There are a tremendous number of instant-read and leave-in meat probes available to cooks who want to take the guesswork out of cooking meat. Instant-read thermometers are inserted into the meat to check whether the desired temperature has been reached, while leave-in thermometers are inserted at the beginning of cooking and can safely be left in the oven or grill to monitor cooking continually. Although leave-in thermometers are more convenient, their probes are fragile and more prone to defects than instant-read thermometers. Some leave-in thermometers come with a separate wireless remote monitoring device and other advanced features. The majority of these thermometers have digital readouts, but some inexpensive instant-read thermometers use analog displays, which some users may find hard to read.

Experts and owners suggest looking for the following when choosing a meat thermometer:

  • Digital models are easier to read. Some analog readouts are compressed, making it difficult to determine the exact temperature. A digital thermometer, on the other hand, takes the guesswork out of reading the temperature with a numerical readout. An illuminated display makes reading easier in dim light.
  • A wide temperature range adds flexibility. If you plan to use your meat thermometer for deep-frying, buy a thermometer that has a temperature range of at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit, preferably 450 degrees, to prevent damage from the hot oil. A higher temperate range is also necessary for grilling to withstand the heat from flare-ups.
  • Do you want audible alerts? Many digital thermometers have an alarm or voice alert that sounds when the desired temperature has been reached. This eliminates the need to monitor the thermometer.
  • Do you want adjustable target temperatures or presets? Some digital thermometers use preset USDA-recommended temperature levels and only let the user select the type of meat and degree of doneness, which may exceed individual preferences. Meat thermometers that allow for manual temperature adjustment let you customize cooking times.
  • Longer probes are easier to use, but more fragile. You might not be able to reach the center of a thick cut of meat with a short thermometer, but longer probes can be more fragile.
  • Waterproof thermometers are easier to clean. Some instant-read thermometers are waterproof and can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. Waterproof thermometers also hold up better when grilling outdoors during wet or humid conditions.

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