We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Healthy Lifestyle Kitchen Essentials The 7 Best Meat Thermometers, Tested and Reviewed See which meat thermometers could take the heat after testers used them for grilling, smoking and baking. By Joe Morales Joe Morales Joe Morales is a seasoned Senior Commerce Editor with over a decade of experience in both print and digital publishing. He graduated summa cum laude from The Chef's Academy with a degree in Culinary Arts in the winter of 2015. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 27, 2024 Photo: Courtesy of Brand There are certain tools that, once you begin using them, you wonder how you managed without them. A meat thermometer is a perfect example: It helps you cook with precision and enhances flavors that can only be achieved through proper cooking temperatures. But, more importantly: “Thermometers are a critical tool in terms of food safety,” says Patrick Guzzle, vice president of Food Science and Industry at ServSafe. “When we talk about temperatures in food, we’re talking about food storage temperatures and cooking temperatures. For a lot of raw meats, if there are harmful bacteria, the proper cooking temp will destroy or kill any bacteria that might be present in the meat.” That's where a reliable meat thermometer comes in. To find the best, our lab tested 19 digital probe meat thermometers in various scenarios. While there were commonalities (such as a wide temperature range, a sharp probe for gauging the internal temperature of the protein and guidelines for safe cooking temperatures), the probe thermometers we tested varied widely in terms of accuracy, efficiency and durability during the cooking process. In the end, though, the consensus was that simplicity is best—nothing overly complicated or cumbersome to use because, after all, we want the best digital probe meat thermometer so we can focus on the important stuff (like the meat!). Here are the meat thermometers that made the grade. Our Meat Thermometer Recommendations Best Overall Meat Thermometer: ThermoWorks ChefAlarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer Best Budget Meat Thermometer: Taylor 1478 21 Digital Cooking Thermometer Best Splurge Meat Thermometer: Meater Plus with Bluetooth Repeater Meat Thermometer Best Wireless Meat Thermometer: ThermoPro TP25 4-Probe Bluetooth Remote Meat Thermometer Best Meat Thermometer for Smoking: ThermoWorks Smoke Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer Best Leave-In Meat Thermometer: ThermoWorks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer Best Wired Meat Thermometer: ThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth Best Smart Meat Thermometer: NutriChef Smart Bluetooth BBQ Thermometer Instant-Read vs. Probe Meat Thermometers There are two types of meat thermometers—instant-read and probe. Digital instant-read thermometers are used when taking a quick temperature reading of your food. These types of thermometers are designed for taking temperature readings within seconds. They are ideal for fast and accurate readings but are not intended for prolonged exposure to high heat. “I have two, a pretty basic instant-read thermometer we use for temping smaller things like chicken breasts and porchetta and a multi-probe thermometer for longer cooks and smoking,” says Rob Levitt, head butcher and chef de cuisine at Publican Quality Meats in Chicago. Digital probe thermometers use electronic circuitry instead of mercury to read temperatures. Once the probe is inserted into the meat, it displays the temperature on the unit that remains outside of the cooking process. These are highly accurate thermometers that are ideal for reading temperatures as the food cooks. This is the type of meat thermometer we tested for this roundup of recommendations. Best Overall Meat Thermometer: ThermoWorks ChefAlarm Thermometer and Timer ThermoWorks Buy on Thermoworks.com $65 What we like: This thermometer's versatility in temperature ranges makes it an excellent option for home cooks, professional pastry chefs and grill masters alike. What to know: Setting the alarm temperature is a slow process, making things difficult if you need to make adjustments during cooking. We found the ThermoWorks ChefAlarm the best overall choice because it solves many issues in one well-designed thermometer. While there are multiple buttons on this wire-connected thermometer, we found the instructions straightforward and intuitive, and the system is easy to set up and navigate. This unit features alarm settings for high (for meat) or low (for cold dishes) temperatures, which we didn’t find in any other meat thermometer we tested. We also liked how the timer function lets you count down or up based on your preference. We also found the alarm was audible in almost every environment, and it was easy to control the volume level. Another touch we liked was the inclusion of the thermometer’s certificate of calibration; this added detail made us feel more confident about our ability to monitor the items we were cooking. One caveat: To change the temperature settings, you can only adjust by one degree at a time. You can speed the process up by holding down the temperature buttons, but we still found the process a little tedious. Still, we considered this a minor criticism for a thermometer with such reliable and consistent temperature readings and user-friendly functions, all at a very reasonable price. Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F | Accuracy: Within 0.7 degrees | Probe Length: 6 inches | Cord Length: 47 inches | Special Features: Large display, high/low alarms, adjustable alarm volume EatingWell / Russell Kilgore Best Budget Meat Thermometer: Taylor 1478 21 Digital Cooking Thermometer Amazon Buy on Amazon $25 What we like: The Taylor is an excellent thermometer for beginners because of its easy-to-follow instructions and programming. What to know: The lack of multiple probes limits your ability to cook more than one type of food at once. Another wire-connected thermometer, the Taylor is our best budget pick because of its no-frills approach. All you have to do is set the time and temperature, no worrying about presets or extensive programming. We found it very easy to use and were happy with the results. The display gives you real-time information showing the timer count, target temperature, and the probe’s current temperature. We did have some concerns with the rubber casing on the probe, but our tests didn’t show any signs of damage, even after multiple uses. The alarm notifications were loud enough to hear over the noise of a party and didn’t let up until we manually shut off the alarm notification. If you’re looking for a right-out-of-the-package thermometer with basic settings, this is for you. It’s accurate and dependable, and we feel it’s priced just right for its features. While it’s an excellent option for those who do a lot of cooking, it may be more practical for indoor ovens due to the probe’s rubber coating. Temperature Range: 32°F to 392°F | Accuracy: Within 1 degree | Probe Length: 5 inches | Cord Length: 4 feet | Special Features: Target temperature alarm, in-oven monitoring EatingWell / Russell Kilgore Best Splurge Meat Thermometer: Meater Plus with Bluetooth Repeater Meat Thermometer Amazon Buy on Meater.com $100 What we like: The perfect thermometer for tech-savvy users, the Meater Plus provides real-time monitoring and adjusts the cooking time according to the current and programmed temperatures. What to know: We found it takes a little longer to notify you when you reach target temperatures than standard digital or wired thermometers. The Meater Plus is our splurge option for home cooks who want a wireless meat thermometer that connects via an app. Once connected to the app, a step-by-step tutorial takes you through everything you need to start. Even though programming the meat thermometer was an interactive experience, we found it time-consuming due to the series of short videos they suggest you watch (you can’t skip ahead). At first, we felt the app was more complex than needed, but it was actually effortless to use. The Meater’s design is different from most other thermometers on our list in that the probe-only meat thermometer has all the circuitry inside the probe, and it relays the information to the thermometer base, which in turn communicates to the app via Bluetooth. We found the app very well-designed, with a clean and simple appearance. While you’re cooking, the app displays the estimated time it will take to meet the target temperature based on the current internal temperature of the meat. We did notice the lack of customization when working with the timer; it’s all based on estimated cook time, so you can’t set a timer for other functions. As you’re using the meat thermometer in the cooking process, the base (or “bridge”) should stay within five feet of the thermometer to maintain connectivity. The Bluetooth connection range was good, and when we were out of range, the app sent an alert to the smart device and was quick to reconnect once we were back within range. Neither the probe nor the base had any audio capabilities, so we had to rely solely on our phones for alerts. Still, this thermometer would be an excellent tool for anyone who enjoys using tech-based products in the kitchen. Temperature Range: Internal up to 212°F, ambient up to 527°F | Accuracy: Within 1 degree | Probe Length: 5 inches | Cord Length: Wireless up to 165 feet | Special Features: Dual sensors, wireless monitoring EatingWell / Will DIckey Best Wireless Meat Thermometer: ThermoPro TP25 4 Probe Bluetooth Remote Meat Thermometer Amazon Buy on Amazon $70 What we like: The ThermoPro app is user-friendly and intuitive, even for the less tech-savvy, making the cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable. What to know: The probe is quite long and could be an issue if your grill or smoker is small.This wire-connected thermometer with Bluetooth connectivity and an app is our best wireless thermometer choice because of its impressive Bluetooth range of 500 feet. Aside from the range, we loved the ease of navigating through the app; it was so intuitive we never needed to look up the programming steps. When working with the thermometer, you have the option to use the preset temperature settings, or you can customize the temperature to your needs. One thing to note is there is a learning curve when attempting to set customized temperatures, but monitoring the time and temperature is a snap once set. Some of the features at your fingertips, besides time and temperature, are the ability to track the cooking process through a graph, note-taking opportunities and a battery life monitor. You simply place the four color-coded thermometers in their respective ports when cooking. The display has a backlight that you can quickly turn on or off, and the screen is divided into four sections corresponding to the four probes. If you ever go out of Bluetooth range, the app will notify you that you’ve lost connectivity. Another feature we liked was the alarm itself. The alarm notification sounds on the thermometer, your smartphone, and your Apple Watch, which is beneficial if you are cooking where the noise levels may be too loud to rely on the thermometer alarm alone. Temperature Range: 14°F to 572°F | Accuracy: Within 1.8 degrees | Probe Length: 8.5 inches | Cord Length: Wireless up to 500 feet | Special Features: Four probes, cook time estimator EatingWell / Russell Kilgore Best Meat Thermometer for Smoking: ThermoWorks Smoke Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer ThermoWorks Buy on Thermoworks.com $99 What we like: The ThermoWorks thermometer lets you monitor your grill or smoker's internal and ambient temperatures at a glance. What to know: The alarm settings on the device can be time-consuming to adjust, especially if you need to set a target temperature different from the current reading. The avid meat smoker will love this wire-connected thermometer with a wireless receiver, so it naturally became our top choice for the best thermometer for smoking. It took us under 25 seconds to connect the receiver to the probe base. Setting the alarm and target temperatures is relatively easy; just press and hold a couple of buttons. When monitoring the cooking process, the central hub that connects to the probe displays the current temperature, the lowest and highest temperature, and a low and high alarm. On the other hand, the wireless receiver can only show the current temperature and the low and high alarm. Each of the two probes has a different alarm pattern so you can differentiate between them; however, only one alarm can sound at a time. The wireless receiver could stay connected to the base up to 350 feet, more than indicated in the instruction manual. You can also purchase an optional gateway to connect via WiFi to boost your range. We found that when the alarm notifications sound, you can hear them on the base, but the receiver isn’t as loud. If the receiver is in your pocket, the alarm will be faint; therefore, we’d suggest attaching the receiver to a lanyard to avoid missing an alert. Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F | Accuracy: Within 1.8 degrees | Probe Length: 6 inches | Cord Length: 47 inches, wireless receiver up to 300 feet | Special Features: Two probe channels, large display EatingWell / Russell Kilgore Best Leave-In Meat Thermometer: ThermoWorks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer ThermoWorks Buy on Thermoworks.com $45 What we like: Anyone looking for an affordable leave-in thermometer will love this single-probe thermometer's simplicity. What to know: The DOT lacks the bells and whistles of other models we tested but was reliable and consistent throughout our testing.The DOT Simple Alarm thermometer is rated the best leave-in meat thermometer for a reason. You can adjust the settings on this no-frills wire-connected thermometer, place it in the meat, and leave it to confidently do its thing. We found the consistency of this thermometer's accuracy and reliability to be unsurpassed. We can confidently say that the thermometer is extremely easy to set up and operate and is ready to go right out of the box. The intuitive and comprehensive operating manual covers every aspect of the thermometer's operations to ensure users fully utilize its features. It’s also relatively compact due to its circular shape, measuring about 3 inches wide and 1 inch thick, with three buttons for programming. The DOT is an excellent single-probe thermometer designed for slow cooking and is versatile enough to combine with other ThermoWorks probes. The constant backlit display makes the temperature easy to read even while cooking in low-light situations. Once the desired temperature has been reached, the thermometer sounds off with four short beeps in rapid succession, making it easy to hear in the average kitchen (though if you’re cooking in a noisier environment, it may be difficult to hear). Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F | Accuracy: Within 1.8 degrees | Probe Length: 4.5 inches | Cord Length: 47 inches | Special Features: Magnetic backing, large backlit display EatingWell / Russell Kilgore Best Wired Meat Thermometer: ThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth ThermoWorks Buy on Thermoworks.com $69 What we like: The BlueDOT has an outstanding range, and the ability to stay connected makes it ideal for park outings or camping. What to know: The thermometer only has one probe, limiting your ability to monitor more than one dish at a time.We chose the ThermoWorks BlueDOT thermometer as our best wired because of the exceptional Bluetooth range, the intuitiveness of the app and its accuracy. It’s a great entry-level model for beginner cooks or anyone looking for simplicity in a thermometer, especially with the food safety and water and food temperature guides that come with it. When programming the thermometer, you simply push a button to set your target temperature, and if you're ever in a low-light situation, there is a backlight, which is also the on/off switch. The app has various features that will help even a seasoned cook during the cooking process. For instance, you can track temperature changes, review the history log, view a graph of the temperature changes and see a history of the alarms. You can save grilling sessions, share them with other devices and add notes during cooking. While inserting the probe into the meat, we found that using the probe in a vertical position instead of horizontally could be an issue for more portable or smaller grills due to the lid clearance. You can easily monitor the temperature by opening the app and comparing the target temperature with the probe's current temperature. You can also program the thermometer through the app to alert you if the temperature is too low, indicating a need for additional fuel. We found that the alarm was loud enough to hear over typical ambient noise, and when we got out of hearing range, we could easily rely on the app for notifications and alerts. This thermometer is an excellent option for cooks who love the freedom to move around (but still want accurate information at their fingertips). Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F | Accuracy: Within 1.8 degrees | Probe Length: 4.5 | inches | Cord Length: 47 inches | Special Features: Bluetooth temperature tracking, magnetic backing EatingWell / Russell Kilgore Best Smart Meat Thermometer: NutriChef Smart Bluetooth BBQ Thermometer Amazon Buy on Amazon $50 What we like: This great smart app-forward thermometer can accurately monitor multiple cuts of meat (up to six) throughout the cooking process and is perfect for cooks who want the freedom to multitask. What to know: During testing, we found that notifications didn’t always come through on our personal devices. Our best smart thermometer, the NutriChef is a wire-connected thermometer with a Bluetooth-enabled app. This thermometer comes with a carrying case, two probes, two sets of batteries and a clip for holding the probes in place. There are six probe ports on the thermometer itself, and you can purchase additional probes. Each probe has color-coded beads to match them to specific temperature alarms. When using the app, you can see each probe’s current temperature, target temperature and an image corresponding to the meat you’re cooking. If you set a custom temperature, it displays a diamond symbol. It also has a timer section to set an alarm and take notes. We liked the range of connectivity, too. We could easily reach over 200 feet before we lost connectivity. The app alerted us whenever we were out of range; however, the app automatically reconnected to the base once we were back in range. Once you reach the target temperature, the base will sound an alarm, and your smartphone will alert you through a very loud alarm notification. If your smartphone is locked, you will see the banners on the screen; however, when you open the app, the probe that has reached its target will be blinking, which is helpful if you’re using multiple probes simultaneously. Temperature Range: up to 572°F | Accuracy: within 1 degree | Probe Length: 4 inches | Cord Length: 200 foot wireless range | Special Features: Accommodates up to 6 probes, Bluetooth temperature monitoring EatingWell / Russell Kilgore The Bottom Line: The Best Meat Thermometers Our best overall pick, the ThermoWorks ChefAlarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer (view at ThermoWorks), is versatile enough for everything from yogurt to brisket, and the price point is a solid value for its features. We also enjoyed the NutriChef Smart Bluetooth BBQ Thermometer (view at Amazon), a great option for cooks who want to monitor multiple cooking processes simultaneously without worrying about disconnecting and losing temperature readings. Choosing a Meat Thermometer Meat thermometers vary in design, capabilities and accuracy levels. Before selecting one, consider critical factors such as temperature range, response time, probe length and accuracy to ensure it meets your cooking needs. It also comes down to what features you want or need and your budget. Temperature Range Different cooking methods and recipes require specific temperatures. Some thermometers may not be able to handle the temperatures required during candy-making, while others may not be able to handle slow cooking methods. Consider the type of cooking you will be doing with your thermometer and verify it can take the required temperature ranges you’ll be working with. Response Time The response time of a thermometer is essential because it can impact the accuracy and quality of what you are cooking. If you have a thermometer with a quicker response time, it can provide a more accurate temperature. It’s also crucial so food isn’t over- or undercooked, which can impact your food's safety and flavor. Temperature Accuracy Accuracy in temperature readings can directly impact the quality and safety of food. Food cooked to the correct internal temperature ensures they are safe to eat and taste their best. Undercooked meat can have a tough texture, whereas overcooked meat can be dry and flavorless. How to get the most accurate reading can vary based on the thermometer. For example, when you’re using an analog thermometer: “Keep in mind, if you’re using a dial stem thermometer, somewhere near the base, there will be a small dimple. That dimple actually records the temperature. I’ve seen situations where the dimple is a couple of inches above the base of the stem, and a person puts the point of the stem into the food. It will not get an accurate temperature reading. If there is a dimple, you need to insert that probe to where that dimple is,” says Guzzle. For a digital meat thermometer, it will depend on the type of thermometer and the probe length. Probe Length The probe length is significant because it will allow you to read your food's temperature accurately. The probe should be long enough to reach the center of the thickest part of your meat. You may not get an accurate internal temperature if the probe is too short. Also, a longer probe offers more convenience and maneuverability and can help when taking temperature readings in a deep roasting pan so there is less risk of burns. EatingWell / Russell Kilgore Our Meat Thermometer Tests We tested 19 digital probe meat thermometers, both wired and wireless, for accuracy, ease of use and design. These tests gave us valuable information and insights to help our readers make a more informed decision when purchasing meat thermometers. Accuracy of the Meat Thermometer Having accurate temperature readings is vital when it comes to cooking and food safety. To determine the accuracy of each thermometer, we took temperature readings from boiling water and ice water. Then, we compared each temperature reading to the water’s boiling point (212°F) and the water’s freezing point (32°F) to determine the margin of error from each thermometer. Was the Thermometer Easy to Operate? We evaluated each meat thermometer on how well the instructions were laid out, the ease of setup and the user’s experience. During the ease-of-use testing portion, we considered things like the readability of the display, button function and temperature alarms. Each thermometer was used in real-life scenarios to determine any issues a user may encounter during the cooking process. Was the Design Intuitive? The design portion of our testing indicates how well the meat thermometer is constructed and touches on settings such as minimum and maximum temperature, alarm settings and display interfaces. We also considered the button size and placement and whether the alarm sound is sufficient to hear in various situations. We also took into account the overall probe length and shape and evaluated its effectiveness for different meats and cooking applications. EatingWell / Russell Kilgore We Also Considered Polder Classic Combination Digital In-Oven Programmable Meat Thermometer & Timer ($20 at Amazon): The Polder Classic Combination thermometer is a good option for anyone looking for a simple option with an easy setup. Setting the temperature is as easy as pushing a button, and the alarm was one of the loudest we tested. This thermometer is great for beginner cooks, grillers, and smokers. The only downside to this thermometer is the silicone handle, which became too hot for us to handle during testing, and we had concerns that it could melt if used over an open flame. Cuisinart CBT-100 Bluetooth Easy Connect Meat Thermometer ($60 at Amazon): All programming happens inside the Cuisinart Easy Connect Meat Thermometer app, and it comes with two color-coded probes that can be programmed individually. Indeed, it is a set-it-and-forget option. We found that this particular thermometer lost its wireless connection relatively quickly. Still, when connected, the alarm notifications were loud enough for us to hear, and the display was large enough to read easily. The temperature readings were just as accurate as some of our top picks, but the loss of connectivity can hinder the cooking process. Common Questions How do I use a meat thermometer? When using a digital meat thermometer, you want to ensure it is clean and sanitized before inserting it into the meat. Prepare your meat before you start cooking according to your recipe.If you use a digital leave-in meat thermometer, you can insert it into the thickest part of the meat as close to the center as possible, avoiding touching any bones, fat or gristle. Set your target time and temperature for your digital probe.Begin the cooking process and monitor the process until you reach the desired temperature.Carefully remove the probe with heat-resistant gloves or a hand towel. Allow the probe to cool. Once cool, clean and sanitize the probe and store it for the next use. Remember, instant-read thermometers are used only for quick temperature readings and should never be left in the meat during cooking. The cleaning and sanitizing of an instant-read thermometer is the same as a digital thermometer. How do you calibrate a meat thermometer? Typically, you shouldn’t need to calibrate your digital thermometer, but if the need arises and it has a calibration feature, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. “If it doesn’t have a calibration feature, contact the manufacturer for additional information and help,” says Guzzle. There are two ways to check the accuracy of a thermometer: The first is to fill a glass with ice and cold water. If the thermometer is digital, turn it on and place it into the glass; if it is a dial stem or analog thermometer, put it in it. The thermometer should read 32°F or 0°C if calibrated correctly. Grab a pot and fill it with water, place it on the stove, and bring it to a boil. If the thermometer is digital, turn it on and put it into the boiling water, being careful not to touch the side or bottom of the pot. If you have a dial stem or analog thermometer, put it in the boiling water, avoiding the sides or bottom of the pot. The thermometer should read 212°F or 100°C if calibrated correctly. To calibrate an analog thermometer, use the calibration nut to adjust the dial beneath the read-out head. Turning the dial in either direction will move the needle which indicates the temperature. Make minor adjustments and recheck the calibration until it accurately reads the water's boiling point or freezing point. What are the benefits of a meat thermometer? First, a meat thermometer can help you better intuit when a food is done. “Using a thermometer a few times throughout cooking gives you a more informed idea of how long something will take to cook to the right internal temp. It teaches you how to time your cooks and rests so your finished product is exactly how you want it,” says Rob Levitt. But even more important than helping you become a better cook, a meat thermometer can also help protect you from foodborne illnesses by ensuring your meat reaches a safe minimum internal temperature. “Thermometers are a critical tool in terms of food safety. And there are a few different reasons why,” says Guzzle. “When we talk about temperatures in food, we’re talking about food storage temperatures and cooking temperatures. When it comes to a lot of raw meats, if there are harmful bacteria, the proper cooking temp will destroy or kill any bacteria that might be present in the meat.” What else can I use my meat thermometer for? A meat thermometer can come in handy for so much more than meat. For example, you can test the doneness of a loaf of bread or measure the temperature of your sous vide cooker. A meat thermometer can also measure the temperature of candy or oil as long as the thermometer can reach the temperatures needed for each application. For instance, candy thermometers must reach temperatures of 100°F to 400°F; for oil, the thermometer must reach 400°F. However, not all meat thermometers are suitable for candy making or deep frying and can become damaged during the process. It’s important always to use the appropriate tool for specific cooking tasks. Can you leave a meat thermometer in the oven? Leaving a meat thermometer in the oven will depend on the type of thermometer used. Oven-safe thermometers and leave-in thermometers are designed to withstand higher heat temperatures, such as 572°F, similar to some of the thermometers used in our lab tests. Instant-read thermometers are not intended for use in the oven. They are used for quickly checking the meat temperature and then being removed. EatingWell / Russell Kilgore Our Trusted Expertise Joe Morales is a senior editor and trained chef who specializes in articles on home, kitchen and product reviews. He tested one of these thermometers himself and gathered information from our lab-tested insights when writing the best meat thermometer article. He also interviewed: Patrick Guzzle, vice president of Food Science and Industry at ServSafe and National Restaurant Association, about choosing the right meat thermometer and why a thermometer is a critical tool for food safety. Rob Levitt, head butcher and chef de cuisine at Publican Quality Meats in Chicago. This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a food editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, and reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, a senior commerce editor with over 15 years of experience writing about nutrition, health and food. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart