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An instant read thermometer allows you to ensure food is cooked thoroughly and prepared to your preferred texture. As grilling enthusiasts, we love cooking both indoors and outdoors, but even we have to admit to some inconsistency in our results regarding texture and taste.
By adding an instant read thermometer to our ever-growing collection of cooking utensils, we’ve had some pretty impressive results. Whether we’re grilling steaks, chicken, or fish, we consistently lock in more moisture and serve melt in the mouth meals. These handy devices are also ideal when baking or preparing soups.
Read on for our picks for the best instant read thermometers.
Top 11 Best Instant Read Thermometers Reviews
Although instant read thermometers use the latest technology to provide incredibly fast and accurate temperature reading results, they can also be straightforward to use. This model automatically turns the unit on and off when the probe is open or closed, saving battery life and providing a convenient user experience.
You can quickly recalibrate this device by inserting the probe into ice water at 32°F or boiling water at 212°F for superior accuracy. The unit uses two replaceable AAA batteries, and you can hold this compact device between one finger and thumb.
The super-thin tip pierces meats without causing damage to the surrounding surface, reducing the risk of juices leaking out of your meal. By preserving your meat texture, this device also helps to ensure even cooking consistently for improved results.
Who Should Get This?
This product brings a great combination of advanced technology with straightforward operation. It is simple to use and easy to read.
Pros
- Super thin tip for precise piercing
- Backlit LCD
- Low battery indicator
Cons
- Doesn’t have a rechargeable battery
We’re always trying to reduce our carbon footprint, and this model comes with a USB charging cable, allowing you to keep your 250mAH rechargeable lithium battery at full power. It’s one of the more eco-friendly thermometer options for your kitchen.
This instant read thermometer can last a remarkable 11 hours between charges, even with the easy read backlight turned on. This feature offers incredible convenience and reduces the risk of finding your thermometer is out of power when you need it most.
You can wash this model under cold water from your kitchen or outside tap, which helps prevent cross-contamination if you are testing various food products, especially if the meat is not yet thoroughly cooked through.
This model is also ideal for testing the temperature in liquids such as milk or other products that could deteriorate in higher heat levels, such as yogurt.
Who Should Get This?
You can use this thermometer when preparing a variety of meals. If you bake often and need to ensure precise temperatures, this model is an excellent choice.
Pros
- USB charging method
- Internal magnet for attachment to a fridge or oven
- Striking orange color scheme
Cons
- Charging port is not waterproof
You can start testing the temperature in various foods right out of the box because this model comes with 2 CR 2450 batteries, ensuring you have a spare power source at hand. A meat temperature chart is printed on the front panel of this instant read thermometer, enabling you to prepare your meal to the ideal texture.
We like the ability to toggle quickly between a daytime screen brightness and a luminous option, making it easier to read the screen if you’re cooking outside during the evening.
There is a large hang hole for storing your thermometer on a grill utensil hook or a kitchen rack, or you can use the integrated magnet to attach your device to a grill lid or kitchen fridge.
Who Should Get This?
Whether you’re an outdoor cooking enthusiast or a kitchen chef, your instant read thermometer can get dirty and oily. This model makes it easy to keep your device in great condition.
Pros
- IP67 grade protective waterproof design
- Variable screen luminosity for easier reading
- Temperature chart included on the front panel
Cons
- Some users report switching from Fahrenheit to Celsius too easily
We were intrigued by the scroll wheel on this stylish instant read thermometer and were delighted to find it makes ensuring food is thoroughly prepared easier than ever. The device offers 5 USDA food type temperatures for chicken, lamb, beef, turkey, and pork, displaying the information on a brightly lit green LCD screen.
Turn the wheel to choose your target temperature for each meat type for added confidence that your meat is ready to serve. There is a countdown timer that allows you to relax, and the receiver provides visual and audible alarms when your meat reaches the ideal heat level.
We like the ability to toggle between reading the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. This feature is useful when reading recipes from different countries that may use a temperature description with which you are unfamiliar.
Who Should Get This?
It’s fun to experiment with different meals, and this model works superbly with any type of food. Use this device to check your meals are safe and ready to serve.
Pros
- Ultra-fast temperature readings
- 180° foldable probe
- Taste and meat preset option
Cons
- Not as intuitive to use as some rival models
This model is ideal for both left- and right-handed chefs because the ambidextrous reading rotates, so you don’t have to read the temperature upside-down. A motion sensor automatically turns the unit on/off, and the food-grade stainless steel probe is suitable for use with any type of meat, vegetables, or liquids.
The included battery powers this instant read thermometer for a remarkable 3,000 hours. The IP65 waterproof design allows you to use this thermometer in wet conditions, which is ideal when the weather changes suddenly when you are grilling.
Kitchens can also become steamy when preparing meals, so it’s reassuring your device withstands contact from condensation. This model also boasts superior accuracy, with precise readings to within +0.9°F.
Who Should Get This?
It can be easy to drop your instant read thermometer when in use around the grill or countertop cooker, but this model is built to withstand accidental bumps and scrapes.
Pros
- Auto-rotating display
- View temperature readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius
- Washes clean under running water
Cons
- May be too large for some chefs
It can be challenging to check the temperature of meat grilling on a barbecue or in an oven without feeling an uncomfortable level of heat on your hand. However, this instant read thermometer has an extra-long 4.7” probe, allowing you to insert the device into the core of your meat without burning your fingers.
You can choose from four stylish colors and store the PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL PROBE in the included sheaf, reducing the risk of suffering harm from the tip and protecting the sensitive probe from damage.
There is a 1o-minute auto shut-off function for extending the thermometer battery life, and this model also comes with a handy meat temperature guide to cook your meal to its optimum level.
Who Should Get This?
If an instant read thermometer probe isn’t long enough, you can risk burning your hands when taking your meat’s temperature. This extra-long model is ideal for helping you stay safe.
Pros
- Made of premium stainless Steel
- Auto shut-off function
- Backed by an excellent customer service team
Cons
- Reading response time is slower than many other models
You can easily carry this instant read thermometer in your shirt or jeans pocket, as it measures only 10.8” in total, with a foldaway 4” probe. This model is suitable for use with temperatures between 14°F-572°F, which makes it capable of measuring the heat level in food on most grills or countertop cookers.
We found the reading lock function was useful when measuring various food temperatures since we could insert the probe, remove it from the item, and view the heat level when we were at a safe distance from the grill.
There was no need to hold the probe inside the meat while we read the display, reducing the risk of burning our fingers while taking a reading. This model also drew admiring glances from friends and family who loved the slimline design and attractive color scheme.
Who Should Get This?
An instant read thermometer is a device for everyday use. You can add a touch of style to your kitchen or grill with this model’s sleek and stylish design.
Pros
- Highly accurate temperature readings
- Simple to recalibrate
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Some users may prefer a longer probe
If you have trouble reading the compact screens on some instant read thermometers, this model could be the right choice for you. A 3-color LED temperature indicator shows blue when the meat is below the target heat level, green when it is close, and red when the temperature is at the preset level.
There is also an audible beep when your meat is ready to serve. We liked the addition of a secure clip, preventing the unit from falling into hot cooking oils, and the blue backlit display was easy to read when outdoor grilling in the evening.
This model also comes with eight ideal meat temperature settings, covering just about every type of meal we could think of, and four doneness levels.
Who Should Get This?
Whether you need help to see smaller screens or find it challenging to read a display when food preparation becomes smoky or steamy, this is the model for you.
Pros
- Audible low battery reminder
- Temperature reading lock function
- Comes with securing clip and screwdriver included
Cons
- Not everyone needs so many readout options
This instant read thermometer is accurate to within +1°F with an impressive temperature range of between -4°F-302°F. The sturdy 304 stainless steel and ABS food-grade probe precisely pierce meats, so you don’t even notice where the incision is after cooking.
You can also use this model to measure liquids’ heat levels, which is useful when serving soups at the preferred temperature to avoid burning. With CE, RoHS, and FDA certification, you can be sure you’re buying a safe, high-quality product, and there is a 100% lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
The strong magnet securely fastens this thermometer to the fridge, keeping it within easy reach while cooking. With the backlit display, you don’t need to turn the main light on to read the temperature.
Who Should Get This?
When using your instant read thermometer, you need to have confidence in the readings. This unit provides consistency you can rely on when preparing your meals.
Pros
- Large numbers on digital display
- Temperature reference chart on back of unit
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Relatively narrow temperature reading range
There is no need to sacrifice quality when shopping for a high-quality meat probe on a budget. This Powlaken model brings precision temperature reading capability to your kitchen or outdoor grill and is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about using it in the rain or dropping it in the sink during cleaning.
Removing the guesswork from cooking, this model has a wide temperature range between -52°F-572°F, making it suitable for use in most food preparation environments. This model comes with CE, FDA, and RoHS certification for your peace of mind, and the magnetic attachment provides a handy method for storing your device on any metallic surface.
With this affordable model, you can enjoy preparing your meal to moist and tender perfection.
Who Should Get This?
If you like to receive a high-quality product at a bargain price, this is the model for you. It’s our choice for the best inexpensive instant read thermometer.
Pros
- Accurate to within +1/-1°F
- Readings complete in only 2-3 seconds
- Comes with a laminated meat temperature guide
Cons
- May not be as durable as some rival instant read thermometers
11. Primo Instant Read Probe Thermometer: Best Instant Read Thermometer
An instant read thermometer should always be nearby, ready to confirm that your meal is ready to serve at a moment’s notice. This model from Primo weighs a mere two pounds, allowing you to keep it in your pocket without even noticing it’s there. Despite the compact size of the overall unit, there is a LARGE SCREEN DISPLAY for easy viewing.
It can be challenging to angle the probe correctly to enter the core of your meat, but this thermometer has a 180° swivel display that adjusts according to your hand orientation. This feature ensures you can always read the display no matter which way you turn your hand and is also suitable for both right- and left-handed chefs.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re a serious grilling or cooking enthusiast, this is the instant read thermometer for you. Feature-packed and reliable, it’s the best instant meat thermometer on the market.
Pros
- Automatic power on/off function for battery power saving
- Expansive temperature readings range for various heat levels
- Left- and right-hand reading display
Cons
- One of the more expensive instant read thermometers
Final Verdict: Best Instant Read Thermometer For Your Money
An instant read thermometer can add that little bit of extra quality to food preparation in the kitchen or outside grill. While instinct is a major part of cooking, we found these devices allowed us to prepare more succulent meals with a consistent texture.
Choosing our favorite was challenging, but with a combination of accurate readings, a clear display, stylish design, and ease of use, our pick for the best instant read thermometer is the Maverick 2-in-1 Temp and Time Digital Instant Read.
