Meat Thermometers : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentThis review compares nine digital instant-read thermometers. Editors look for the broadest temperature range, a probe that's long enough to reach the center of large cuts of meat and a way to calibrate slips in accuracy. Digital thermometers tend to be more expensive, but editors say the exact temperature is more difficult to read on a dial face. Additionally, the sensor is located on the tip of the digital thermometer's probe, so it can accurately gauge the temperature of liquids that are less than an inch deep. Although many digital thermometers cannot be manually calibrated like many dial types, none of the thermometers lost their accuracy during the six-week testing period. Editors highly recommend one model and recommend four less expensive models, two of which are discontinued. Editors say the main difference in price is the speed -- the higher-priced models use a thermocouple sensor, whereas the less expensive models use a thermistor.

Our AssessmentThis video explains the important characteristics of instant-read thermometers, such as a broad range of temperatures and a long probe to reach the interior of large cuts of meat. Editors prefer digital thermometers to dial models because they are faster and easier to read. They name their favorite instant-read thermometer and the best inexpensive alternative.

Our AssessmentEditors test 22 leave-in and instant-read thermometers, assessing speed and ease of use. They also review the user manuals and take into account whether they are easy to understand and give cooking guidelines that are consistent with the USDA. Models tested are ranked best to worst in a slide show that summarizes what editors like and don't like about each one. The All-Clad Oven Probe Thermometer T223 is named the editors' favorite.

Our AssessmentThis older review names three favorite instant-read thermometers and one leave-in thermometer. We don't know what other models were tested or any details about the testing methodology. Mainly, the features are summarized so we aren't sure whether or not the thermometers were put to actual use.

Our AssessmentThis website sells more than 140 thermometers, but many are not included in any professional reviews and some are candy thermometers. Of the thermometers covered in this report, the Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer receives the most reviews -- 35 owners award it an average of 4.5 stars. Owners agree it's easy to use and accurate, but wish it had an off switch. The Polder Dual Sensor Thermometer 12453 averages 4.4 stars from 10 owners.

Our AssessmentThe Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer receives an average of 4.3 stars out of five from approximately 200 owners, who agree it's easy to use, accurate and takes the worry out of grilling. The device emits a message when the food is done cooking. The probe is quite substantial, which makes it more suited for inserting into thicker cuts of meat. Quite a few reviewers say they have been using it for years, and it's more durable than other brands they have tried. The probe has stopped working for some owners, but can be replaced for $15 without buying a completely new thermometer.

Our AssessmentThis is a description of two new products -- the BonJour Culinary Laser Thermometer and the Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer -- rather than a comparative review.