Go wired or wireless, whether it’s at the grill or in the oven
Best Overall
ThermoWorks ChefAlarm
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- Easy-to-read backlit display
- Wide temperature range
- Multiple alarm volume settings
- Can also be used as an oven thermometer
- A bit of a learning curve to adjust settings
If you want straightforward setup and consistent temperature monitoring at a very fair price, this model from Thermoworks should be your top pick. The wired thermometer has a large temperature range, which allows you to use it for a wide variety of applications in addition to cooking meats, like making candy or yogurt. It is also perfect for monitoring temperature over longer periods of time with moderate-heat cooking methods—think sous vide or smoking.
We tested this thermometer in our Lab and found it to be mostly straightforward to set up, with a little bit of a learning curve to get to know how to adjust its settings. First and foremost, we loved how accurate the thermometer is—it comes calibrated with an accuracy of ±2 degrees Fahrenheit straight from the factory. We also really like that you can easily hear the alarm thanks to its four volume settings.
We appreciate how easy it was to position this device; the adjustable angle of the thermometer’s face makes it easy to read the large digital display when set on the counter, and it could also adhere to a metal surface thanks to its magnet. The latter is how our writer Irvin Lin uses his, which is attached to the top of his stove. Utilizing an optional grate clip, he can easily see both the oven temperature and the meat’s temperature. Overall, we’re very impressed with the functionality of this thermometer, especially considering its fairly modest price tag.
Probe Length: 6 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±2 degrees Fahrenheit
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Best Basic
ThermoWorks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer
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- Very easy to set up
- Affordable
- Wide temperature range
- Only measures to whole numbers
- Slow to set target temperature
Very similar to the Thermoworks Chef Alarm model, this thermometer offers a similar temperature range but has a simpler set-up. There are only three buttons on this device: one to turn it on, and two to set your target temperature. This model only displays temperature in whole numbers, but that isn’t a dealbreaker for most applications. It has an easy-to-read backlit display that shows the current temperature and target temperature. Designed for use in a commercial setting, it is splash-proof and durable so it will definitely work for most home settings.
We found this to be incredibly intuitive to set up—there isn’t much to it, so you can essentially turn it on and get cooking. There are two small magnets on the back that let you attach it to metal surfaces like the refrigerator or stove, as well as a collapsible stand if you want to set it on the counter.
With only one volume setting, it’s harder to hear if you’re more than 10 feet away (or if you happen to be in another room), but for the most part, that wasn’t an issue. Most importantly, it had a very accurate temperature reading for every test we put it through. For the build quality and performance, we found this to be an affordable and reliable option that’s worth every penny.
Probe Length: 4.5 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±5.4 degrees Fahrenheit
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Best 4-Probe
ThermoPro TP25 4 Probe Bluetooth Remote Meat Thermometer
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- Equipped with presets
- Runs on a rechargeable battery
- Has a 500-foot range
- Probes might be a little long for some
- Bluetooth range will be affected by walls
For tech-lovers who are into grilling, this sleek thermometer gives you plenty of control through an app on your smartphone. It is equipped with four probes that can be individually monitored through your phone, making it easy to cook multiple cuts of meats at once. It has an array of presets that you can use depending on what type of meat you’re cooking, as well as the ability to customize settings as you wish.
We loved that this thermometer was easy and quite intuitive to set up. While there is no paper manual that comes with the device, there are tons of FAQs and other instructions in the app itself. The 8.5-inch probes will work with even the thickest cuts of meat (think prime rib), though we found that inserting the probe horizontally might work best in some cases since it is so long.
The large temperature range goes from 14 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect to use with a wide variety of cooking methods. The Bluetooth connection functioned well for about 30 yards outdoors, and bit less indoors if there are walls separating you from the thermometer. Overall, we were pretty impressed with the functionality and accuracy of this model and couldn’t find much to complain about, especially at this price.
Probe Length: 8.5 inches | Temperature Range: 14°F to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±1.8 degrees Fahrenheit
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Best 2-Probe
ThermoPro TP28 Meat Thermometer
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- Allows for monitoring up to 500 feet away
- Programmed with multiple presets
- Easy-to-hear alarm
- Slight learning curve for the controls
If one meat thermometer isn’t enough, this two-probe version by ThermoPro may just be what you’re looking for. Equipped with a handy remote receiver, you can monitor your grill, sous-vide, beer-brewing project, and more from up to 500 feet away.
We found this pretty easy to set up, though there was a slight learning curve to comfortably navigate the presets and manual setting options. The 6.5-inch stainless-steel probes have sharp points that easily punctured the pork we cooked, and were long enough to work with just about any thickness of protein. We really liked how resonant the alarm on this device is—the remote receiver is even louder and can be easily heard throughout the house or in an outdoor setting (there are also vibrate settings when you don’t want an audible alarm). We liked how straightforward this was to use, even for beginners, and find that it’s one of the better thermometers with wireless receivers that we’ve ever tested.
Probe Length: 6.5 inches | Temperature Range: 14°F to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±1.8 degrees Fahrenheit
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Best for Smoking
ThermoWorks Smoke Thermometer
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- Easy-to-read backlit display
- Can be paired with multiple receivers
- Allows fairly quick alarm adjustment
- Alarm isn’t the loudest
- Need time to understand control labels
The long, slow process of smoking meat relies heavily on temperature monitoring, which is why we love the performance of this smoking-specific thermometer from Thermoworks. It features two stainless-steel probes—one to monitor the temperature of the pit, and the other to monitor the temperature of the meat. The base unit can even be paired with multiple receivers so you can equip an entire BBQ pit team.
We liked the straightforward setup of this thermometer, with an accompanying manual that’s very detailed but easy to understand, which makes it easy to get going. While the wireless receiver for this model isn’t very loud, it’s loud enough as long as you keep it close (use the included lanyard to wear it around your neck). We found this thermometer to have excellent accuracy and a super durable, commercial-grade build. It’s one of the pricier models on this list, but worth it for professionals and serious BBQ enthusiasts alike.
Probe Length: 6 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±1.8 degrees Fahrenheit
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Best Budget
Taylor Precision Products Digital Thermometer
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- Easy instructions and setup
- Can sit on counter or attach with magnet
- Very bare bones
- Smaller temperature range
When you want the functionality of a meat thermometer without a high price tag, this simple model delivers a straightforward result. Simply set your desired temperature and timer, then hit start to begin using it. It has just a few buttons that are quite easy to figure out. The probe’s wire is coated in silicone to protect it from heat, allowing you to run it out the oven door to monitor whatever you have cooking. It has a temperature range of 32 to 392 degrees with an accuracy of ±2 degrees Fahrenheit.
We tested this thermometer and found it to be a satisfactory alternative to pricier models. Though it doesn’t have fancier options like presets or a Bluetooth connectivity, it still gets the job done. The alarm is persistent and audible enough to get your attention, even when using outdoors. For the price, it’s absolutely worth it, especially if you don’t need a model that is particularly heavy-duty.
Probe Length: 6 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±2 degrees Fahrenheit
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Best Wireless
Meater Plus with Bluetooth Repeater
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- Sleek design
- Clear instructions
- Accurate readings
- No sound feature on receiver
- Requires app to use
- Does not have customizable timer
This sleek thermometer is perfect for anyone who appreciates good design. First, the wooden case for the probe actually features a Bluetooth repeater that helps expand its range. Also, the pointy end of the probe monitors the internal temperature of your meat, while the opposite end monitors the ambient temperature. The device itself doesn’t have a screen, but is controlled and monitored entirely through an app on your smartphone.
Every time we’ve tested this, we enjoyed the very interactive set up. You’ll have to watch a few videos in order to start using it, but all the instructions are very clear and easy to understand. While the probe and base must be kept within five feet of each other, we were able to keep tabs on our cooking on our phone from about 100 feet away.
One thing we would like is having an option to customize our timer, and we also found that the alarm settings were only audible through the app—there’s no sound functionality on the device itself. This is a great option for anyone who is really into smart gadgets, offering a high-tech experience with a pretty accurate reading right in the palm of your hand.
Probe Length: 6 inches | Temperature Range: Up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±1 degrees Fahrenheit
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Final Verdict
Our favorite was the commercial-grade ThermoWorks ChefAlarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer, which delivers a highly-accurate reading, has a wide temperature range, and comes at a very fair price. For the budget minded, the Taylor Digital Cooking Thermometer is a fantastic option, giving a straightforward performance that gets the job done without a ton of bells and whistles.
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How We Tested
We tested 22 meat thermometers in our Birmingham, Alabama, testing lab to find out which were easiest to use and produced accurate readings. Additionally, our expert testers use certain models in their home kitchens, who regularly supply us with home-cooking insights and updates on long-term wear and tear.
We Observed
- Ease of setup: We looked for thermometers that weren’t too complicated to use out of the box. We appreciated models that were easier to figure out without having to read through too many detailed instructions.
- Minimum and maximum temperature ranges: With a wider temperature range, a thermometer can lend itself to a larger variety of applications. While we were primarily testing these models for use for cooking, we also gave extra points to thermometers that could be used outside of cooking meats, like candy-making or home brewing.
- Decibel rating of the alarm: When applicable, we considered how audible the alarms were. This is key for knowing when your meats have reached the desired temperature or when it’s time to adjust your fire.
- The true Bluetooth range: We connected any Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-capable thermometers and measured the true connection range. While walking away, we made sure to include signal obstacles, like garage doors and thick walls.
We Rated
- Accuracy: Above all, a thermometer should deliver an accurate temperature reading. We tested these thermometers in several applications, from an ice bath, to monitoring an immersion circulator bath, boiling water, and grilling pork to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The more precise the reading, the higher the rating.
- Ease of Use: Aside from being easy to set up, we considered overall functionality. From setup to probe sharpness, wireless connectivity to notifications, we gave the highest ratings to the models that took the guesswork out of monitoring grilled pork loin or the temperature of a sous-vide water bath.
- Design: We took into consideration each model’s probes, the ability to read the digital display, button placement and labeling, and magnet attachment or any other characteristics that made it easy to use.
About Our Testers
- Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
- Donna Currie, a seasoned food writer, cookbook author, and recipe developer, has tested hundreds of products for us over the past seven years. She’s home-tested multiple wireless thermometers over the years, and did a side-by-side test in 2021. Of those, she continues to frequently use the same MEATER Plus at the grill and in the oven, a testament to its long-term durability.
- Irvin Lin is a writer, recipe developer and photographer based in San Francisco. He is deeply geeky when it comes to baking and the accuracy of his equipment, which is why he highly recommends the Thermoworks Chef Alarm for the perfect bake.
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What To Look For in a Meat Thermometer
Instant Read vs Meat Thermometer
Meat thermometers are meant to monitor temperature over a long period of time—think slow cooked prime rib, sous-vide duck breast, or even in non-meat applications, like keeping tabs on a home-brewed batch of beer. This comes in handy for instances where you want to know the moment you reach a certain temperature.
Instant-read thermometers take the temperature of an item as soon as you insert the probe, and are not meant to be left inserted for a long period of time. This is ideal for checking doneness of quicker cooking items, like burgers or pan-fried chicken breast.
Wired vs Wireless
Wired meat thermometers require you to check the actual thermometer for temperature readings, while wireless versions may allow you to monitor your cooking while roaming around your home or yard, thanks to a smartphone app or a dedicated portable receiver. If you’re multitasking, a wireless option might be ideal, but you’ll also want to consider if walls or other objects between you and your barbecue grill or oven might cause connectivity issues.
Extra Features
We like a thermometer with a large digital display, even better if it has a backlight for extra readability. Audible alarms—for both time and temperature—are also a feature found on many meat thermometers, with some offering different sound and/or volume settings. Other features that are great to have include Bluetooth capability, ports for multiple probes, and an assortment of presets to take the guesswork of how to achieve the perfect roast.
FAQs
What’s the most accurate way to use a meat thermometer?
For most cooking applications, you’ll want to insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, paying careful attention to avoid the bone or layer of fat. And make sure to stick it in enough, not just at the very top of the meat. This’ll let you see meat’s true internal temperature so you can gauge doneness. For best results, consult the manual for your particular thermometer model.
How do you clean and take care of a meat thermometer?
Because you’re often using a meat thermometer on raw meat, keeping it clean will help prevent cross-contamination. In most cases, you can wipe the probe down with a soapy, damp cloth and dry it thoroughly before using it again. Always consult your user’s manual to see if there are any additional, device-specific instructions for cleaning.
What kind of thermometer can you leave in a grill or oven?
Many meat thermometers are actually designed to be left in the oven or grill and are resistant to fairly high temperatures. The best way to know is to read the specs and instructions of your chosen thermometer, ensuring that its materials are heat-resistant and can withstand long stints in the oven, smoker, or barbecue grill.
