This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. It’s no secret that having a meat thermometer on hand can take a lot of the guesswork out of cooking meat perfectly, whether you’re making Roast Beef, Turkey Meatloaf, or the Perfect Filet Mignon. One of the best meat thermometers ensures I’m cooking my meat perfectly (and especially to make sure I’m not undercooking it).
Credit: ThermoWorks
A good meat thermometer is fast and accurate, so you aren’t standing over a hot grill or oven for too long, and some even have smart capabilities that will alert you when your food is done cooking! I rely on this simple kitchen gadget to cook some of my favorite healthy, family-friendly recipes, so I’ve rounded up the best meat thermometers to help you do the same, including two that I own and use regularly.
My Top Picks
What’s in My Kitchen: ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer – $16.99 at Amazon
My Favorite Smart: MeaterPlus Smart Meat Thermometer – $79.95 at Amazon
Best Splurge: ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE – $109 at ThermoWorks
Best Leave-in Probe Thermometer: ThermoWorks Smoke Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer – $99 at ThermoWorks
Best Digital: Lavatools Javelin Thermometer – $44.99 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Meat Thermometers
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What’s in My Kitchen: ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer
Credit: Amazon
This ThermoPro meat thermometer is an inexpensive digital meat thermometer and I like it because it’s accurate and so easy to use. While it doesn’t have any fancy features like Bluetooth or wireless capabilities, I like that there’s absolutely zero learning curve when it comes to using this meat thermometer. That’s why I reach for it to quickly check the doneness of my Air Fryer Steak or Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs.
Its probe is sharp enough to pierce protein such as chicken breasts, chicken thighs, steak, pork tenderloin, flank steak, and even a whole chicken. Its speedy response time means I can spend less time checking on my food during cooking and more time tending to other parts of the meal — like my side dishes.
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My Favorite Smart: Meater Plus Smart Meat Thermometer
Credit: Best Buy
I also got the Meater Plus after hearing about the hype, and I think it’s worth it for people who grill a lot and like technology. It has a smartphone app, so you can monitor the temperature of your meat from up to 165 feet away from wherever it’s cooking if you’re inside and up to 1,000 feet away if you’re outdoors. Better yet, it will alert you when your food is ready, which is great if you tend to juggle several things at once in the kitchen, so it won’t overcook. In addition to monitoring temperature, the app also features other helpful cooking tips and can help you manage time when working on multiple things at once.
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Best Splurge: ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
Credit: Thermoworks
If you don’t mind spending over $100 on a meat thermometer and you want something beloved by professional chefs, then this ThermoWorks meat thermometer could be the perfect meat thermometer for you. In terms of temperature range and probe length, this splurge pick is similar to my favorite meat thermometer. However, the response time on this model is almost instant, and it’s extremely accurate. It’s one of those tools that will make you feel like a grill master!
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Best Leave-in Probe Thermometer: ThermoWorks Smoke Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer
Credit: ThermoWorks
If you’re looking for the best meat thermometer for a smoker when grilling, then this one allows you to check on what you’re grilling without opening the grill and letting heat escape. This meat thermometer is accurate and easy to use, plus it allows you to monitor your meats from up to 300 feet as they cook as long as you remain in sight of the grill or smoker using the included receiver. It comes with two probes (one for the meat and one for the pit temperature), and you can buy additional probes for less than $20 if your original one breaks or if you plan to cook multiple slices of meat at the same time.
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Best Digital: Lavatools Javelin Thermometer
This colorful kitchen tool is good for those who just want to see a digital screen because it’s fast, accurate, has a wide temperature range, and it’s easy to use. In addition to meat, poultry, and fish, this digital meat thermometer is also great when it comes to baking desserts, thanks to its almost instant response time and the handy finger loop that keeps it from falling into your food or your oven! There’s even a magnet so you can stick it to your fridge for easy access.
Other Meat Thermometers to Consider
Taylor Digital Cooking Thermometer with Probe and Timer
This digital meat thermometer is affordable, and unlike many of the other thermometers on this list, it’s oven-safe! That means it’s perfect for monitoring the temperature of dishes like slow-cooking Braised Brisket with Potatoes and Carrots. The Taylor Digital Cooking Thermometer with Probe and Timer has a super helpful temperature alert feature that lets you know when the desired temperature has been reached. It’s worth noting that the temperature range on this thermometer is relatively short (32 to 392 degrees F), so this won’t be suitable for recipes that require higher temperatures.
