thermometer for you as Smoker Meat Thermometer will help you in getting the right temperature reading in such cases. These thermometers can easily connect to the wood-fueled BBQ pit or even charcoal to give accurate reading. They are usually available in wireless form as well.

Programmable Meat thermometers – These are pre-programmed and set at temperatures which are actually recommended by USDA. The temperatures programmed in the thermometer are recommended temperatures at which the different types of meat should be cooked before consumption. Apart from this, you can set custom temperature as well. If you are bad at keeping track of the temperature while cooking then this could solve your problem easily.

Bluetooth Meat thermometers – Now, these are the next generation of thermometers that you will see in the market. These thermometers do not require any kind of display. It is just a probe which can be inserted into the meat. So, how do you get the reading? Well, the thermometer connects with your smartphone and there is an app available for the phone. Once the thermometer is paired to the phone, the reading will be displayed on the app on your smartphone.

In Over Meat thermometers – If you like to cook meat in the oven then these can be for you as these thermometers can be inserted in the meat. You can then leave the module inside the oven. The temperature reading is given to you wirelessly in real-time. This reduces the effort of taking the meat out of the oven and checking the temperature again and again.

Instant Read Meat thermometers – These types of thermometers are usually used after the food is cooked and is ready to be served. You just insert the probe in the meat and you get the reading within a couple of seconds.

Pop-up Meat thermometers – This type of thermometer is used mostly while cooking chicken and turkey. In addition to this, these thermometers come with a spring attached to a soft material. The thermometer pushes itself out once the meat is cooked at the desired temperature.

Disposable Meat thermometers – As the name suggests, these thermometers are for people who are always concerned about cleanliness. They are used only once and thrown away. They are the best ones to test the temperature while cooking steaks or hamburgers.

Meat thermometer Buying Guide – What To Look For It?

Not too many people know about a meat thermometer and its advantages. It is one of the most important meat cooking tools that you must have in your kitchen. However, with technology advancing each year and people leaving the traditional cooking methods for advanced methods, the need and demand for meat thermometers have increased. If you are a person looking for the best meat thermometer, then here is a buying guide that could help you get the best meat thermometer.

Oven safe or not: Do you cook meat in an oven? What if I tell you that there are oven safe meat thermometers available today? Yes, meat thermometers that could be kept in the oven, which in turn, could simply allow the user to keep track of the cooking process and know if the meat has been properly cooked.

Type of display: Both analog and digital meat thermometers are available online. Both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. When considering the features, a digital thermometer outmatches an analog meat thermometer. A digital meat thermometer is comparatively more expensive than an analog meat thermometer. However, if you are a person who wants to get readings easily, then a digital meat thermometer is what you need.

Digital probe: This type of meat thermometer comes with a probe that could be inserted in the meat and the reading would be displayed on the digital display just in a few seconds. However, this type of meat thermometer is the most expensive compared to other meat thermometers.

Accuracy: When it comes to accuracy of meat thermometers, it doesn’t actually matter, so, do not fall for the accuracy gimmick. Consider purchasing a meat thermometer from a reputed brand and quality, and accuracy comes guaranteed. Don’t consider accuracy too much.

Grip and insulation: Freshly cooked meat could be very hot, hot enough to burn your fingers. So, we recommend that if you are considering purchasing an oven safe meat thermometer, then remember, never go for a meat thermometer without proper insulation or insulated grip. With this being said, consider purchasing a meat thermometer with maximum grip and insulation.

Easy to clean design: Cleaning the meat thermometer is very important as an unclean meat thermometer could prove unhealthy. This is why it is best recommended that you purchase a meat thermometer that does not have any complicated shape. This, in turn, makes the cleaning easy.

Battery capacity: If you are planning on purchasing a digital meat thermometer then the battery capacity is very important. Different meat thermometers come with different battery capacity. If it is for heavy duty use, then consider purchasing a meat thermometer with high battery capacity.

Meat Thermometer Cleaning & Caring Instructions

A meat thermometer according to its design could be either complicated or simple. Simple meat thermometers are easier to clean. If the meat thermometer is not cleaned after each use, the leftover meat sticking to the thermometer could rot and then lead to health issues. This is why we recommend that you clean the meat thermometer after each use.

However, after cleaning and drying the heat thermometer should be stored in a clean and dry place. Based on the buying guide quoted above, anyone could easily select and purchase the best meat thermometer available today.

How to Use a Meat Thermometer Properly?

As a food thermometer provides accurate readings and enables you to cook tasty food, most people prefer using it. If you also want to use a meat thermometer and do not know how to go about it, then it can lead to some serious issues. Being cautious is necessary to avoid trouble; that is why we have some necessary factors that you can consider during the purchase to eradicate all the issues.

Test before Using – Testing the thermometer before you start using it will help you deal with any accuracy issues. To test it, dip it into hot or cold water to get the readings. A new thermometer requires testing to ensure there is no factory manufacturing issues – a bad thermometer might cause food poisoning as some meats might be raw.

Calibrate First – Sometimes the thermometer provides reading which isn’t accurate in most of the cases. To end that issue, you should calibrate the thermometer using the manuals offered by the manufacturers. Different manufacturers offer different methods, that’s why you should check with their manual guides before getting started.

Proper Placement – To take an accurate reading, the correct placement is necessary. As your meat will be cooking on a grill or stove, you should choose the center part of the meat and stick the thermometer inside but do not go too deep. Use a knife to make a cut on the meat surface so that you can place the thermometer inside with ease.

What to avoid? – When inserting the thermometer into the meat, avoid touching the bone, fat or gristle because you will get inaccurate temperature readings. Most of the first-time user skip the manuals and try checking the temperature and they end up getting the poor taste of meat. The only reason for this factor is the wrong placement of the thermometer.

Wait for Few Moments – When you have placed the thermometer correctly, you have to wait for a couple of seconds as per the thermometer you are using. Even after cooking, you should wait for a few minutes so that the temperature of the meat goes down and it becomes delicious to eat. Such methods are required to follow with pork, chicken and beef.

Bonus tip: – After using the thermometer, you should wash it with hot soapy water for the sake of hygiene and safety during the next use. It is called cross-contamination prevention. If you’re still confused on where to insert the meat thermometer, please check out our conclusive guide on this.

Conclusion

Using the best meat thermometer can help you in cooking meat with the desired doneness. Instant read thermometers can help you take quick temperatures in various areas of the food and an oven thermometer enables you to stay close to the temperature needed. It is up to your needs as to which type of thermometer you go for.

Related Topics:

• Kitchen Meat Grinder
• Meat Tenderizer

Editor’s Note: Updated with newest model from 2020.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API