Best Meat Thermometers in 2024 Buyer’s Guide & Product Reviews
“Am I cooking this right?”, you nervously ponder again and again.
As the food slowly sizzles and turns golden brown, you can’t stop yourself from jabbing the meat to check the tenderness while uncertainty looms large.
For professional chefs, grilling to perfection is a piece of cake. Amateur home cooks, however, who rely solely on tips and tricks from cookbooks or old wives’ tales won’t know whether the temperature or the cooking time is sufficient or not, because there is no true benchmark to rely upon.
But that’s no longer the case! These best meat thermometers, a.k.a grill thermometers, will eliminate all the guesswork and allow you to grill your steaks to your favorite doneness.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that a meat thermometer is the instrument of vital importance in every grill fest: just like how an orchestra conductor cannot go on stage without a baton, or a soldier is unwilling to cross the no-man’s-land unarmed. Needless to say, having your hand on a meat thermometer can bring your barbecue game up to a brand new level!
Once found only in the hands of pro chefs in high-end restaurants, grill thermometers have now become more widespread for anyone dabbling in the culinary arts. You don’t have to be a Michelin chef to grill good food. However, with these thermometers, at least you won’t be reprimanded by Gordon Ramsay, should you ever find yourself in his employ.
Reviews of the Best Meat Thermometers in 2024
1. ThermoPro TP20 Meat Thermometer - Editor’s Best to Buy in 2024
Let’s just cut to the chase: the ThermoPro TP20 trumps all other meat thermometers.
- Affordable
- Long > ROHS-approved probes
- Easy to use
- Simple design
- Good range of operation
- Diverse presets for various meats > doneness
- FCC > CE certified
- Fewer probes compared to others
Using a separate receiver and transmitter, there’s no need for additional installation, syncing or downloading applications: the temperatures are directly and instantly registered and sent to the receiver in your hand. It’s like a baby monitor, only for your grill.
The devices are pretty easy to setup and control: just put in 4 triple-A batteries, and you’re good to go. It has a user-friendly interface to help you on your way.
The temperature range goes from 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C). Even though there isn’t any food you’d want to grill that would require the maximum setting, it’s still nice to know it has the ability to measure melted confectionery, in case you have a sweet tooth.
In terms of preset temperatures, the ThermoPro TP-20 comes with various settings for different types of meat (beef & ground beef, ground poultry & chicken, lamb & veal, pork, and fish), along with 5 different levels of doneness (rare, medium rare, medium, medium done, and well done.) All the temperatures are USDA-approved, so you don’t have to worry about health risks.
Probes
Thanks to the long stem and step-down tip design, you can stick the probes deep into thick slices of meat on a barbecue, or even a whole turkey in an oven. The food-grade stainless steel probes and their wires can withstand an astounding 716°F, or 380°C. Very impressive and durable, I must say.
The probes can be used to measure two items at once, or the grill’s internal temperature and one food item, depending on your preference.
The one thing they could improve on is adding more ports to accommodate even more probes. Too bad there are only 2, so some food items will remain unchecked or will have to wait until probes become available.
Temperature Reading
The reading can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius. It registers results with a margin of error of ±1.8°F, or ±1°C. It’s really quite rare to see that a manufacturer is straightforward about their products’ shortcomings, but hey, at least they’re honest about it, and the inaccuracy isn’t that significant.
Once the probes are in, it usually takes about 6 seconds to get an initial reading, and up to 10 seconds for a more reliable result. Its response time is much faster than that of the built-in analog models.
Distance
During a cookout, you can’t just monitor the grill all the time, because there are other things to attend to such as prepping side-dishes, greeting guests and providing entertainment, to name a few. So many things to do, yet so little time to allocate.
However, a slight distraction, a slip-up or just seconds of carelessness and negligence could potentially ruin the grill if you take your eyes off of it for just a few seconds.
If you find yourself having to step away from the grill to be a host, the transmitter and receiver duo will stand in for you. They work smoothly and seamlessly almost everywhere, which is such a blessing to multitaskers who cannot afford to be glued to a fixed spot, me included.
Extra Features
Once the preset temperature is reached, the receiver will automatically flash and beep to notify you that the food is grilled to perfection. No more will you be haunted by undercooked or burnt food.
What sets the TP-20’s timer apart from that of others’ is the memory function. All the time and temperature settings are saved when the unit is turned off. So, at the next grill-fest, you can just select from the previous cooking session.
The countdown and count-up timer have two duration options (99 min 59 sec or 99 hr 59 min), so you will be able to manage your grilling session with ease.
The receiver is splash-proof, and it has a pullout countertop stand you can set it on or you can clip it to your belt in its slip-resistant rubber case. The transmitter, meanwhile, has a wire which hangs on the grill’s side, or stands on its own.
The LCD display is sizable. The time and temperature data on the screen are relatively easy to read, even during moonless barbecue parties at the beach, all thanks to the backlighting.
The only thing I can nitpick about is the lack of an app for mobile devices, but the transceivers hold their own perfectly well, so that’s not such a big deal.
If orange isn’t to your liking, then maybe silver is the new black. The variant 1 and variant 2, with slight differences in features and functions, are still highly touted among the grilling community.
Verdict
Overall, the ThermoPro TP-20 is deservingly and convincingly a well-rounded, consistent and reliable cooking instrument that proves instrumental to every barbecue (no pun intended). No matter how you cook your meat — be it a BBQ, oven or a smoker — no longer will you have to constantly excuse yourself to check the grill outside, because this thermometer will always be by your side when you need it.
2. Tappecue Touch Wi-Fi Meat Thermometer - Best WirelessMeat Thermometer
Not many meat thermometers are Wi-Fi controllable, so finding a rare gem like the Tappecue Touch Wi-Fi here is truly a blessing.
- Multiple probes (up to 8 if using splitters)
- Good range of operation, even in offline mode
- Durable > rechargeable battery
- Touch screen > pen stylus
- Durable > waterproof casing
- Public API for customizing functions
- Cost-prohibitive
- Small touch screen
The Tappecue has a much further range and less interference than its Bluetooth-controlled counterparts, so as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi, you can monitor the grill. Its temperature range goes from a chilling -40ºF to a scalding 572ºF (-40°C to 300°C).
Tappecue uses a rechargeable 2400 mAh battery that can operate from 12 to 14 hours (or a maximum 20 consecutive hours during battery saving mode), so rest assured that it won’t suddenly run out of juice (no pun intended) midway through a tailgate party or a slow smoking session. This was made possible due to a major firmware upgrade by the diligent Tappecue engineers.
But hypothetically, what if the batteries do run dry? Well, you can just plug it into the wall socket and it’s ready for action again.
Once connected to your home’s Wi-Fi, the Tappecue thermometer can be seamlessly synced across multiple devices — via Apple or Google Play apps — so anybody can check up on how their food is coming along.
With its interactive color touchscreen controllable via a stylus, you can set up a wireless connection, or view the temperature from afar. The fonts are large and legible, but there have been some unsatisfied customer reports of occasional unresponsiveness with the touchscreen. This makes the wireless configuration somewhat irksome, but it is not too much of a major setback.
Its weatherproof body can withstand all changes in weather and thanks to its thick, polycarbonate casing, you don’t have to worry about mishandling the device or fending off grease splashes.
Probes
This model offers 4 probe channels, so that’s a considerable amount of sensors to experiment with. Additionally, by using splitters, you can double the quantity to 8 probes (though we wouldn’t recommend it because it occasionally messes up the reading).
The probes are color-coded so you won't be confused about which one is in which slice. High resistance to water makes them a perfect fit for using with smokers too. The 4” long, curb-jointed stainless steel probes are connected to the body via 6-foot wires.
Not only will you be able to monitor various cuts at once, but you can also check the ambient temperature of the grill. Tappecue has taken convenience and comfort to a new level with a stroke of ingenuity in design.
Temperature Reading
Withstanding up to 572ºF or 300°C, Tappecue has a margin of error within 1.8ºF or 1°C. You can take a quick peek at the reading on the device’s touchscreen or via the mobile app.
Distance
Being Wi-Fi controllable equates to universal control. You can basically keep the grill in check from the furthest point your Wi-Fi can reach.
Even during offline mode, it still works! How? You can control the thermometer up to 180 feet away via its internal antenna. Another ingenious design idea by Tappecue.
Extra Features
The speaker and LED lights onboard will alert you whenever your meat is done or when the smoker’s temperature changes drastically.
The associated app, with its user-friendly interface, is compatible with Apple and Android devices. Any previous cooking history is logged into visual graphs and can be used for data analysis later, should the need to improve your cooking skills arise.
Also noteworthy is the guest mode feature, which allows multiple devices to monitor the grill and get notifications.
For enthusiastic programmers, a public API lets you code and create your own custom clients and functions for the device. You can even set up a smart grilling automation system which can adjust the grill temperature, if your programming skills are up to the task.
Verdict
Granted, its price tag may not fit a regular budget, but for those who want the added convenience and features, Tappecue Wireless will not disappoint. Evidently much improved over the old version, it’s nice to see Tappecue has really upped their game with this new model.
3. Nutrichef PWIRBBQ80 Grill Thermometer - Best BluetoothMeat Thermometer
Pitmasters, meet the Nutrichef PWIRBBQ80 Grill Thermometer!
- Affordable
- Multiple probes
- Compact
- Simple to use
- User-friendly mobile app
- Mediocre range of operation
- Stainless steel cable not waterproofed.
Baking, grilling, smoking or any other cooking method you can think of, the Nutrichef PWIRBBQ80 will fit them all. As most Apple and Android devices are Bluetooth-integrated, syncing up with this little thermometer should be easy as pie.
All you need to do is insert the probes in the grill and the food items, turn on the Bluetooth, then you can simply walk away.
Probes
Don’t be fooled by its miniature design, because this little reader can house up to a staggering 6 probes, so there’s enough for all the food on a grill. It’s quite nice to see such a reasonably-priced model that offers this many sensors.
It’s quite a shame, however, that the probes are numbered but not color-coded. It definitely doesn’t help when the cords get tangled. But I would classify that as a slight annoyance rather than a serious problem.
Temperature Reading
The stainless steel probes can withstand temperatures of up to 482°F (250°C) while the 32” braided heavy-duty cable can withstand up to 716°F ( 380°C), so there’s no need to take them out of the grill at any stage.
The data can be viewed on the thermometer itself or displayed on the app of Bluetooth devices.
Distance
The manufacturer claims its operation range is 200 ft outdoors or 100 ft indoors, but only when it’s completely unobstructed. Why?
Walls, trees, and other Bluetooth devices can interfere with the meat thermometer’s signal. So, depending on your home, it may not work as far as it claims.
Extra Features
The Bluetooth function will send a push notification to your device alerting you to check the grill when temperatures spike or drop, or the presets have been reached. The alarm will also sound to notify absent-minded cooks.
The meat thermometer LCD display will show temperature readings for each specific probe, so a quick glance can give you insight into the situation. The screen has backlighting, and will cycle between Fahrenheit and Celsius readings.
Through its associated app,“Easy BBQ”, you will be kept up to date with everything happening to your meat without your physical presence by the grill. You can also adjust and save presets to match your favorite recipes, as well.
You can spend time with loved ones, do house chores, prepare other dishes, and still be aware of how the BBQ is doing. Very much hassle-free and convenient, I must say.
The app will display real-time cooking temperatures of the meat and the grill’s interior, and save it to the history timeline, so you can take a look whenever you need to. The app is free for download on Apple Store and Google Play Services.
Verdict
Just turn the Bluetooth function on, kick back, relax, and let the Nutrichef take care of the meat inside your grill or smoker. Nothing can be any easier than that.
4. Inkbird IBT-4XS Grill Thermometer - Best DigitalMeat Thermometer
Say hello to my little grill thermometer, the Inkbird IBT-4XS.
- Affordable
- Simplicity in design
- Compact
- Multiple probes
- Easy-to-use application
- Not waterproof
This small, sharp-looking meat thermometer has two buttons: an on-off switch at the bottom and a touch-button at the front, resembling that of an iPhone.
Using a built-in rechargeable 1000mAh lithium battery with a 1.64 ft USB charging cable, it takes about 2 hours to fully charge the device. The sleep mode will activate if there’s no input from the probe, which saves the battery. Also noteworthy is that the device cannot be charged while operating.
Probes
The 4 durable stainless steel probes are standard, just like the models featured above, fitting for a diverse menu with briskets of all thickness and even a whole turkey. The cord can reach nearly 5 feet.
You can adjust the temperature and time for each probe and get on-the-spot notifications. A tiny shortcoming irking me is the uniform color of the probes, which can be confusing at times, but not too worrisome.
You are well-advised to make sure that the probes are firmly inserted into their ports on the thermometer body for precise readings, indicated by a signature clicking sound. Otherwise, you may end up with inaccurate results.
Temperature Reading
Its margin of error is ±1.8°F or ±1°C, a common standard among other meat thermometers.
Distance
The operational range is up to 150 ft (50 meters) so you can monitor the grill from the comfort of your sofa. Or if you need to leave the grill unattended to greet a guest, the Inkbird IBT-4XS has you covered!
Extra Features
The alarm is pretty standard and will alert you when the preset temperature is reached, or the current temperature is outside of 2 preset limits. That way, you don’t have to excuse yourself too often to check the BBQ, oven or smoker.
The Inkbird thermometer will also alert you when the mobile device is out of range.
A bright red font for temperatures makes the LCD display highly legible and it also rotates with a double-tap to the button. You would think all data would be lost once switched off, but nope! All the preset values are saved just in case you need them again.
There’s also various presets for different types of protein: from beef to chicken and pork, and even different degrees of doneness. If any of those recommended presets don't quite match your selective palate, you can always customize the settings.
The thermometer’s associated app is BBQ Go and is free to download for both iOS and Android-based devices. Based on customer reviews, the app interface is straightforward. It recognizes devices, connects with ease, and will automatically pair with past mobile devices.
For Android users, the GPS location should be turned on to connect with the thermometer. It also comes with a standard graph function to analyze the real-time temperature and keep a log for future reference.
Other miscellaneous features include a heavy-duty magnetic base which attaches the thermometer to the grill, oven or smoker. It also comes with probe clips to keep the wires from getting tangled up.
It’s quite too bad that the thermometer is not too well protected against water and splashes.
Verdict
All the features of this thermometer contribute to a convenient, hassle-free experience. Regardless of who you are, be it a professional chef or a home cook, the Inkbird IBT-4XS will make grilling all the more enjoyable.
5. ThermoPro TP-08S Meat Thermometer - Best RemoteMeat Thermometer
Wait, another ThermoPro?
- Affordable
- USDA > ROHS-approved probes
- Excellent range of operation
- FCC > CE certified
- Data saving even after shut-off
- Fewer probes compared to others
- Accidental shutdowns due to sensitive power button
Well, when a brand has so many well-made products, picking out just one is virtually impossible.
So, may I introduce the TP-08S.
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much that makes this thermometer stand out. In fact, it resembles its ThermoPro brother, the TP-20, featured above, to an alarming degree. They both have transceiver units that are pre-synchronized during manufacturing, so there’s no additional installation, app download or connecting device needed.
So, what does the TP-08S have to offer?
Probes
There is an 8.5” stainless steel probe for food and a 3” one for the BBQ or oven. Just like its TP-20 counterpart, the 2 probes allow only limited reading and grilling freedom.
The cable is made of stainless steel mesh, and is 40” in length.
Temperature Reading
The probe has a range of 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C). Both the probe and the wire can cope with heat up to 716°F (380°C), while the margin of error is ±1.8°F or ±1°C.
Distance
This is where the TP-08S stands out.
An impressive 300 feet range of operation lets you monitor the grill from the furthest point of your home. Now you can tend to other business, such as setting the dining table, serving diners, spending time chilling with your loved ones, or even catching a quick nap.
Insert the probe in, and direct your attention to other tasks. It’s as simple as that.
Extra Features
The alarm features functions similar to other Bluetooth thermometers: it will beep, flash and notify you whenever the meat’s internal temperature reaches the presets, or exceeds the maximum and minimum preprogrammed temperatures.
Its backlit LCD display is easy to read. The timer function is pretty standard, with a countdown and count-up option, and the thermometer will save your settings for the future.
ThermoPro TP-08S’s transmitter can stand on its own, or be attached to the grill lid or the oven door. As for the receiver, it also has a pull-out countertop stand or it can attach to your belt. Both are secured in rubber casings, but they are not well waterproofed, as noted by seasoned BBQers.
The TP-07 model works just as well, albeit with slightly different button functions.
Verdict
Keeping an eye on the grill is now easier, regardless of your whereabouts inside the house, all thanks to the TP-08S.
6. Weber iGrill 2 Grill Thermometer - Best Meat Thermometer for Charcoal Grill
Last but definitely not least, is the Weber iGrill 2. It works flawlessly with all kinds of grills, ovens, and smokers, but is best with charcoal grills.
- Affordable
- Fast response time (3 seconds)
- Multiple probes
- User-friendly app
- Occasional app glitches
- Takes a long time to find Bluetooth
The iGrill 2 is known for its instantaneous display readings, taking only 3 seconds to respond.
Another thing is that it has an auto shut-off whenever it’s on standby. But, as long as it’s connected to a mobile device, it will continue monitoring lengthy grilling or smoking sessions to the end.
Probes
The 4 stainless steel probes can withstand a scorching 716°F or 380°C. They can be individually adjusted to different temperatures, time and degree of doneness to suit all tastes of different diners.
The probe cord is 48” in length.
Temperature Reading
The iGrill 2’s temperature range is -22°F to 572°F (-30°C to 300°C) with a margin of error of ±1.8°F, or ±1°C.
Distance
Weber iGrill 2’s range of operation is average at 150 ft. It is still far enough for you to move inside your house while the meat cooks outside, though.
Extra Features
Its alert system is pretty much the same as other grill thermometers. Once the timer finishes countdown, or temperature of the meat changes, you’ll be alerted via push notifications on your mobile devices.
The LED display makes it easy to read the temperature and is minimalistic, yet still functional.
Although the app has a clear user interface with a plethora of cooking recipes for beginners, it doesn’t alleviate the fact that glitches occasionally cause the app to crash. Also worth mentioning is the rather long time it takes to pair with Bluetooth devices, though once done, it works just fine.
Weber says that the app is compatible with Apple devices with iOs 9 or later, iPhone 4 or later, iPad 3rd generation or later, and Android devices with a 6.0 operating system or Bluetooth 4.0 or later.
The graph function will keep you up to date with the real-time temperature changes.
One last detail lies in the magnetic base, which attaches the thermometer firmly to the side of the grill, smoker or oven.
Verdict
When you grill, you don’t have to do it alone. The Weber iGrill 2 will be your reliable assistant that will make sure your meat stays moist, juicy and grilled to perfection.
A Comparison Table of Top-Performing Meat Thermometers
Model | Temperature Range | Power Source | Distant Reading Via | Probes | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ThermoPro TP20 Meat Thermometer | 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C) | 4 x AAA batteries | Transceiver units | 2 | 1-year limited warranty extendable to 3 years upon online registration |
Tappecue Touch Wi-Fi Meat Thermometer | -40ºF to 572ºF(-40°C to 300°C) | Rechargeable battery, but socket plug in option if used over 20 hours | Wi-Fi, Offline mode antenna | 4(8, if attaching splitters) | 1-year limited warranty |
Nutrichef PWIRBBQ80 Grill Thermometer | 32°F to 482 °F (0°C to 250°C) | 2 x AA batteries | Bluetooth, associated app | 2 included and an additional4 probes if purchased separately | Limited lifetime warranty |
Inkbird IBT-4XS | 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C) | Rechargeable lithium battery | Bluetooth, associated app | 2 included and an additional2 probes if purchased separately | 1-year warranty |
ThermoPro TP-08S Meat Thermomete | 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C) | 4 x AAA batteries | Transceiver units | 2 | 1-year warranty, but can extend to 3-year warranty if registering online |
Weber iGrill 2 Grill Thermometer | -22°F to 572°F (-30°C to 300°C) | 2 x AA batteries | Bluetooth, associated app | 2 included and an additional2 probes if purchased separately | 1-year warranty |
Meat Thermometers: The Reliable Sous-Chefs You Never Knew You Needed
It seems like whenever you attend a family reunion, or get together with some mates to watch sports, somehow or other you are always tasked with monitoring the BBQ. While everybody enjoys the fresh summer air or watches the game indoors, you have to slave over the hot grill, mastering your flipping technique!
It’s difficult to know how well the meat is cooked without slicing through. Pitmasters find themselves between a rock and a hard place: “To up the flame or to down the flame?”, that is the question. Take the meat off too soon, and it ends up blood-red and undercooked. Leave it too long and you risk burning it to a char.
It sure is a bummer missing out on all the fun with everyone, but the grill cannot be left unattended. Any hiccups, and the cookout is deemed unsuccessful. Someone has to take one for the team and sacrifice by staying behind to ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Well, what if there is a way to take the chore out of grilling so you can enjoy everyone’s company while monitoring the grill from afar? The answer can be found in the meat thermometer.
It is only when you’ve questioned yourself so many times that you feel like you can’t trust your instincts anymore, and realize you need something more certain and reassuring for the task.
A good grill thermometer gives you instantaneous and accurate readings, which can help you fine-tune the flame, temperature and cooking time to your liking.
You will achieve consistently delicious gourmet results every time, instead of just throwing a slab of meat on the grill while desperately hoping for the best.
These meat thermometers will relieve you of the boring task of babysitting the grill, because you’ll get immediate grill status updates via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a separate transceiver. Just stick the probes in, leave them be and go find a nice, cold drink to enjoy.
The time saved can be reserved for prepping other dishes or chilling with friends and family. What’s more, you will never miss another home run, touchdown or dunk on TV, or a game of frisbee with the kids in the yard.
Why do you have to stay glued to the grill and monitor it all alone? Let the thermometer do the hard work while you join in the fun and have a blast!
You can choose between an analog or digital thermometer, but the digital thermometers featured in this article outperform their analog counterparts in a number of ways. Faster response time, multiple probes, and preset temperatures for different food types, just to name a few. Furthermore, there are features like automatic shut-off, temperature hold, and notification alerts.
Meat Thermometers: It’s Not Just Accurate Cooking, It’s a Precautionary Measure
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) reports that one out of six Americans gets seriously ill from food poisoning every year. This is partially due to salmonella and E. coli in undercooked food, but there is also the long term cancer risks that come from burnt and charred meat. These can easily be avoided by taking simple precautionary measures, such as a digital thermometer.
As a frame of reference, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives a detailed chart of the minimum temperature at which different food items need to be cooked to be considered safe.
All in all, a grill thermometer is more than just a fancy utensil: it is a must-have item for any modern kitchen.
What to Consider Before Buying a Meat Thermometer?
In order to make the best informed choice, you have to take the following variables into account, which include:
1. Price
The price can vary widely according to the type of technology, brand, number of probes, and ease of use. With a little patience, you can find yourself a really good bargain, should you know where to look.
Most average meat thermometers are available for purchase at a reasonable price. For those high-end ones with added features and functions, you may have to stretch your budget a little.
2. Probes
With more probes, you can monitor your grill more effectively. A steak, for example, can have two probes inserted at different points to check uniformity. You can also pin them to different foodstuffs or even just monitor the grill interior, lid or grate.
The optimal setup is to monitor both the grill interior and the food, and for this reason the probes should be made of a highly heat resistant material such as stainless steel.
Flare-ups from grease splashes can also affect the probes and if your grill is placed outdoors, the rain can potentially interfere with the sensors, making the readings inaccurate, so they need to be water-proof as well.
3. Temperature Readings
Some grills have built-in monitors attached to the lid, but digital thermometer probes are more accurate and dependable. In actual fact, the best thermometers tested by Consumer Reports have a margin of error between 2 to 4 degree Fahrenheit, but no more than 5.
Furthermore, most manufacturers claim that their thermometers produce instantaneous readings, but the truth is they take a good 8 to 9 seconds. Still, the response time is much faster than traditional thermometers. So, best to go digital and never look back!
4. Distance
Manufacturers often tend to exaggerate the range of their thermometers. While the distance claimed is technically accurate, they fail to take obstacles into account. If unobstructed, the device can be used far away, as long as the connection is stable and uninterrupted. You should expect most of them to perform at a shorter range than advertised.
If you ever need to measure temperature from a distance without touching the meat directly, consider getting the best infrared thermometers to go with your meat thermometer!
5. Extra Features
Besides the criteria mentioned above, it never hurts to ask the salesperson, “What else does this grill thermometer have?”. After all, it’s soon-to-be yours, so it’d better be worth every dime! Additional features may include one, some, or all of the following:
- Audible alarm & alert: The notification will let you know when the food’s internal temperature reaches that of the preset cooking mode, or whenever the food gets dangerously below the minimum temperature. If there’s a second probe, it can notify you when the grate and overall interior are properly preheated and ready for action.
- Compatibility with devices: A few questions to ask the salesperson about wireless models are, “Does it have its own app on iOS and Android?”, “How is the connection?”, and “Is the interface user-friendly and easy to adjust?”
- Display: You want a meat thermometer with clear, straightforward and easy-to-read data, so a quick glimpse will suffice.
- Preset temperatures: These are for various kinds of meat, veggies, and legumes, so you don't have to waste time manually adjusting to the USDA-approved standards.
- Programmable temperatures: If the presets aren't to your liking, you can always let the inner chef set your own temperatures. Sometimes you may feel a little rebellious — after all, everyone has different tastes. Slightly charred and rare steaks are fine if enjoyed sporadically, so it’s okay to let loose once in a while.
- Timer: This is to alert your absent-minded self when you’re having too much fun away from the grill.
- Temperature hold: The screen will hold for a few moments longer so you can get a better reading of the temperature, instead of the real-time update every second.
Meat Thermometer FAQs
Stick the probe’s stem into the center or the thickest part of the food item.
Why? When the food is sizzling hot, it develops bubbles of cool air around. You might get an inaccurate temperature if you place the probe on the surface of the food.
Allow me to elucidate further: since the grate comes into contact with the flames down below, its temperature is higher than that of the grill’s atmosphere.
So how deep do I go? At least halfway through into the slice and 1 inch above the grate, via a clip or a ball of aluminum fold.
If you’re measuring liquid, you need to stir it first for accurate results.
Most meat thermometers will respond in under 10 seconds.
If the thermometer has multiple probes, you can spare one to read the surrounding temperature inside the grill, oven or the smoker.
After extensive usage, the thermometer may be off a few degrees. So every once in a while, it’s recommended to reset to its factory settings.
In the event of the thermometer being exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations in storage, or from being dropped, recalibration is recommended as well.
You can do it via the ice water test or the boiling water test.
The ice water test requires you to:
- Fill a cup of room-temperature water with finely crushed ice chunks.
- Wait a while until the cup is evenly cool, then place the stem of the probe inside the cup (preferably no less than 2 inches submerged in water) with no part touching the sides or the bottom of the cup for at least 30 seconds.
- The thermometer should give a reading of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature of ice water. If you don’t get this reading, you need to manually adjust it without removing the probe from the glass.
This is the recommended test, because the heat test can be risky if mishandled.
The boiling water test, as the name suggests, requires a cup of boiling water. Put the probe in the same way you do for the ice water test, and check the reading. If the temperature does not record 212 degrees Fahrenheit, recalibrate your thermometer to an exact match, but be careful not to burn yourself during the process.
Top-Favored Brands Of Meat Thermometer
1. ThermoPro
ThermoPro has so many dependable and well-performing thermometers, that, featuring only a couple doesn’t do this brand enough justice, so here’s the link where you can find out more.
Their products are the darlings of meat lovers, so it’s no surprise this is the go-to brand of choice.
2. Weber
More well-known for their grills, Weber also dabbles in grilling accessories, including the flavorizer bar, its own briquettes and a series of thermometers. Now, Weber can pride itself on being the ultimate brand that can offer meat lovers a complete package for barbecuing.
3. Tappecue
Founded by a group of local entrepreneurs, this Kansas City-based establishment succeeded in introducing the first cloud-based Wi-Fi thermometer back in 2013. Since then, the little household name has made itself known on the national stage for its quality and ingenious products.
4. Inkbird
Inkbird dedicates itself to manufacturing intelligent devices that help to automate everyday living. Hundreds of thousands of its smart devices can be found not just in America, but also in Australia and Europe. Inkbird is committed to the customers’ wellbeing through constant innovation.
5. Nutrichef
Nutrichef joined the world of kitchen appliances in 2014, and as a rookie still has a long way to go in proving its value to the customers. But, with its current high quality of both customer service and excellent products, it won’t be much longer until this brand can compete against other big players.
