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The 9 Best Meat Thermometers Of 2023
Food poisoning over the holidays is a no from us.
Do your nightmares consist of Gordon Ramsay berating you about the doneness of your pan-fried steak? We’ll leave analyzing the contents of your dreams to the sleep pros, but when it comes to overcooked or undercooked food, there’s one thing that professional chefs from Bobby Flay to Emeril Lagasse can agree on: The importance of a quality meat thermometer.
These handy kitchen tools are an easy way to take the guesswork out of cooking, whether you're tackling a glazed spiral ham to a well-seasoned roast beef. In fact, Emeril swears that a “good meat thermometer is a cook’s best friend,” because nobody likes a rubbery, furnace-blasted steak or dried-out chicken breast. Meat thermometers help you cook dishes to their optimal temperatures, plus they're helpful when it comes to food safety. Undercooked meat can quickly become a breeding ground for all kinds of harmful bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses like salmonella and listeria. In fact, the USDA recommends cooking food to their recommended “minimum internal temperatures as measured with a food thermometer before removing food from the heat source”—and yes, that also applies to casseroles and leftovers.
If you want to ensure your meals are as consistently delicious as they are safe to eat, we’ve rounded up all the best instant-read, leave-in, and even traditional dial thermometers. There are even a couple of thermocouples thrown into the mix if you’re feeling fancy! (Not sure of the difference between these various thermometer styles? Scroll to the bottom for intel.)
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Our top picks
How we picked these products
To determine which of these handy tools can take the heat and which ones should stay out of the kitchen, we turned to our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute, who have identified the best meat thermometer brands based on availability, reviews, and reputation. Their team of on-staff experts—which includes all types: engineers! data analysts! registered dietitians!—rigorously put everyday products to the test (and then more and more tests) in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones you can trust.
From measuring the doneness of roasted chickens to controlled temperature assessments using over five gallons of boiling water and 10 pounds of ice, these Kitchen Tech Experts put over 15 models through rigorous testing to determine their overall performance, accuracy, clarity of readings, inclusion and helpfulness of special features, speed, and clean-ability. After narrowing down our recommendations for the best thermocouple, digital, and dial meat thermometers based on their findings, we’ve determined that these are the best meat thermometers you can buy in 2022.
Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer
Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer
Pros
- Splash-resistant
- Two thermometers in one
Cons
- Less user-friendly display
Two-in-one combos are rarely as effective as they’re marketed to be. However, the Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer just might be the exception to the rule.
Whether you’re measuring the internal temperature of a roast lamb or want to ensure your pizza stone is hot and ready to go, this model performs double-duty by offering a thermocouple range of -67°F to 626°F and an infrared range of -67°F to 482°F. Furthermore, it has an Ingress Protection rating of IP65, which means it’s significantly protected against dust and “low pressure jets of water from all directions.”
According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, the Splash-Proof Dual Thermometer also excelled during their boiling and ice water tests, but was only “moderately easy to use” and had some less ideal design features, like a non-backlit display. However, testers appreciated that it came with two AAA batteries included and an auto shut-off function to save power—meaning this trusty thermometer will be a staple in your kitchen for years to come.
Thermoworks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer
Thermoworks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer
Pros
- User-friendly
- Affordable
Cons
- No clip
- Less accurate readings
Perfect for any grilling enthusiast, the ThermoWorks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer is an excellent budget- and user-friendly option—simply use the two up/down buttons to set your desired temperature, insert your probe, and wait for the powerful alarm to alert you that your food has come to temperature. In fact, the Good Housekeeping Institute praised this unit for being “easy to use” and “read [from] a distance” and was “mostly very accurate” during testing.
It lacks a clip to attach to the side of your stock pot or saucepan, but this thermocouple model makes up for its shortcomings with other convenient features, like a fold-out counter stand, a backlit display, a sturdy magnet to attach to the side of your oven, and a 47-inch-long cable that can withstand temperatures of up to 700°F. In addition to its excellent responsiveness and capabilities, the ThermoWorks DOT also has an IP65 rating, just like the Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer.
Thermoworks Thermapen ONE
Thermoworks Thermapen ONE
Pros
- Speedy
- Precise
Cons
- Pricey
One second. That's how long it takes the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE to give you an accurate reading within half of a degree. This instant-read thermometer’s since-discontinued predecessor, the Thermapen Mk4, was beloved by professional and home cooks alike (as well as the Good Housekeeping Institute) for its speed, precision, and overall user experience, and the Thermapen ONE is a worthy replacement.
This model has all the amazing features users loved about the Thermapen Mk4, like an auto-rotating display, motion-sensing sleep and wake mode. In fact, Nicole Papantoniou, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab, says the Thermapen ONE is "essentially the same [as the MK4] with an upgraded response time." It also has an IP67 rating (meaning it’s waterproof!) and a NIST-traceable calibration certification.
Praising its “excellent accuracy,” testers especially loved the “sleep function [in case] you forget to close the pen to turn it off” and “how the temperature can be read [from] so many different angles.” Bottom line: Whether you're preparing a pork loin roast or a pan of honey garlic chicken, the Thermapen ONE is the model to get if you're serious about getting the fastest and most accurate temperatures.
Thermoworks ThermoPop
Pros
- User-friendly and reliable
- Speedy, accurate readings
Cons
- Small size and buttons
With an easy-to-read rotating display and an impressive temperature range of -58°F to 572°F, one thing’s for sure: Once you ThermoPop, the fun don't stop! The ThermoWorks ThermoPop provides swift, accurate readings and features an ergonomic, splash-proof design that cements its status as an invaluable tool in any kitchen repertoire. (And the IP66 rating certainly doesn’t hurt either.)
The Good Housekeeping Institute particularly appreciated this reliable instant-read meat thermometer’s large digits, backlight, and durable construction—and the rainbow of color options certainly didn’t hurt either. Their lab panel remarked that the Thermopop is “easy to use,” and its “readings are very accurate,” but noted that its compact size and small buttons “might be hard to use for someone with larger hands.”
Char-Broil Grill It Up Instant Read Digital Thermometer
Char-Broil Grill It Up Instant Read Digital Thermometer
Pros
- Affordable
- Impressive features for price
Cons
- Limited reading capabilities
Striking the perfect balance between quality and affordability, we think you’ll appreciate Char-Broil’s Grill It Up Instant Read Digital Thermometer automatic and manual shut-off functions, multiple meat type and doneness settings, easy-to-read LCD screen, and ability to differentiate between Fahrenheit and Celsius. Unlike stick-style options, this user-friendly thermometer also boasts a foldable design to make storage and measuring at different angles a breeze.
Though they lamented that this model “does not show tenths of a second,” the Good Housekeeping Institute still found the Grill It Up to be “easy to use, accurate, small/compact, [and] easy to store.” Furthermore, this thermometer scored a four out of five during responsiveness tests, giving accurate temperature readings in under 10 seconds and alerting testers that their food was ready with its convenient alarm.
OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Digital Leave-In Thermometer
OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Digital Leave-In Thermometer
Pros
- Accurate and user-friendly
- Pre-programmable
- Leave-in design
Cons
- Pricey
The price tag of the OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Digital Leave-In Thermometer may be higher than that of other digital options, but you’ll instantly see why once you put it to the test. This unit comes fully-loaded with nine pre-set temperatures for different types of protein, a large and easy-to-read LED screen, a 24-hour timer, a 10-degree warning alert, and a stainless-steel cord and probe for broiling and grilling. There’s even a convenient storage compartment in the base for the cord and probe.
In addition to praising its ease of use when it came to using the time or adjusting temperature settings, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Tech Experts raved about the Chef's Precision Digital Leave-In Thermometer's wide range of capabilities, saying “You can [pre-program] for doneness…” and was “very accurate” during testing. Not to mention, this handy tool can withstand temperatures of up to 700°F.
Polder Dual Sensor Cooking Thermometer with Silicone Comfort Grip
Polder Dual Sensor Cooking Thermometer with Silicone Comfort Grip
Pros
- Monitors food and oven temperatures
Cons
- Less accurate
You don’t have to shell out big bucks for a meat thermometer. The Polder Dual Sensor Cooking Thermometer offers the dual functionality of monitoring meat at a temperature range of 120°F to 200°F and your oven’s temperatures at a range of 150°F to 550°F—so you don’t have to open your oven door until your food is ready. What’s more, clean-up is as simple as throwing it in the dishwasher.
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s lab panel appreciated this unit’s “nice silicone grip,” but as is the case with many analog meat thermometers, they found it was “not very accurate” and showed average responsiveness during testing. Still, the Polder Dual Sensor's near-perfect ease of use score makes it an excellent option for the casual cook in need of a trusty, battery-free thermometer.
Polder Dial Meat Thermometer
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple design
Cons
- Difficult to read
- Slow
If you don’t want any of the fancy features you’d find on more modern thermometers, the Polder Dial Meat Thermometer may be the perfect match for your minimalist cooking style. This no-frills dial model is as uncomplicated as it gets with a straightforward design that includes a large dial with USDA-recommended temperatures printed on its face.
The Good Housekeeping Institute thought this model was a good “basic dial thermometer,” but found it to be “slow” and “a little difficult to read the temperatures on the dial” during testing. However, with its solid, bi-metal construction and temperature range of 140°F to 190°F, the Polder Dial Meat Thermometer is a solid choice if you value simplicity and getting the most bang for your buck.
OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Leave-In Meat Thermometer
OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Leave-In Meat Thermometer
Pros
- Excellent performance and user-friendliness
- Insertion markings
Cons
- Pricey
Gauging your food’s temperature doesn’t get easier than with the OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Leave-In Meat Thermometer. No seriously, this baby earned a perfect score during the Good Housekeeping Institute’s ease of use tests and “performed very well.” A bevy of convenient features—like a shaded area that acts as a guide for proper insertion and a probe cover with USDA and chef-recommended temperatures—make this one of the best analog thermometers around.
Testers praised this model’s interface for being “nice and large” and “easy to read,” but the accolades didn’t stop there: They were also impressed with the Chef’s Precision Leave-In Meat Thermometer's “very accurate” readings and oven-safe, leave-in design.
Is a meat thermometer worth it?
Yes! There are plenty of good reasons to get a meat thermometer, from improved flavor to safety. They may not always show it on T.V., but every good chef knows the importance of using a meat thermometer instead of going by touch or instinct. (If for no other reason than being chewed out by Chef Gordon Ramsey.)
According to a 2019 analysis conducted by Purdue University’s Assistant Professor of Food Science, Dr. Yaohua “Betty” Feng, Ph.D., and the former director of the University of California Davis Center for Consumer Research, Dr. Christine M. Bruhn, Ph.D., two-thirds of home chefs own a meat thermometer, but less than 20 percent regularly use it to check the temperature of chicken, and less than 10 percent regularly use it to check the temperature of hamburgers.
In fact, about half of consumers believed thermometers weren’t necessary to determine when meat or eggs are done. As a possible explanation, Dr. Feng pointed out that many shoppers are unsure of which type to buy or how to use a meat thermometer, including proper placement, sufficient endpoint temperatures, how to calibrate the thermometer correctly, and the best cleaning and sanitizing methods. (That's where we come in!)
Are digital meat thermometers accurate?
Yes, but some more than others. Most digital meat thermometers, for instance, are more accurate, consistent, and user-friendly than analog (aka dial) models. Furthermore, dial thermometers tend to be more difficult to read, have longer response times, and lack special features. However, a dial model just might be what you need if you're looking for a no-fuss unit that requires little thought when it comes to changing batteries, setting timers, and reading digital displays. No matter which option you choose, most models need to be regularly tested for accuracy and calibrated as needed.
To find the meat thermometer that offers the best accuracy and speed for your lifestyle, here are four main types to consider:
Thermocouples are designed with two wires of different metals joined at both ends and a very thin thermometer tip that allows them to penetrate meat of various thicknesses. These models have two junctions: one is placed where the temperature is to be measured, and the other is kept at a constant lower temperature.
This unique design is what gives them the fastest response time out of all the other options on our list: Per the U.S.Department of Agriculture, “Thermocouple thermometers reach the final temperature within two to five seconds... Since thermocouple thermometers respond so rapidly, the temperature can be quickly checked in a number of locations.” However, their excellent performance, speed, and accuracy come at a price—literally. They’re more expensive and can’t be left in your meat while it cooks.
Leave-in digital thermometers have a probe attached to their base unit using a long cord. Because the digital base can be placed on a counter (some are even equipped with a magnet that attaches to your oven door!) the probe remains in your meat while it cooks, so you can monitor its temperature without having to open the oven door. This does mean you’ll have to stick around to keep an eye on your food (unless you’re willing to splurge for a wireless model, which allows you to check the temperature of your food using your smartphone or the unit's wireless device, even from 100 feet away). But even if you choose not to spare that extra expense, these models come with a variety of useful features, including audible alerts, programmable temperatures, and timers.
Instant-read thermometers are easy to use and intuitive—seriously, all you really have to do is turn them on and they’re ready to go! As the name suggests, they typically offer a faster response time than leave-in digital thermometers (though not as fast as thermocouples), which makes them ideal for thin cuts of meat or when you’re doing temperature checks in several spots. Most digital options have handy features like an auto shutoff function and temperature hold, so you see the temperature display for longer—but keep in mind that they cannot be left in your food while it cooks, so it’s best to use it to gauge the final temperature.
Dial thermometers can be harder to read than digital or thermocouple thermometers (and you usually have to wait a minute or two to get a reading). However, because they can be left in your food while it cooks, you can gauge doneness as you go. These affordable thermometers are best suited for large cuts of meat—like… Thanksgiving turkey-level large.
Kaitlin Mahar is a California-based freelance writer covering the shopping and lifestyle beats. When she's not sharing her passion for the Oxford comma with anyone who will listen, she is a proud cat parent, avid yogi, tea enthusiast, and co-host and co-producer of the podcast "Crime Culture".
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