Have you been cooking your meat wrong?
Overview
Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Thermometer
ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Thermometer
Table of Contents
When cooking meat, poultry, and seafood, it's important to make sure that your food has reached a certain temperature to ensure that it's fully cooked and safe to consume. You could eyeball it, but that involves cutting into your food before it's ready and, even then, you can't be sure. Instead, take out all of the guesswork with the help of a food thermometer. Some are simple and very straightforward, while fancier, digital models allow you to monitor your food from afar.
If you haven't been using a food thermometer until now, just know that you've been doing it all wrong. Once you add a meat thermometer to your kitchen arsenal, you'll never look back.
Looking for the best food thermometer to suit your kitchen needs and budget? We did the research, sifting through hundreds of reviews to pull together a list of some of the most top-rated and well-loved food thermometers that chefs and homecooks swear by.
How do I choose the best food thermometer?
Choosing a food thermometer is a pretty low stress decision — all you really need to do is ensure you’re selecting something that has a clear and easy to read display (whether digital or otherwise) and will provide accurate readings for the long term.
How much do food thermometers cost?
Food thermometers are a pretty budget-friendly addition to your kitchen toolkit. You can pick up a no-frills option, like the Rubbermaid Instant Read Thermometer for less than $10—but more tech-enabled options can run you up to $60+ depending on the number of bells and whistles.
The Good & The Bad
- Very accurate readings
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Compact design is easy to store
- Some reviewers noted that the screen becomes less bright over time
Why We Like It
This instant read food thermometer from ThermoPro is one of the most top-rated kitchen tools online right now—and for good reason. It’s compact, super easy to read, and fast and accurate at determining the temperature of everything from red meat to seafood. We also appreciate the relatively low price point given its reputation and quality.
Details
Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Thermometer
Best Visibility
The Good & The Bad
- Integrated magnet for convenient storage
- Splash-proof construction
- Large screen makes it easy to read
- Difficult to replace the battery
Why We Like It
Encased in a superior, NSF-certified build, this thermometer measures food temperature accurately within one degree Fahrenheit in as little as 3 seconds. It’s a particularly good option for those who may struggle to read a smaller screen due to the impressive 1.4-inch display.
Details
ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Thermometer
Most High-Tech Design
The Good & The Bad
- Very easy to use and control
- Dual food-grade stainless steel probes
- Preset temperatures for 9 types of meat and doneness levels
- Some reviewers noted that the battery drains quickly
Why We Like It
Looking for something a little more modern to assist you in the kitchen? This digital, hands-free monitor works wirelessly from up to 300 feet away. Just stick the probe in and keep an eye on your food's temperature via the large, backlit LCD display. No more hovering over your meal while it cooks!
Details
Kizen Digital Meat Thermometers for Cooking
Best For Speed
The Good & The Bad
- Waterproof and durable design
- Easy storage via magnet or hole opening
- A long probe keeps hands away from heat
- Some reviewers noted that the display gets foggy when measuring hot liquids
Why We Like It
If you've got a need for speed when cooking up tasty meals, this super-fast thermometer has all its competitors beat. With an accurate readout in 3 seconds or less on its large, bright LCD display, this food thermometer is made to take the guesswork out of cooking.
Details
Rubbermaid Instant Read Thermometer
Best Value
The Good & The Bad
- Great price for the quality
- Dishwasher-safe
- No batteries needed
- Shatter-proof lens
- The lens is not glass so it will melt if left in an oven
Why We Like It
If you just need to get a quick read on your food's temperature from time to time, this no-frills thermometer is easy to keep on hand. The instant-read Rubbermaid thermometer delivers professional quality to the heart of your kitchen with instant temperature readings between 0 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
Details
Topics Kitchen
