Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best Digital Meat Thermometer manufacturer

My fear of undercooked meat started young, when my dad served raw chicken at not one but two summer barbecues. (To be clear, I also dislike overcooked meat, but not because of foodborne illness.) 

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A good meat thermometer is a reliable way to avoid under- or overcooking meat. Of course, it can be helpful for other things, like deep-frying and candy-making. Below, you'll find our guide to the best meat thermometers. We included top picks from various reviews, including instant-read, grilling, and probe thermometers. That said, you won't find any analog picks—the ones with dial faces—as they’re slower and harder to read.

Things to Consider

Should You Buy an Instant-Read or a Leave-In Probe Thermometer? 

If you don’t own a thermometer or are looking to upgrade an existing one, go with an instant-read thermometer. These thermometers have long probes that you use to get temperature readings as needed. Our top pick, the Thermapen ONE, delivers readings in a couple of seconds. You’ll be able to use it for roasting meats, taking the temperature of fry oil, and making sure grilled chicken is, indeed, cooked. An instant-read thermometer's slim profile easily fits in an apron’s pocket or drawer for storage.

A leave-in probe thermometer has a long probe that’s connected to a heat-resistant cable, which is attached to a unit that displays the temperature and time. You can stick the probe into, say, a roast chicken and know what temperature the chicken is at any given moment. You can set alarms, too, to let you know when something’s hit temperature or if the temperature dropped too low or high (such as when deep-frying). It’s an extremely helpful tool we think most cooks would also be glad to have. It's worth noting that grilling thermometers are leave-in probe thermometers, though these often are cableless and have the added benefit of apps or receivers that relay the temperature remotely.

The Best Meat Thermometers Are Accurate and Fast

No matter the meat thermometer you buy, it should be accurate and fast. When we tested instant-read thermometers, we evaluated this by setting a water bath to 134°F using a sous vide machine. That way, the bath was the same temperature, no matter where we stuck the thermometer. We also did tests with boiling and ice water. Our favorite thermometers had response times of two to four seconds and were supremely dead accurate. Other thermometers were off by two to three degrees and took up to 20 seconds to deliver readings. Who wants to hold their hand in a hot oven or over a blazing grill for that long?

When we evaluated leave-in probe thermometers, our favorites were all accurate, but slower than the best instant-read options. The fastest, the ChefAlarm, took about five seconds compared to a Thermapen’s two seconds. That said, we think this is fine for roasting, barbecuing, or grilling, where you're monitoring meat temperatures over a longer period of time.

What Meat Thermometers Are the Easiest to Use?

For meat thermometers, we looked for features like a large screen with clear numbers, an auto-rotating screen so you can read it at any orientation, and an auto-backlight for easy reading in dark spaces, like cavernous ovens and grills. We also looked for probes that were at least five inches long, which made it easier to take the temperature of roasts. Alarms that could be silenced with the press of a button—no smashing things in while something beeps—and intuitive receivers or apps that connected seamlessly were also helpful.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Meat Thermometer

A good meat thermometer should be fast and accurate. It should also have a range of useful features, like an easily readable screen and a backlight. If a leave-in probe thermometer is what you’re after, the probe should be long, the alarm should be able to be silenced with one button, and the whole thing should be, ideally, magnetic. For remote-capable probe thermometers—for low-and-slow barbecuing, for example—the remote receiver/app should be reliable and capable of delivering readings through walls, across a yard, etc. It shouldn't drop the signal either.

Our Favorite Meat Thermometers

What we liked: With blisteringly fast response times and incredibly accurate readings, the Thermapen ONE was our top instant-read thermometer, besting 23 other models. It’s named the ONE after its reported one-second response time (and in our testing, it was nearly as fast as its namesake). The pull-out probe, large, 360-degree auto-rotating screen, and auto-backlight make it a standout. It also automatically turns on and off when you pull out/push back in the probe and when you pick it up after the thermometer’s been left idle.

What we didn’t like: The numbers on the screen could use a little more contrast, which would make them more visible.

Key Specs

• Temperature range: -58.0 to 572.0°F 
• Warranty: 5 years
• Features: Auto-rotating screen; auto-backlight; auto-on/off; adjustable sleep mode
• Good to know: Available in numerous colors
• Type of thermometer: Instant-read
  

What we liked: The ThermoPop 2 has an auto-rotating screen that’s much bigger and brighter than the original. Its slim profile, cap that hooks onto an apron or chef’s coat, and affordable price point make it a no-brainer recommendation. It’s nearly as fast and accurate as the Thermapen ONE, too.

What we didn’t like: A very small thing is that the power button is now located at the back of the thermometer, whereas the original ThermoPop had it at the front. We like this streamlined look, but it might take a small adjustment for those upgrading from the ThermoPop. An additional quibble is that it takes a few seconds of holding the power button for the thermometer to power off, though it’ll shut off by itself after 10 minutes.

Key Specs

• Temperature range: -58.0 to 572.0°F 
• Warranty: 2 years
• Features: Auto-rotating screen; auto-backlight; sleep mode after 10 minutes
• Good to know: Available in nine colors; you can choose between a 4.5- and 8-inch probe (we recommend the 4.5-inch for most home cooks)
• Type of thermometer: Instant-read
  

What we liked: Its accuracy, responsiveness, large, well-organized screen, and clearly labeled buttons made the ChefAlarm our top leave-in probe thermometer. It has a magnetic base that allows it to rest flat or stick on an oven or fridge and a screen that tilts up at a 45-degree angle for easy viewing. The ChefAlarm allows you to set high- and low-temperature alarms and includes a timer function. It also has a large temperature probe and comes with a pot clip and storage case. 

What we didn’t like: In my experience, the probe’s wire can kink and be a little hard to wrap up and stuff into its storage case.

Key Specs

• Temperature range: -58.0 to 572.0°F 
• Warranty: 2 years
• Features: Countdown/up timer
• Good to know: Available in nine colors
• Type of thermometer: Leave-in probe

What we liked: Small and light, and accurate and precise enough for most home cooks, the Polder is our budget-friendly leave-in probe thermometer recommendation. It has a few buttons, but its interface is well-organized and the screen is adjustable. It comes with a pot clip and its cord is silicone-coated, which makes it easy to wrap up and prevents kinking. 

What we didn’t like: The power button is on the underside of the base, and the cord has a heat-safe temperature of 450°F, which means it’d still be fine for a roast chicken, but not high-temperature grilling.

Key Specs

• Temperature range: 32 to 392°F
• Warranty: One-year limited warranty
• Features: It has a 24-hour countdown timer
• Good to know: Extra temperature probes can be purchased here
• Type of thermometer: Leave-in probe

What we liked: This wireless grill thermometer is intuitive to use and compatible with an app that can provide users with oodles of data (should they wish). It allows you to set high- and low-temperature alarms and is reasonably priced. It has a magnetic backing, so you can easily place it on a grill's lid or side table.

What we didn't like: You can only use one temperature probe with this thermometer, so serious grillers (or smoking aficionados) might prefer the Smoke below.

Key Specs

• Temperature range: -58 to 572°F
• Warranty: 2 years
• Features: It has a 24-hour countdown timer
• Good to know: Only available in one color; backlight
• Type of thermometer: Wireless

What we liked: Like other ThermoWorks thermometers, the Smoke is accurate, reliable, and fast. It has a clear interface and a cooking probe in “the same style and quality as the one used in the ChefAlarm, and it comes with an ambient probe and clip (the clip works well on grill and smoker grates, and can be modified to work in an oven),” as we said in our original review. The Smoke comes with a wireless receiver that allows you to monitor the temperature remotely. You can purchase additional probes for just $19 a pop, which is nice if you’re barbecuing two pork butts at once.

What we didn’t like: The power button has a less intuitive placement at the back of the thermometer. Strong magnets give the thermometer base a good hold, but the Smoke’s are bordering on overkill (it got a superglue-like hold).

Key Specs

• Temperature range: -58.0 to 572.0°F 
• Warranty: 2 years
• Features: 300-feet line of sight wireless transmission range
• Good to know: Available in nine colors; additional probes can be purchased here
• Type of thermometer: Wireless

What we liked: This set couldn't be easier to use: Just connect the RFX Gateway to your WiFi, add the probes on the app, and get cooking. The Gateway ensured the signal stayed strong, even when we smoked a pork shoulder outside and went inside and monitored the temperatures on the app. We could easily set a high and low alarm on the app and even track temperatures over time, making it a versatile thermometer that's great for grilling and smoking.

What we didn't like: The app contains loads of information, which made navigating around dizzying at times. While the Gateway and probe boast long battery lives, we found them slightly shorter than advertised. If you don't insert the probe to the minimum line, you risk damaging the temperature sensors.

Key Specs

• Temperature range: 14°F to 212°F
• Warranty: 2 years
• Features: Wireless monitoring up to 1,500 square feet
• Good to know: The Gateway has a 24-hour stated battery life
• Type of thermometer: Wireless

What we liked: If you like technology, then you'll probably like the Meater. The metal probe is housed in a sleek wooden rectangle, and the thermometer is app-compatible. The app itself is video game-esque, and you can set notifications for specific temperatures. Meater makes real-time cooking adjustments, too, as it gauges the progress of the meat for you.

What we didn't like: The thermometer itself lacks any display (it's literally just a probe), which may be unappealing for some.

Key Specs

• Temperature range: Up to 527°F
• Warranty: 1 year
• Features: App compatible; range of 165 feet
• Good to know: The thermometer's wooden housing/charging base requires batteries
• Type of thermometer: Wireless

FAQs

How do you use a meat thermometer?

To use a meat thermometer, you turn the thermometer on (if it doesn’t automatically do so), stick the probe in the meat, and give it a few seconds (or less) to read. That’s it!

Can you use a meat thermometer for candy? 

You absolutely can! Leave-in probe thermometers are particularly nice for candy, as they have a pot clip and can monitor the temperature throughout the whole process. You can even set temperature alerts. 

Can you leave a meat thermometer in the oven? 

Leave-in probe thermometers can be left in the oven to monitor the temperature of roasts (the device should, of course, be stationed outside of the oven). Instant-read thermometers, on the other hand, should not be left in the oven.

What other cooking tasks can a meat thermometer be used for?

A meat thermometer can be used to take the temperature of baked goods (bread is common), deep-frying oil (too low of oil temp = soggy fried foods), candy and caramels (notoriously temperature-sensitive), and poaching liquid (a gentle method of cooking that requires specificity).

Why We're the Experts

When it comes to cooking meats, temperature control is everything. Whether you're new to cooking or a veritable grill master, there's no better way to monitor the heat of your oven or grill, and the temperature of a gorgeous prime rib or Thanksgiving turkey, than with a meat thermometer. These devices use a metal probe—left inserted during the cooking process—to keep tabs on when you've reached doneness.

With so many models to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on what's best. We've taken the guesswork out for you by testing over 20 different models and rating them on their accuracy, ease of use, and overall performance. If you're searching for a meat thermometer to help you perfect your next attempt at a brisket or slow-grilled ribs, we've got you—read on for our top picks.

What We Like

• Easy-to-read backlit display

• Wide temperature range

• Multiple alarm volume settings

• Can also be used as an oven thermometer

What We Don't Like

• A bit of a learning curve to adjust settings

If you want a straightforward setup and consistent temperature monitoring at a very fair price, this model from Thermoworks should be your top pick. The wired thermometer has a large temperature range, which allows you to use it for a wide variety of applications in addition to cooking meats, like making candy or yogurt. It is also perfect for monitoring temperature over longer periods of time with moderate-heat cooking methods—think sous vide or smoking.

We tested this thermometer in our Lab and found it to be mostly straightforward to set up, with a little bit of a learning curve to get to know how to adjust its settings. First and foremost, we loved how accurate the thermometer is—it comes calibrated with an accuracy of ±2 degrees Fahrenheit straight from the factory. We also really like that you can easily hear the alarm thanks to its four-volume settings.

We appreciate how easy it was to position this device; the adjustable angle of the thermometer's face makes it easy to read the large digital display when set on the counter, and it could also adhere to a metal surface thanks to its magnet. The latter is how our writer Irvin Lin uses his, which is attached to the top of his stove. Utilizing an optional grate clip, he can easily see both the oven temperature and the meat's temperature. Overall, we're very impressed with the functionality of this thermometer, especially considering its fairly modest price tag.

Probe Length: 6 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±2 degrees Fahrenheit

What We Like

• Very easy to set up

• Affordable

• Wide temperature range

What We Don't Like

• Slow to set target temperature

Very similar to the Thermoworks Chef Alarm model, this thermometer offers a similar temperature range but has a simpler setup. There are only three buttons on this device: one to turn it on, and two to set your target temperature. This model only displays temperature in whole numbers, but that isn't a dealbreaker for most applications. It has an easy-to-read backlit display that shows the current temperature and target temperature. Designed for use in a commercial setting, it is splash-proof and durable so it will definitely work for most home settings.

We found this to be incredibly intuitive to set up—there isn't much to it, so you can essentially turn it on and get cooking. There are two small magnets on the back that let you attach it to metal surfaces like the refrigerator or stove, as well as a collapsible stand if you want to set it on the counter.

With only one volume setting, it's harder to hear if you're more than 10 feet away (or if you happen to be in another room), but for the most part, that wasn't an issue. Most importantly, it had a very accurate temperature reading for every test we put it through. For the build quality and performance, we found this to be an affordable and reliable option that's worth every penny.

Probe Length: 4.5 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±5.4 degrees Fahrenheit

What We Like

• Equipped with presets

• Runs on a rechargeable battery

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• Has a 650-foot range

What We Don't Like

• Probes might be a little long for some

• Bluetooth range will be affected by walls

For tech lovers who are into grilling, this sleek thermometer gives you plenty of control through an app on your smartphone. It is equipped with four probes that can be individually monitored through your , making it easy to cook multiple cuts of meat at once. It has an array of presets that you can use depending on what type of meat you're cooking, as well as the ability to customize settings as you wish.

We loved that this thermometer was easy and quite intuitive to set up. Plus it runs on a rechargeable battery. While there is no paper manual that comes with the device, there are tons of FAQs and other instructions in the app itself. The 8.5-inch probes will work with even the thickest cuts of meat (think prime rib), though we found that inserting the probe horizontally might work best in some cases since it is so long.

The large temperature range goes from 14 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect to use with a wide variety of cooking methods. According to the brand, the thermometer has a 650-foot range. The Bluetooth connection functioned well for about 30 yards outdoors and a bit less indoors if walls were separating you from the thermometer. Overall, we were pretty impressed with the functionality and accuracy of this model and couldn't find much to complain about, especially at this price.

Probe Length: 8.5 inches | Temperature Range: 14 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±1.8 degrees Fahrenheit

What We Like

• Allows for monitoring up to 500 feet away

• Programmed with multiple presets

• Easy-to-hear alarm

What We Don't Like

• Slight learning curve for the controls

If one meat thermometer isn't enough, this two-probe version by ThermoPro may just be what you're looking for. Equipped with a handy remote receiver, you can monitor your grill, sous-vide, beer-brewing project, and more from up to 500 feet away.

We found this pretty easy to set up, though there was a slight learning curve to comfortably navigate the multiple presets and manual setting options. The 6.5-inch stainless-steel probes have sharp points that easily punctured the pork we cooked and were long enough to work with just about any thickness of protein. We really liked how resonant the alarm on this device is—the remote receiver is even louder and can be easily heard throughout the house or in an outdoor setting (there are also vibrate settings when you don't want an audible alarm). We liked how straightforward this was to use, even for beginners, and found that it's one of the better thermometers with wireless receivers that we've ever tested.

Probe Length: 6.5 inches | Temperature Range: 14 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±1.8 degrees Fahrenheit

What We Like

• Easy-to-read backlit display

• Can be paired with multiple receivers

• Allows fairly quick alarm adjustment

What We Don't Like

• Alarm isn't the loudest

The long, slow process of smoking meat relies heavily on temperature monitoring, which is why we love the performance of this smoking-specific thermometer from Thermoworks. It features two stainless-steel probes—one to monitor the temperature of the pit, and the other to monitor the temperature of the meat. And its display is backlit making it easy to read. The base unit can even be paired with multiple receivers so you can equip an entire BBQ pit team.

We liked the straightforward setup of this thermometer, with an accompanying manual that's very detailed but easy to understand, which makes it easy to get going. While the wireless receiver for this model isn't very loud, it's loud enough as long as you keep it close (use the included lanyard to wear it around your neck). We found this thermometer to have excellent accuracy and a super durable, commercial-grade build. It's one of the pricier models on this list, but worth it for professionals and serious BBQ enthusiasts alike.

Probe Length: 6 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±1.8 degrees Fahrenheit

What We Like

• Easy instructions and setup

• Can sit on counter or attach with magnet

• Ability to monitor outside the oven

What We Don't Like

• Very bare bones

• Smaller temperature range

When you want the functionality of a meat thermometer without a high price tag, this simple model delivers a straightforward result. Simply set your desired temperature and timer, then hit start to begin using it. It has just a few buttons that are quite easy to figure out. The probe's wire is coated in silicone to protect it from heat, allowing you to run it out the oven door to monitor whatever you have cooking. It has a temperature range of 32 to 392 degrees with an accuracy of ±2 degrees Fahrenheit.

We tested this thermometer and found it to be a satisfactory alternative to pricier models. Though it doesn't have fancier options like presets or Bluetooth connectivity, it still gets the job done. The alarm is persistent and audible enough to get your attention, even when used outdoors. For the price, it's absolutely worth it, especially if you don't need a model that is particularly heavy-duty.

Probe Length: 6 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±2 degrees Fahrenheit

What We Like

• Sleek design

• Clear instructions

• Accurate readings

What We Don't Like

• No sound feature on receiver

• Does not have customizable timer

This sleek thermometer is perfect for anyone who appreciates good design. First, the wooden case for the probe actually features a Bluetooth repeater that helps expand its range. Also, the pointy end of the probe monitors the internal temperature of your meat, while the opposite end monitors the ambient temperature. The device itself doesn't have a screen but is controlled and monitored entirely through an app on your smartphone.

Every time we've tested this, we enjoyed the very interactive setup. You'll have to watch a few videos in order to start using it, but all the instructions are very clear and easy to understand. While the probe and base must be kept within five feet of each other, we were able to keep tabs on our cooking on our phones from about 100 feet away.

One thing we would like is to have the option to customize our timer, and we also found that the alarm settings were only audible through the app—there's no sound functionality on the device itself. This is a great option for anyone who is really into smart gadgets, offering a high-tech experience with a pretty accurate reading right in the palm of your hand.

Probe Length: 6 inches | Temperature Range: Up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit | Accuracy: ±1 degrees Fahrenheit

Final Verdict

Our favorite was the commercial-grade ThermoWorks ChefAlarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer, which delivers a highly accurate reading, has a wide temperature range, and comes at a very fair price. For the budget-minded, the Taylor Digital Cooking Thermometer is a fantastic option, giving a straightforward performance that gets the job done without a ton of bells and whistles.

How We Tested

We tested 22 meat thermometers in our Birmingham, Alabama, testing lab to find out which were easiest to use and produced accurate readings. Additionally, our expert testers use certain models in their home kitchens and regularly supply us with home-cooking insights and updates on long-term wear and tear.

We Observed

• Ease of setup: We looked for thermometers that weren't too complicated to use out of the box. We appreciated models that were easier to figure out without having to read through too many detailed instructions.
• Minimum and maximum temperature ranges: With a wider temperature range, a thermometer can lend itself to a larger variety of applications. While we were primarily testing these models for use for cooking, we also gave extra points to thermometers that could be used outside of cooking meats, like candy-making or home brewing.
• Decibel rating of the alarm: When applicable, we considered how audible the alarms were. This is key for knowing when your meats have reached the desired temperature or when it's time to adjust your fire.
  
• The true Bluetooth range: We connected any Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-capable thermometers and measured the true connection range. While walking away, we made sure to include signal obstacles, like garage doors and thick walls.

We Rated

• Accuracy: Above all, a thermometer should deliver an accurate temperature reading. We tested these thermometers in several applications, from an ice bath to monitoring an immersion circulator bath, boiling water, and grilling pork to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The more precise the reading, the higher the rating.
• Ease of Use: Aside from being easy to set up, we considered overall functionality. From setup to probe sharpness, wireless connectivity to notifications, we gave the highest ratings to the models that took the guesswork out of monitoring grilled pork loin or the temperature of a sous-vide water bath.
• Design: We took into consideration each model's probes, the ability to read the digital display, button placement and labeling, and magnet attachment or any other characteristics that made it easy to use.

About Our Testers

• Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
• Donna Currie, a seasoned food writer, cookbook author, and recipe developer, has tested hundreds of products for us over the past seven years. She's home-tested multiple wireless thermometers over the years and did a side-by-side test in . Of those, she continues to frequently use the same MEATER Plus at the grill and in the oven, a testament to its long-term durability.
• Irvin Lin is a writer, recipe developer, and photographer based in San Francisco. He is deeply geeky when it comes to baking and the accuracy of his equipment, which is why he highly recommends the Thermoworks Chef Alarm for the perfect bake.
  

Other Options We Tested

• NutriChef Smart Bluetooth BBQ Thermometer: We liked that this model was easy to set up and use and that the app offers a selection of presets as well as a temperature graph. We also liked the functionality of the app as a whole, but didn't like how low the alarm sound was (and we couldn't get the alarm notification on our ). It could be a great option for someone who wants a Bluetooth-ready device but doesn't want to spend a ton.
• Polder Classic Combination Meat Thermometer: This budget-friendly option has a loud alarm and is super simple to use, requiring very little setup to get going. It is pretty bare-bones, so if you're looking for a starter thermometer (or a backup version), this might be the right one for you.
• Cuisinart CBT-100 Bluetooth Easy Connect Meat Thermometer: We liked this sleek, 2-probe thermometer because it has a lot of functionality in its app. It also delivered wonderfully accurate readings and sounded its alarm through our smartphone. Where it faltered was in its range—we lost connectivity while only about 20 yards away. If you're planning on using this indoors and staying fairly close to the unit, that likely won't be a dealbreaker for you.
• OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Digital Leave-In Thermometer: We typically love OXO products around here, so we weren't surprised that we liked how easy this was to set up and use. Priced around $45, however, it felt expensive for its very basic functionality. We'd recommend this strictly for oven use, and not so much for the grill.
• Weber iGrill 2 Thermometer: While all the programming is done through the app, there is not a lot in the way of instruction so it took some tinkering to figure it out. The probe tips were blunter than others, which made them harder to insert, and the alarm was very quiet. While we liked the actual temperature monitoring performance and connectivity issues the learning curve with the app didn't jive with the high price tag.

What to Look For in a Meat Thermometer

Instant Read vs Meat Thermometer

Meat thermometers are meant to monitor temperature over a long period of time—think slow-cooked prime rib, sous-vide duck breast, or even in non-meat applications, like keeping tabs on a home-brewed batch of beer. This comes in handy for instances where you want to know the moment you reach a certain temperature.

Instant-read thermometers take the temperature of an item as soon as you insert the probe, and are not meant to be left inserted for a long period of time. This is ideal for checking the doneness of quicker cooking items, like burgers or pan-fried chicken breast.

Wired vs Wireless

Wired meat thermometers require you to check the actual thermometer for temperature readings, while wireless versions may allow you to monitor your cooking while roaming around your home or yard, thanks to a smartphone app or a dedicated portable receiver. If you're multitasking, a wireless option might be ideal, but you'll also want to consider if walls or other objects between you and your barbecue grill or oven might cause connectivity issues.

Temperature Range

Determine what you're going to be using the meat thermometer for. If it's roasting, grilling, and smoking meats, then a thermometer that goes up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit will be adequate. But other tasks, like making candy, require a higher temperature.

Extra Features

We like a thermometer with a large digital display, even better if it has a backlight for extra readability. Audible alarms—for both time and temperature—are also a feature found on many meat thermometers, with some offering different sound and/or volume settings. Other features that are great to have include Bluetooth capability, ports for multiple probes, and an assortment of presets to take the guesswork of how to achieve the perfect roast.

FAQs

What's the most accurate way to use a meat thermometer?

For most cooking applications, you'll want to insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, paying careful attention to avoid the bone or layer of fat. And make sure to stick it in enough, not just at the very top of the meat. This will let you see meat's true internal temperature so you can gauge doneness. For best results, consult the manual for your particular thermometer model.

How do you clean and take care of a meat thermometer?

Because you're often using a meat thermometer on raw meat, keeping it clean will help prevent cross-contamination. In most cases, you can wipe the probe down with a soapy, damp cloth and dry it thoroughly before using it again. Always consult your user's manual to see if there are any additional, device-specific instructions for cleaning.

What kind of thermometer can you leave in a grill or oven?

Many meat thermometers are actually designed to be left in the oven or grill and are resistant to fairly high temperatures. The best way to know is to read the specs and instructions of your chosen thermometer, ensuring that its materials are heat-resistant and can withstand long stints in the oven, smoker, or barbecue grill.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats

This piece was written by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. After a two-year stint at Williams-Sonoma Headquarters in San Francisco, she now researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight.

For more information, please visit Digital Meat Thermometer manufacturer.