Meat Thermometers: Reviews

There are two kinds of meat thermometers: oven-safe (also known as leave-in) and instant-read. Although they function differently, both types are designed to ensure that your steak, roast or cutlet reaches a safe internal cooking temperature. ConsumerSearch recommends four meat thermometers, based on an analysis of professional reviews and user opinion.

Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer

Best wireless meat thermometer

*Est. $70

Estimated Price

Oven-safe (or leave-in) meat thermometers have two parts: a temperature probe plus a console. The probe stays in the oven, while the console stays outside the oven so you can easily read the temperature. This type of meat thermometer works best for roasts and whole poultry, and it saves you from opening the oven. The Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer is expensive, but it's an extremely convenient meat thermometer. This wireless model has a range of 300 feet, so you carry the readout unit with you. While most thermometers only offer a beeping alarm, this model has voice alerts as well, and the backlit display is very easy to read. The majority of owners say it's easy to use, but one concern is that you can't use custom temperature settings; rather, the Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer uses preset temperature targets based on the type of meat. It does simultaneously display the current temperature, however.

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Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer

Budget oven-safe meat thermometer

*Est. $20

Estimated Price

If you want a leave-in meat thermometer, but don't want to spend a lot, consider the Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer. This simple unit has a meat probe attached by a cord to the console; the magnetic console attaches to the outside of your oven. Reviewers like the fact that this thermometer displays both a countdown timer and the current temperature at the same time. Unlike the Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer, this Polder model allows cooks to set a target cooking temperature rather than using preset USDA-recommended temperatures. It registers a temperature range of 32 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit and has an audible alarm when the target temperature is reached. Owners agree this thermometer is easy to use, but they wish it offered a power switch.

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ThermoWorks Super-Fast Thermapen

Best instant-read thermometer

*Est. $85

Estimated Price

Instant-read thermometers are a bit more flexible than oven-safe (leave-in) meat probes. With instant-read thermometers, you poke the probe into the item you want to check, then get a quick readout of the current temperature. This also makes them a good choice for smaller foods like burgers, cut-up chicken or fish. Some can double as deep-fat or candy thermometers. The ThermoWorks Super-Fast Thermapen isn't cheap, but it gets excellent reviews for durability and ease of use. It's extremely versatile, too; with a temperature range of -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, it's safe for checking hot-oil temperatures for frying. The sensor is very close to the tip of the probe, so it can accurately measure a thin hamburger patty or liquid that is as little as 1/8-inch deep. The compact design has a 4.5-inch probe that folds against the handle so it can be slipped into a pocket. Additionally, the thermometer automatically turns on and off.

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CDN ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer

Budget instant-read thermometer

*Est. $20

Estimated Price

If you don't want to spend so much on an instant-read thermometer, the CDN ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer is a good choice. Reviewers say it is accurate and registers a temperature range of -40 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit in about 10 seconds -- slower than the more expensive Thermapen instant-read thermometer. Unlike many thermometers, it is waterproof and can be recalibrated. It has a power switch and automatically turns off after 10 minutes to preserve battery life. We did read some complaints that it stopped working after a short time, however.

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