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Cooking meat is a real challenge. Not only do you have to track oven or stovetop temperatures, but you also have to monitor timing and occasionally check for the correct doneness of it. And, if you’ve ever cooked your meat before that turned out as a dry, overcooked disappointment, then you know how important it is to have the perfect meat thermometer. A meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of cooking. It tells you when your chicken is done or when your steak reaches medium-rare perfection without you having to constantly check with a timer. This thermometer is an essential tool in any cook’s kitchen that makes food prep easier, and there are many different types in the market. So, which one to choose? To help you out with this decision, we have compiled a list of the finest meat thermometers so you can enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked meats every single time.
Buyer’s Guide: Meat Thermometers
A quick and easy way to make sure your food is cooked to perfection is using a meat thermometer. However, not all meat thermometers are created equal. That’s why we present you with our buying guide that’ll make the whole buying process much easier for you.
What Are the Different Variants of Meat Thermometers?
Meat thermometers have certainly made life much easier. Here are some of the popular types of meat thermometers available in the market right now.
Dial thermometers
A dial thermometer is a device that uses a metal pointer, a circular scale, and a needle to measure the internal temperature of food. It has the advantage of being the least expensive and can be just as accurate as digital models with some practice. Dial thermometers are not great for fast cooking as it takes 2-3 minutes before telling the accurate temperature of the meat.
Instant read thermometer
An instant-read meat thermometer is a digital gadget that comes with a stainless-steel probe with a large LCD display and tells you the temperature of your meat in just 2-3 seconds. It can be used to determine if your food is cooked all the way through and often comes with a safety mechanism to prevent your food from being overcooked. It’s the perfect cooking aid for anyone who wants to be in control of their dish and wants to cook to perfection.
Thermocouples thermometer
This device is a bit different from the others. It has a combination of a thermostat and two metal wires connected to the probe, which are inserted into the meat to reveal its temperature. The advantage of this type of thermometer is that you don’t have to wait up to get the reading because it is one of the fastest thermometers. You can also use it to check the oven temperature before placing the food inside.
What to Look for When Buying a Meat Thermometer?
Let’s take a look at the things to consider while buying a meat thermometer.
Accurate reading
The accuracy is unarguably the most important factor you should consider before buying a meat thermometer. A lot of people think that all meat thermometers are accurate, but that’s far from true. If you use an inaccurate one, your food might be overcooked or undercooked. Opt for the one with ±0.9-degree Fahrenheit accuracy to get the most precise reading.
Ease of use
The last thing you want when grilling your steaks is to look up instructions on how to use your new gadget. You will find many thermometers designed with features that’ll make it easier for you to get an accurate reading. For instance, an instant-read thermometer with a clear LCD flashes the temperature reading when inserted, whereas the alarm features generate a beeping sound to inform you when the food is completely done.
Some thermometers even come with motion-sensing technology that automatically turns off/on for optimum convenience. Always go for a thermometer that is easy to use and calibrate, as it will eventually save you a lot of effort and hassle.
Durability
The quality of the thermometer depends on its overall construction. Any good meat thermometer should be made of sturdy, solid material and designed to withstand the heat of grilling or oven cooking. Always choose the one that has heavy-duty stainless-steel construction so you can use it for a long time.
Temperature range
The cooking requirements of different meats vary. For instance, a good rule of thumb for proper cooking temperatures is 165 degrees Fahrenheit for poultry, 160 degrees Fahrenheit for pork and beef, and 145 degrees Fahrenheit for seafood. Most meat thermometers can read temperatures from 0°F up to 500°F, but some go as high as 570°F. The higher the temperature range, the more versatile your thermometer will be when cooking different kinds of meats.
Calibration
To ensure that your thermometer gives accurate readings, it should be calibrated often, such as before each use. Most meat thermometers come with an auto-calibration feature that self-adjusts once they’ve been exposed to high temperatures. If this feature isn’t available, check the product specifications or ask the manufacturer how often it needs to be calibrated.
Water resistance
You’ll find that most inexpensive meat thermometers are not waterproof. If they get wet, you need to replace them with a new unit. Try to get a meat thermometer with IP65 rating waterproof capabilities so you can easily wash it with water, especially after cooking.
Aside from ease of cleaning, a water resistance thermometer can be highly useful during a continuous stream of steam cooking as it won’t fog up the screen. But how will you know if your product is waterproof or not? It’s easy. Just go through the product description before buying and check if it has water resistance or not.
How to Calibrate the Meat Thermometer?
Calibration ensures the accuracy of your thermometer and prevents you from overcooking or undercooking your food. Here are the two most popular methods that you can use to properly calibrate your thermometer before use.
Ice bath testing
For ice bath testing, fill the bowl with ice and water. (The minimum water temperature should be 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Insert the thermometer probe into this iced water and stir it gently. Remove the probe from the water and check the thermometer. An accurate thermometer will read at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil water testing
For boil water testing, you just have to fill the bucket with water and boil it at a high temperature. When the bubble starts bursting into the water, then submerge the probe of your thermometer into it. Keep the probe away from the base or sides of the bucket and stir gently. Wait for at least 30 seconds before taking the reading. An accurate thermometer will read at 212 Fahrenheit or 100 Celsius.
How Much Does a Meat Thermometer Usually Cost?
A meat thermometer usually costs between $30 and $50. Professional chefs use more expensive models in their restaurants that cost over $80. The main price difference is because of the type of thermometer, which will be either analog or digital, the display unit, app connectivity, and timer. If you love grilling and barbecuing, then go with a high-priced version; otherwise, opt for an affordable thermocouple model that gets the job done without any extra frills.
The Top Meat Thermometer Models in Detail
KULUNER Meat Thermometer
– Best Overall
KULUNER TP-01 is the perfect instant-read meat thermometer that will provide you with an accurate reading in just 2-3 seconds. This thermometer features durable ABS plastic construction with a 4.6″ ultra-thin stainless-steel probe that will reach inside the large roast and provide you with precise readings without leaving a puncture footprint on your food.
Thanks to the large backlight LCD screen, you don’t need any guesswork, as it will provide you with spectacular clarity and an easy readout. And did we mention that it is accurate to +/- 1 degree? This multipurpose thermometer has wide temperature ranges from 58 degrees Fahrenheit to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to check the temperature of various dishes with ease. Plus, this thermometer comes with IP67 standard water-resistant capabilities, allowing you to wash it under running water without fear of it falling apart.
Pros
- Easy to read large LCD screen
- Wide temperature range for checking different food items
- IP67 Water resistance for hassle-free cleanup
Cons
- It’s a little hard to calibrate
CHEF iQ Meat Thermometer
– Great for Beginners
The Chef iQ Meat Thermometer is an invaluable tool for anyone who loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen. Whether it’s a dinner party, a family gathering, or a romantic dinner, this thermometer ensures that every meal is cooked perfectly every time. The internal sensors inside the thermometer accurately track the cooking progress of food and will provide both voice alert notifications and app notifications when your food needs to be flipped, moved, or taken off of the heat.
The ultra-thin design of the thermometer keeps juicy flavors in your food, and the sensors are accurate to 1 degree Fahrenheit for precise cooking. The unlimited Wi-Fi range also frees you up to interact with your guests instead of hovering over the grill. The Chef iQ Smart Hub functions as the command center for your cooking, providing voice alerts through its integrated speaker and sending valuable information to your phone. It can store up to three wireless thermometers, so you don’t need to worry about swapping them out each time you want to check on a different dish.
Pros
- Accurate temperature readings
- USB-C charging available
- Waterproof, dishwasher safe
Cons
- Takes a while to charge
ImSaferell Meat Thermometer
– Easy To Use
It’s safe to say that there aren’t many proper waterproof meat thermometers around at the moment that we can vouch for, except the ImSaferell Instant Read Meat thermometer. This one is completely IP67-certified waterproof, which makes it long-lasting, as water is something the thermometer comes in regular contact with within the kitchen.
On top of that, the thermometer also features temperature locking features that lock the temp of the meat for a few seconds so that you can view it. Its food-grade, nontoxic 304 stainless steel material and magnetic surface make this an extremely easy-to-use thermometer when you’re in the heat of battle in the kitchen.
Pros
- Accurate temperature readings in four seconds
- Shuts off automatically when not in use
- Large backlit screen for extra visibility
Cons
- Magnetic power can wear off easily
NutriChef Meat Thermometer
– Runner Up
This wireless meat thermometer from NutriChef is another top contender for the title of the finest meat thermometer. With its smart, wireless technology, this thermometer is able to connect to an accompanying app on your phone to let you know exactly how hot your steaks and other meat products are. It comes with two temperature probes but is capable of supporting up to six in total, and each probe features strong stainless steel construction for maximum durability and long-lasting effectiveness. The thermometer itself also has a bright, clear, easy-to-read LCD display that tells you all you need to know, and the whole thing needs just two AA batteries to power up.
Pros
- Smart Bluetooth technology
- Supports up to six probes
- Highly precise thermometer
Cons
- Other probes are sold separately
DOQAUS Meat Thermometer
– Honorable Mention
Get the perfect roast every time with the DOQAUS meat thermometer. This thermometer features a durable stainless-steel construction and has an ultra-thin probe that will reach inside the core of meat and provide you with an accurate reading in less than 5 seconds. You can use it to easily measure the temperature of meats, bread, sauces, and more!
The high-quality design includes a highly accurate probe with an accuracy range of 58°F-572°F, not to mention features like an LED display for easy reading at any angle, auto shutoff that turns it off after 10 minutes of readout, and a backlit LCD screen, which makes it easy to see the temperature even if you are cooking at night. On top of that, it has a magnetic back and hooks for storage convenience.
Pros
- Foldable probe for maximum protection
- 3 seconds readout with a high accuracy range
Cons
- You have to clean it with a damp cloth as it is not waterproof
KIZEN Meat Thermometer
– Contender
Say goodbye to overcooked fish and undercooked meat with a KIZEN digital meat thermometer. Thanks to its ultra-fast technology, it displays a reading in less than three seconds, so no more waiting around to find out how done your steak is!
Another bonus? It has multiple temperature settings and allows you to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit for ultimate convenience. Not only does this heat probe have an easy-to-read display screen, but cleanup is also super simple since it’s waterproofed. The device works great with anything from deep frying to baking and grilling. Plus, it has a sleek design and a hanging hook on its back for better storage.
Pros
- Luminous LCD display for easy readout
- Multiple custom setting that provides ultimate convenience
Cons
- This thermometer is not dishwasher safe
ThermoPro Meat Thermometer
– Also Consider
Make sure your food is cooked to perfection with a ThermoPro TP19H meat thermometer. Made with a food-grade 4.3″ stainless steel probe, this rugged thermometer will provide you with an accurate measurement within 3-4 seconds. It is engineered with advanced motion-sensing technology that shuts the device off after a minute of inactivity and saves battery life. Plus, it can last up to 3000 hours on a single battery. Isn’t it great?
Not only is this grilling thermometer highly accurate at ±0.9°F, but it also has a clear, backlit screen with intuitive angle flipping features that let you take the temperature from different angles with complete ease. It also has an IP65 waterproof rating, so you can easily wash it with water. Furthermore, it has a built-in magnet that makes it easy to attach the food thermometer to any stainless-steel surface or refrigerator door!
Pros
- Calibration function for higher precision
- Advanced motion sensing technology that extends its battery life
- Rotating screen for easy readout
Cons
- The plastic body makes it a little fragile
MEATER Meat Thermometer
– Another Option
MEATER is a smart thermometer that offers a wireless connectivity range of 33ft and allows you to check the food temperature on your smartphone using the MEATER app. This innovative thermometer has an advanced algorithm that walks you through every step of the cooking process and an alert system that notifies you when your food is perfectly cooked.
This next-generation device features dual temperature sensors with a K-type thermocouple to monitor the internal temperature up to 212°F and ambient temperature up to 527°F, which means it will work precisely with anything from grilling, baking, stewing, and more. MEATER has combined convenience with durability. How? It has a durable stainless-steel construction with water resistance, is dustproof, and has an easy-to-clean design. Aside from that, it has a sleek bamboo charging dock with strong battery power that charges the probe up to 100 times!
Pros
- Wireless connectivity suite for maximum convenience
- Dual temperature sensors that tell the temperature and doneness of meat
- Magnetic backing for effortless storage
Cons
- Only connects with a smartphone
People Also Asked
Q: Where should I place my meat thermometer?
A: You should place it in the thickest part of the meat to check its temperature and doneness.
Q: How do I know my meat is safe to eat?
A: It’s important to cook your meat thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria that may be present. Before cooking any meat, we recommend bringing it to room temperature as indicated on the package or as instructed by your recipe. After cooking, always make sure to check the temperature of the meat. If your thermometer reads 160°F (70°C) or higher, it’s safe to eat.
Q: How can I reset my meat thermometer?
A: The easiest way to reset a meat thermometer is to remove its batteries and put them back in. You can also use above mentioned calibration methods to reset your thermometer.
