8Best Digital Meat Thermometer

Loved that perfectly done steak at a friend’s place? Cooking is undoubtedly an art, and an artist needs the right equipment to produce a masterpiece. 

Meat thermometers are an indispensable addition to the modern kitchen that let you precisely note down the instantaneous temperature your meat is at so that you can be sure that your favorite dish is always served as you wanted it to be.

Having a meat thermometer makes a chef’s life easier regardless of whether you’re a novice or a veteran at cooking. Forget about your dish being undercooked or overcooked as the perfect meat thermometer will make you a meat expert in no time.

So, which meat thermometer is right for you? There are a ton of different meat thermometers on offer, some offer digital readings while others bring multiple probes. If you’re one of those tech-savvy persons, there’s even a thermometer that packs smart capabilities. To make things easier for you, we’ve prepared a list of the best 8 thermometers out there. All of these are durable and dependable options that will be a nice addition to any kitchen.

Taylor Thermometer with Timer

Best Digital Meat Thermometer Overall

Our Ratings:

Ease of Cleaning: 5/5   Size: 5/5  Accuracy: 5/5  Sensitive: 5/5  Ease of Use: 5/5

Specifications:

Temperature Range: 32°F to 392°F  Dimensions: 5 x 1.25 x 8.87 inches  Probe Length: 6 inches  Color: Gray

What We Like:

• Strong multipurpose magnet
• Loud and clear alarm with a silent setting
• Large digital screen that’s easy to see from a distance

What We Don’t Like:

• Hard-to-read buttons

Whether for beginners or professionals, this Taylor programmable thermometer has become a solution for many to this date. This is one of the few thermometers we tested for under $20, which had an accuracy of ±0.1° F and a reading time of 1 to 1.5 seconds.

The thermometer easily stayed in the oven and helped us record the temperature to the perfection of our meatloaf without making us worry about getting it burnt or undercooked. We tested it both ways by leaving the meter on the countertop and in the oven, and in both scenarios, it proved to be the best and most accurate.

The strong magnet, which holds up the thermometer to the side of the oven, is worth praising. It won’t be wrong to call it multipurpose as we even used it to hold the recipes and reminders. Since the wire is wrapped in silicon, it was simple and hassle-free to handle.

It is such an intuitive device, that it acted as our helper, aiding our hand in making everything from cooking candy to checking the perfection of a roast or bread. After we got our hands on this, we believe it is as important as a sharp knife and cooking pot, which would not enhance the flavor of your dishes but make your whole cooking experience enjoyable and easy.

ThermoPro TP01A 

Best for Budget

Our Ratings:

Ease of Cleaning: 5/5   Size: 5/5  Accuracy: 4/5  Sensitive: 4.5/5  Ease of Use: 5/5

Specifications:

Temperature Range: -58.0 to 572°F Dimensions: 8 1⁄4 x 7⁄16 x 3⁄4 inches  Probe Length: 5 3⁄8inches Color: Orange

What We Like:

• Long probe reduces the risk of any accidents
• Compact and durable design
• Lock the button to record the current temperature

What We Don’t Like:

• Cheap quality stopper
• No option for recalibration

When you can make the perfect burger patty yourself for under $10 and throw a party at your home, then why spend hundreds of dollars at a cafe? It’s a steal deal since it gives the same accurate readings as other expensive options in 5 seconds with an accuracy of ±0.8° F.

The simple and ergonomic design comprises only three buttons with a step-down tip for quick navigation and high sensitivity. The long probe and backlight helped us stay cautious of any burning or accidents while grilling in the dark or baking in the oven.

Since it is not humanly possible to remember the last temperature checked every time, the thermometer does for you. The lock button records and holds the temperature and does not clear immediately after taking it out from the meat offering convenience and accuracy at the same time. Not to forget there is a hanging hole for easy storage.

Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo

Best Splash Proof Meat Thermometer

Our Ratings:

Ease of Cleaning: 5/5   Size: 5/5  Accuracy: 4.5/5  Sensitive: 4/5  Ease of Use: 3.5/5

Specifications:

Temperature Range: –40–482° F Dimensions: 8 1⁄4 x 7⁄16 x 3⁄4 inches  Probe Length: 2.8 inches Color: Red

What We Like:

• Splash proof built
• Compact and elegant design
• Strong magnet to store it safely

What We Don’t Like:

• Short usable probe

Just about 4.5 inches, the Lavatools Javelin is compact and small enough to fit your hands easily. Among one of the shortest thermometers we got our hands on, it is durable and equipped with strong magnets to avoid clutter in the drawer and easy reach. However, it can be a real pain if you are planning to cook in a deep pot or thick slate of the steak.

Since the probe is merely a size of 2.8 inches, to have a look at the digital screen your hand needs to be close in contact with the food which may increase the risk of burns and accidents. A smart approach is to find good in its features and price rather than just primarily judge on its size as good things are usually found in small packages. We tested it on our burger patties and found the reading steady and quick with a response time of 4 seconds and accuracy of ±0.7° F

Unlike other meat thermometers, Lavatools offers a convenient option of using a 3-Volt CR2302 battery, again making it a budget choice. But, at this price, we had to compromise on the digital screen as it does not have light and just rotates in a 2-way direction (ambidextrous) and not in all 4 directions that if it happened so, would have made Lavatools our first choice.

Polder Classic Digital in Oven Thermometer

Best Meat Thermometer with a Long Probe

Our Ratings:

Ease of Cleaning: 4/5   Size: 3.5/5  Accuracy: 4.5/5  Sensitive: 3.5/5  Ease of Use: 5/5

Specifications:

Temperature Range: 32˚F to 392˚F  Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2 inches  Probe Length: 4.4 inches Probe cord length: 4 inches Color: Graphite

What We Like:

• Alarm to stay alert
• Adjustable tilted display
• Keeps record of the last temperature noted

What We Don’t Like:

• Small digital screen
• Measure temperature to only the whole number

Thanks to the long cable length of 40 inches, we were able to cook a steak to perfection by keeping the probe in our steak and tracking the temperature throughout the cooking. The whole process was simple and hassle-free, as not only was it safer but convenient too.

Along with no backlight display, the unit has a small screen merely measuring 1.5 X 1.9 inches, making it difficult to read the temperature. Even though Polder has its scale switch just at the right place, as you don’t have to use it every time you cook, the on and off buttons at the back should be reconsidered.

The added feature of the timer is the cherry on top. If you want a digital in-oven thermometer with all the basic functions while sticking to the budget, the Polder Classic Digital in-oven thermometer is the right choice. By configuring its timer option to your desired temperature, you do not have to keep on poking your meat or leave your guests unattended. Unlike other thermometers, the timer sound was clear enough to alert you.

We loved how accurate the thermometer was. However, it didn’t meet everyone’s expectations as it lacks measuring the temperature to tenths, thus minute fluctuations were hard to note. With a response time of 7 seconds and an accuracy of ±1° F, the thermometer is definitely worth considering.

TempPro H29

Best for Managing Multiple Slabs of Meat at Once

Our Ratings:

Ease of Cleaning: 3.5/5   Size: 3.5/5  Accuracy: 5/5  Sensitive: 4/5  Ease of Use: 4/5

Specifications:

Temperature Range: 14˚F to 572˚F  Dimensions: 3.19 x 1.04 x 5.57 inches  Probe Length: 4.5 inches  Color: Black/Red

What We Like:

• Color-coded probes for easy identification
• Keep an eye on meat up to 1000ft away
• 12 preset temperature options for beginners

What We Don’t Like:

• Switches off automatically after 2 hours

The burlier and sturdy design of TempPro H29 makes it an exceptional choice for catering to more than one meat of slab at a time. If all four members of your family like their steaks cooked to a different level, whether medium rare or well done, there is nothing to worry about as TempPro covers you for all. The four step-down probes are color-coded to avoid any misconception.

Even though TempPro claims the thermometer to have an error up to ±2°F, it just showed a fluctuation of ±0.1° F, proving it to be one of the most accurate thermometers we tested. However, it may take a few seconds (4 to 5 seconds) to register the change in temperature but we found it a petty issue considering other remarkable features it offers.

The tempting design and strong transmitter helped us get the reading on the receiver 750 feet away. TempPro H29 adds all the bells and whistles a professional thermometer needs for cooking to perfection. The piercing alarm and backlight display adds cherry to the top. Not to forget, the thermometer is waterproof, making it a safe choice for cooking.

MEATER Thermometer

Best Wireless Smart Thermometer

Our Ratings:

• Ease of Cleaning: 5/5
• Size: 5/5  Accuracy: 4/5
• Sensitive: 3.5/5
• Ease of Use: 5/5

Specifications:

• Temperature Range: Up to 527˚F 
• Dimensions: 0.28 x 0.24 x 5.12 inches
• Probe Length: 5.11 inches
• Color: Silver

What We Like:

• Easy and convenient storage
• No stress of wire entangling
• Dishwasher safe

What We Don’t Like:

• Requires GPS for connection

Even though this is not one of those thermometers that can be used straight out of the box the first time, just a few simple setup steps, in the beginning, can make you have a hassle-free and enjoyable cooking experience in the future.

We just charged the thermometer for four hours. Meanwhile, we downloaded the MEATER app and created our account. This super-sensitive thermometer connected to WI-FI within no time and recorded the reading. However, it was a turn-off when we found that its accuracy dropped if we moved out from the range of 10 feet when its claimed accuracy is 33 feet. It only worked out of this range when we connected it to an extra phone.

As far as accuracy is concerned, it worked perfectly. The sleek and contemporary design is especially what made it to our list. The stainless steel thermometer has heat-resistant ceramic, which can tolerate up to 527°F of cooker and 212°F of meat. It has a good wide diameter suitable for a thick slate of meat than thin delicate meat like fish.

What’s interesting about this thermometer is that it offers different temperature guides and useful cooking tips. You can have perfection with this thermometer as the MEATER cloud stores your past record. Cherry on the top, the app gives you an estimate of cooking and resting time to help you plan your meal ahead strategically.

Chef IQ Smart Thermometer

Best for Professional Use

Our Ratings:

• Ease of Cleaning: 5/5
• Size: 4/5
• Accuracy: 4.7/5
• Sensitive: 4.5/5
• Ease of Use: 4.5/5

Specifications:

• Temperature Range: Up to 572˚F
• Dimensions: 8.03 x 7.87 x 4.61 inches
• Probe Length: N/A
• Color: Silver and black

What We Like:

• Ultra-thin probe detects quick temperature changes
• Built-in audio speaker helps give directions
• Safe for air fryer use

What We Don’t Like:

• Grill should be partially covered to stay connected

We have been grilling over a long period of time and can say with surety that Chef IQ Smart Thermometer is the whole package. From a built-in speaker to an ultra-thin probe, this thermometer offers a wide array of smart features.  The thermometer is ideal for grilling and cooking for long hours, as the company claims and we tested, the probe lasts for 40 hours maximum.

We were able to get a perfectly roasted turkey and wholesome dinner at Christmas, thanks to the audio, which kept us alert on the remaining time left and time to flip the patties. The app shares some useful tips for beginners to get a better grip on grilling and cooking.

Chef IQ thermometer is extremely easy to wash and use again after you are done with the deed. We love its accuracy; the thermometer when compared with the placebo only showed a fluctuation of ±0.5° F. The great WI-FI range and Bluetooth connectivity can be of significant help for a cook who has to multitask at the same time.

What’s more? The Chef IQ app can keep a track of up to three thermometers at the same time; one more feature favoring it for chef use. Not to forget, it can help you cook to perfection even the lobster tail with its predefined temperatures.

OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Meat Thermometer

Best User-Friendly Thermometer

Our Ratings:

• Ease of Cleaning: 4/5
• Size: 5/5
• Accuracy: 4/5
• Sensitive: 4/5
• Ease of Use: 4.5/5

Specifications:

• Temperature Range: -40 – 302° F
• Dimensions: 0.65 x 4.25 x 10.55 inches
• Probe Length: 4.1 inches
• Color: black and silver

What We Like:

• Records readings in just a few seconds
• Pre-defined USDA and chef consensus temperatures
• Super easy to use and easy to read

What We Don’t Like:

• Difficult to get hold of the settings

With how well this thermometer performs, it seems as if OXO has done quite a lot of work on it. This black and silver thermometer stands out in the market against other thermometers on account of its sturdy build and accuracy.

If not perfect, it is still better than what you will expect at this price. We found it very convenient to use as the thermometer is designed to give quick and accurate readings in just a few seconds by probing it in the meat slab. There is no need to keep your oven open for minutes to get the reading and hamper the whole cooking process.

Its ergonomic design makes it nothing but easier to hold the probe and read the temperature within seconds. However, it may show a fluctuation of ±1° F. The white plastic sleeve for protection has internal temperatures written for different types of meats to help beginners.

The display is huge. It has literally changed the way we cook. However, it was a bit difficult to change the settings for us that come as two small buttons. This was a deal breaker for us but if this does not bother you, this thermometer is just the right choice for you.

How We Picked a Digital Meat Thermometer? (Buying guide)

Purchasing a meat thermometer is indeed one of the hectic tasks. We tested over 20 thermometers and chose only 8 from the list based on several tests and features. Here is a basic criterion we followed:

Type of Digital Thermometer

This totally depends on the use and need of the hour. Where instant meat thermometers are used to poke and record the temperature within seconds, the probe thermometer can be left in the oven and used to record temperature throughout the cooking process. We recommend instant thermometers over probe thermometers as they are a bit slow in recording the temperature and more prone to heat damage.

Probe Length and Thickness

Ideally, the probe should be ultra-thin at its end so that it can record the reading quickly and without making prominent punctures and leaking the juices of the meat. As for the length, the probe should be long enough to get into a deep pot or thick slabs of meat.

Accuracy and Sensitivity

What makes a digital thermometer stand out is based on how quickly it registers the temperature accurately. This is the reason why we and most chefs prefer using instant thermometers over probes.

Easy to Read

One of the basic requirements of digital thermometers is that they should be easy to read, displaying large numbers on the screen. If accompanied by backlighting, it can help to read the thermometer even when cooking outdoors at night or in dim lighting.

Durable

This is a bit tricky to understand. The durability of the thermometer is based on the IP that is how well it is protected from the environment. The first number of the IP is for the solids and the second number is for the liquids.

How We Tested Meat Thermometers?

We picked and tested all eight meat thermometers to assess and observe their technical features and their versatility in everyday kitchen use. We ran a series of tests to check the accuracy and calibration of the thermometer and found that filling the ceramic mug with iced water at 32F was the most reliable of all. 

We dipped each instant thermometer in the iced mug starting from 65°F and kept track of how quickly it will detect the changes with accuracy and precision. This test was repeated five times to take an average of three and discard the other odd results. 

We also took 1.5 inches thick slabs of meat and checked and registered the changes in temperature throughout the grilling and cooking process of the meat. Along the testing, we made sure to keep in mind other factors too including the ease of it to probe the meat, cleaning and storage, temperature alerts, mobile apps, and even the strength of the receiver magnet attached to the oven or grill.

FAQs

Takeaways 

Meat thermometers are a godsend if you’re into cooking meat all around the year. You can cook your meat to precise temperatures or try new cuisines that would otherwise be at risk of being either undercooked or overcooked. 

We hope our list helps you make up your mind by helping you understand what each one will bring to your kitchen. Be sure to evaluate the pros and cons of your favorite one closely as a meat thermometer is not something you buy every day.