The Best Digital Meat Thermometers

Saferell Digital Food Thermometer

Handle the heat

This trusty thermometer is easy to use and sports a foldable design for convenient storage.

Best Overall

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This thermometer is easy to use and provides accurate readings with just the right amount of features. It has a foldable design, and the stainless steel probe takes about two to three seconds to gauge your food’s temperature. The thermometer turns on automatically as soon as you pull the needle out, and the screen is large enough to clearly read the temperature, with a backlight just in case. The grooved, ergonomically designed side means that the thermometer fits comfortably in your hand while also providing a sturdy grip. We like the hanging hole at the end and the built-in magnet, both of which make it easy to store your thermometer. Overall, this is a straightforward but ultra-reliable thermometer that is ideal for any cook.

Pros:

• Can adjust temperature settings to Fahrenheit or Celsius
• Waterproof design can be wiped down or rinsed by hand
• Food temperature chart listed on the thermometer is convenient

Cons:

• Some prefer thermometers with a power button

ThermoPro Digital Food Thermometer

Get with the program

This thermometer features easy-to-use presets to ensure your meats are properly cooked.

Best For Grilling

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ThermoPro’s thermometer is designed with a probe that attaches by cable to the thermometer and has lots of features to love. You can program preset meat temperatures, set alarms at specific temperatures, and set a kitchen timer with a countdown (or a count-up). The meat probe and wire are heat resistant up to about 700 °F, so you can place those parts in the heat source without worrying about safety — just make sure that the thermometer part is out of the hot area. That should be easy since the thermometer comes with a base, hanging hole, and magnet for convenience.

Pros:

• Large, easy-to-read LCD
• Cable is 40 inches long so that you can easily keep your thermometer away from your heat source
• Thermometer is pocket-sized

Cons:

• Can only wash the probe, so you’ll need to be careful when cleaning the thermometer

ThermoPro Digital Food Thermometer

Stay cool

The magnetic back and hook on this thermometer help it store away easily.

Best For Smoker

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If you’re looking for a lightweight, convenient, and reliable thermometer, go for this one. Its slim, foldable design makes it incredibly portable and easy to stick in the pocket of your apron as you’re cooking. The stainless steel probe takes about three to five seconds for a temperature readout, and the backlight display is great if you’re cooking outdoors in the evening. Our favorite feature is that the thermometer turns off after ten minutes of idle time to conserve battery power and your tool’s longevity. We highly recommend this travel-friendly gadget for camping trips — it packs easily, and you can’t beat the value.

Pros:

• Has Fahrenheit and Celsius settings
• Magnet and hook at the bottom make for convenient storage
• Temperature chart on the back of the thermometer

Cons:

• While three to five seconds is quite fast for a temperature reading, some prefer something even faster

Govee Bluetooth Food Thermometer

Hands-free cooking

Keep an eye on your food using your phone with this thermometer's remote monitor and alarm functions.

Most High-Tech

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Consider this a thermometer for the modern, multitasking cook. Govee’s thermometer comes with 230 feet of Bluetooth range (you’ll need to download the app), so you can monitor your food from anywhere in your house. Once your food reaches your preset temperature, the thermometer will beep, and you’ll receive a notification on your phone. Choosing a setting is convenient as well, with options for beef, veal, lamb, and more. This thermometer lets you do it all, especially for cooks who have several dishes going on in the kitchen and need a thermometer they can trust.

Pros:

• Comes with two probes so you can monitor multiple types of meat, and the thermometer can hold up to six at a time if you want to purchase more
• Backlit screen is great for outdoor cooking
• Magnet, stand, and hook all make it easy to keep the thermometer away from your heat source

Cons:

• Some find all the settings a bit confusing and would prefer something more minimal

Soqool Digital Food Thermometer Two-Pack

Best of both worlds

Two is better than one with this value-pack.

Best Set

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We recommend investing in two thermometers if you like to have separate thermometers for different foods. Whether you’re cooking red meat, poultry, fish, baked goods, or candy, you may prefer to have dedicated thermometers even though you wash them after use. These thermometers come in two different colors, so it’ll be easy to assign a color to a type of food. They feature an ergonomic design that’s comfortable and durable. The backlight is convenient for reading temperatures, and the thermometer turns on and off when the probe is folded away.

Pros:

• Reads almost instantly in about two to three seconds
• Bottle opener feature at the bottom of the thermometer is a major bonus
• Integrated magnet and hanging hole is great for storage
• Waterproof and easy to wash

Cons:

• Not for those who just want one thermometer

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use the digital thermometer during the cooking process?

Use it toward the end of the minimum cooking time and leave the thermometer in for a few seconds to ensure it can get an accurate reading. Always be sure to insert the thermometer at the center or thickest part of the food you’re cooking since those parts take the longest to cook through.

Any other tips for using a digital thermometer?

We recommend checking your batteries and swapping them out regularly since a low battery might cause inaccurate temperature readings. If you used your food thermometer for making candy or your food has left a sticky, hard-to-wash residue, put the probe in boiling water to help remove anything that’s stuck on.