The Best Instant Thermometer
1. ThermoPro TP03 Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Key Features
Temperature range of -58°F – 572°F
Accurate temperature reading to within ±0.9°F
Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales
Backlit screen – LED display that is clear and large
Probe is 3.9 inches long which keeps fingers away from hot food
Magnetic and hook storage options for keeping it near the cooking area
Offering a smart design and instant readout, the ThermoPro TP03 Instant Read Meat Thermometer gives temperature readings in the range of -58 degrees F up to 572 degrees F and will switch between degrees F and degrees C with ease. Sufficient for all your culinary needs, it is reliable and accurate to ±0.9 degrees F and gives the readout in three to five seconds.
It features a thin-tipped food-grade stainless steel probe containing the precision sensor which folds away safely and locks into the base when it is not being used. It releases using a pop-up button. Because the probe is 3.9 inches long, you can avoid burning your fingers as you’re looking at the temperature of your meat. There is a useful hook and a magnet fitted to the thermometers so that they can be stored within easy reach. These digital thermometers have a backlight and LCD display – they are using on/off buttons and require a single AAA battery that is included. This meat thermometer can also be used for bread, coffee, candy, and homebrew. beverages. A useful guide to the recommended cooking temperatures for different meats is printed on the side of the thermometer.
Pros
Probe can be folded away when you don’t want it
You can read the thermometer in between 3 seconds and 5 seconds
Long probe – keeps your hand away from your cooking
Thermometer comes with a battery included
Clear and bright LCD display
Cons
Read out is not instant
No auto off feature to save the battery
2. Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Key Features
Water-resistant case
Wide temperature range -58°F up to 572°F
Easy to read bright LCD digital display
Gives reading in just 2 seconds
Retractable food-grade stainless steel probe
Auto power off in 10 seconds to save power
If you are looking for a fast instant-read thermometer, the Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer could be the best choice for you. You can read thermometer temperatures on these devices in just 2 seconds and it gives accurate temperature readings to within one degree which may earn the respect of the most discerning home cook!
A stand out feature of these kitchen thermometers is the water-resistant body that allows you to wash it under running water and it is even strong enough to withstand accidental knocks. It offers a bright LCD display with a large digital readout and a backlight. In order to save battery power, it switches itself off after 10 minutes. This instant-read digital thermometer comes with a retractable probe made from food-grade stainless steel that folds 180 degrees back into the body. When you don’t need to use it, it can be stored away quickly using the magnet or hanging hole. It comes gift packaged with two 3V CR2032 batteries, a cooking ebook, and a meat temperature guide – making it a perfect housewarming or birthday gift.
Pros
Fast and accurate read out
Turns off after 10 minutes to save battery
Waterproof and robust casing
Probe retracts when not in use for safety
Cons
May not be fast enough if you need instant results
Probe is not as long as in some other models
3. Habor Instant Read Thermometer
Key Features
Extra long probe useful for BBQs and large joints of meats
Three color options to choose from
Clear digital display in degrees F or C
You can read the thermometer in six seconds
Wide temperature range application
Auto power off after 10 minutes
If you don’t want your hands anywhere near your cooking, these digital read thermometers have a probe that is 4.7 inches long and perfectly suited for checking the internal temperature of large turkeys and chickens and other big joints of meat. It is also useful for bread making and jam making. It is available in three colors and features a clear LCD digital display.
You can have the readout in Celsius or Fahrenheit using the Habor Instant Read Thermometer and it has a temperature range from -58 degrees F to 572 degrees F. It has a step-down probe that delivers an accurate reading within four to six seconds. If these digital read thermometers have not been used for 10 minutes, they turn themselves off to save lengthen the life of the battery. The probe has a sleek black protective cover with a clip so that you can store it where you can find it quickly.
Pros
Display is very clear to read
Useful for larger joints of meat
Read out is in degrees F or C
Auto off to save power
Internal temperature available in six seconds
Cons
Takes up more room because probe does not retract
Read out is slower than in some other thermometers
4. Lavatools Javelin PRO Digital Instant Thermometer
Key Features
Professional standard accuracy and durability
Instant read thermometer giving results in 1 second
Stabilization alert to let you know that the thermometer readout is an accurate temperature
Works at any angle – no matter how you hold it
4000 hours of battery life
Auto off feature to save power
A truly instant-read thermometer, the Lavatools Javelin PRO Digital Instant Thermometer gives a readout in one to three seconds with an accuracy of at least ±0.9°F. This professional standard instant-read thermometer has a range of -40 to 482°F and can be switched to a degrees C if required. For reliable results, there is an intelligent stabilization alert – this lets you know when the temperature is reliable enough for you to read.
For ease of use, these Javelin PRO meat thermometers feature one of the best displays available – it is a 2-inch display that provides 360 degree viewing, giving you a clear view of the readout, no matter what hand you are holding it in or at what angle. You can expect more than 4000 hours of use from the battery but there is an auto-off feature also. The case of the Javelin PRO instant-read thermometers is strong and has antimicrobial elements – it comes with a useful attachment point for a lanyard.
Pros
Robust case with antimicrobial properties
Very large and clear LCD digital display
Highly accurate meat thermometer for safety
Wide temperature range
Lanyard attachment point
Cons
Higher price than more basic models
Numbers can sometimes over-rotate making it hard to read
5. Etekcity Infrared Thermometer
Key Features
Infrared digital instant-read thermometer giving results in under a second
Easy to use by pulling the trigger
Robust case for indoor and outdoor use
Locks digital reading for 15 seconds
Temperature range of -58°F and 716°F
2 degrees C accuracy
These are accurate digital read thermometers that require no physical contact with the food so you don’t have to get close to the smoker, BBQ or oven to test the temperature of your food or the doneness of your meat. It comes in an attractive black or blue case and can be used indoors and outdoors thanks to the durable paint coating that reduces wear and tear. This instant-read thermometer uses infrared technology to measure temperatures between -58°F and 716°F and will convert readings to degrees C. The large digital display is easy to read and locks the reading for 15 seconds so that it can be recorded.
Results are displayed in a fraction of a second on the Infrared Pick – Etekcity Infrared Thermometer and with the pinpoint accuracy of within 2 degrees C. To use, you simply point the device and press the trigger.
Pros
Infrared technology
Gives results in under a second
Doesn’t require physical contact with food
Large digital display
Temperature range of -58°F and 716°F
Cons
Only measures the external temperature
Larger than a probe thermometer
6. ThermoPro TP18 Ultra Fast Digital Instant Thermometer
Key Features
Instant read thermometers giving results in two to three seconds
Accurate over temperatures between 14°F to 572°F
Easy to read large digits
90 second shut off to make sure you save the battery life
Food grade stainless steel probe
Probe folds away when not in use
The functional ThermoPro TP18 Ultra Fast Digital Instant Thermometer is just what you need to make sure that your meat is thoroughly cooked without breaking the bank. These instant-read thermometers will give a reading in two to three seconds thanks to the advanced thermocouple technology. It offers an accuracy level of ±0.9°F over a temperature range of 14 degrees F to 572 degrees F.
The backlit LED display has extra-large digits that are luminous so that they are clear when cooking inside or outdoors. Batteries are included and to save the battery, there is a 90-second auto shut off. To make sure that you have time to clearly see the display on these instant-read thermometers, it locks the reading long after the probe has been removed. The probe is four inches long and made from food grade stainless steel. When not in use, the probe folds 180 degrees back into the casing and the magnet or the hook can be used to hang it anywhere in the cooking area or garden.
Pros
Low cost meat thermometers that won’t break the bank
Gives an accurate internal temperature
Auto shut off to save battery life
Reading lock makes it an excellent thermometer for meat at high temperatures
Magnet and probe for storage
Cons
Casing is not very robust
Can get slippery when wet
7. Inkbird Waterproof Instant Read Thermometer
Key Features
Waterproof case design for ease of cleaning
Accurate to within 2°F for precision cooking
180 degree fold away probe sensor
Rechargeable battery and USB charging cable
Backlit LED display that is easy to read
Can be used for temperatures from -58°F to 572°F
The Inkbird Waterproof Instant Read Thermometer helps you to quickly read temperatures inside the meat and check that it is cooked when you don’t want to have to remove it from the kitchen oven, indoor grill, or smoker. This useful kitchen thermometer gives accurate readings to within 1 degree C (within 2 degrees F) over a range of temperature of -58 degrees F to 572 degrees F. As well as being a meat thermometer, it is also useful for different types of food such as yogurt, chocolate, and cheese.
If you’re looking for a good thermometer with a 180 degree foldaway probe, auto shut-off, and a magnet for convenient storage, these instant-read thermometers would be a great choice. They are also provided with a rechargeable battery and a backlit LED display. It comes with a USB charging cable and full instructions on how to calibrate it.
Pros
Easy to keep clean thanks to the water-resistant thermometer casing
Large temperature display to easily read temperatures
LCD display is backlit to make it clear
Stores temperatures to give you time to get a good look at it
Magnet makes it easy to store near cooking appliances
Cons
Probe movement is not very smooth
Calibration is tricky
8. ThermoPro TP19 Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer
Key Features
Easy to clean under running water
Coating reduces cross-contamination for food safety
Results are delivered in a few seconds
Display locks for reading after thermometer is removed from food
Display also rotates around 180 degrees
Temperature reading is ±0.9 degrees accurate
Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is easy with the ThermoPro TP19 Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer as it can be washed under running water. These meat thermometers can also be used for many other cooking applications and give results in just 2 to 3 seconds so you don’t have to spend ages leaning over the BBQ or with the smoker door open. The temperature reading is ±0.9 degrees accurate. There is a special coating on the case to reduce cross-contamination and ensure safety and the probe folds back into the case.
For added convenience, the temperature display locks to give you time to take the thermometer out of the heat to check the temperature. The display also rotates around 180 degrees so that you can always see it. It automatically senses movement and switches itself on and off as required. It has both a magnet and a handle so that it can be stored near your cooking station.
Pros
Very accurate results for precise cooking
Waterproof and therefore clean up is simple
Delivers fast temperature results
Accurate temperature results from the thermocouple probe
Probe folds away when not in use
Cons
No alarm to indicate temperature has stabilized
Readings can be a bit slow to stabilize
9. ThermoPro TP01A Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Key Features
Inexpensive and functional design
Extra long probe – 5.3 inches for larger joints
Clear LCD digital display screen
Backlighting for clear display in low light conditions
Range of -58°F to 572°F
Hold temperature button
The ThermoPro TP01A Instant Read Meat Thermometer is a basic and inexpensive kitchen thermometer that is the best choice for householders who are on a tight budget. It features one of the longest probes that you can get on meat thermometers – measuring 5.3 inches. The stainless steel probe does not fold into the casing but delivers results within six seconds to the clear LCD digital screen. The display is backlit so that you can use it in poor lighting.
It is supplied with batteries and has an auto shut off to preserve battery life. These thermometers can be used at temperatures from -58 degrees F to 572 degrees F and have button operation for the light and the hold temperature function. They are supplied with a guard for the probe tip and have a hook so that you can hang them up in the kitchen.
Pros
Simple and reasonably priced thermometer
Works over a broad range of temperatures for all types of cooking
LCD screen is easy to use even in low light
Useful guard to protect the tip of the probe
Auto shut off prolongs the life of the battery
Cons
Probe does not fold away when not in use
Casing is not waterproof – probe must be wiped clean
10. OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Read Thermometer
Key Features
Very large digital display for clarity
Switches between degrees F and degrees C at the press of a button
Can be used on temperatures ranging between -40°F and 302°F
Long stainless steel probe keeps hands away from heat source
Cover to protect probe when not in use
Accurate and robust case design
Featuring an extra-large digital display (analog dial also available), the OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Read Thermometer is a classic meat thermometer and one of the best choices for simple temperature control in your kitchen. You can get the display in Fahrenheit or Celsius and it will record temperatures between -40 degrees F and 302 degrees F.
It includes a long stainless steel probe with a protective shield on which is printed the recommended internal cooking temperatures for different meats. A simple button switches between degrees F and degrees C.
Pros
Robust and simple design to use
Can be used in Fahrenheit or Celsius scale
Long stainless steel probe to reach into larger joints
Meat cooking temperatures guide included on the protective sleeve
Wide range of temperatures measured accurately
Cons
Casing is not waterproof
No handle or magnet for easy storage
Features To Consider With Instant Thermometers
Once you have purchased a kitchen thermometer, you will wonder how you managed without it! The best thermometers have a range of useful features that make your cooking simpler and safer. Here's a list of the main features that you need to look out for.
Accuracy
To make sure that your food is safe to eat, it is best to get an accurate thermometer that gives a precise temperature reading for the center of the meat joint or poultry that you are cooking. You will need to know the accuracy of the device before you purchase it and this is usually given in the product description as +/- a certain number of degrees. Most are accurate to within one or two degrees F.
The thermometer should remain accurate long enough for most domestic use but some can be re-calibrated if you need to. Instructions on how to do this using boiling water and ice water will be provided. In general, the more expensive models that are designed for professional use will be more accurate.
You May Also Like: Digital Kitchen Scales
Durability
A kitchen can be a hostile environment for all your devices. You need to take care with water and with heat when using your thermometer. All thermometers will be able to withstand a certain level of heat and the temperature ranges over which they can operate will be given in the specification. If you intend to use it when cooking at very high temperatures, such as in a deep fryer, this is worth checking out. You may also want to get a device that is waterproof if you intend to use it outside or if you want to clean it under running water or pour boiling water over the probe to clean it.
If you have particular concerns about durability, it is worth checking out the warranty. The best warranties that you can get are for three years but most will be for two years.
Magnet
The best thermometers are always at hand when you need them. With these thermometers, you are able to attach them near your cooking station to a metal surface using a built-in magnet which is the best option. Others have a handle so that they can either be attached to a lanyard (for professional use) or hung up with the other kitchen utensils.
Length Of Probe
The best thermometers have a long probe that you insert into the meat or whatever food you are cooking. If you like to cook or smoke large chickens or turkeys or large joints of meat, you will need to look at meat thermometers that have very long probes so that you can be sure that you are checking the center of the food. The probe should be made from food-grade stainless steel.
When you are using a thermometer meat joints will have a central zone that is the last place to get cooked properly. This is where the bacteria could survive and this is where the probe must reach. Some probes are as long as 5 inches. The only downside with these is that they are more difficult to store as the probe probably won't fold into the case. Look out for models that provide a protective case or sheath to protect the probe from damage and to prevent the probe from damaging you!
Ease Of Use
There is no point in getting a thermometer that is difficult to use. You need one with a surface that is easy to grab hold of. When you are using digital kitchen thermometers meat joints have to be punctured. If you would rather not have large holes in the meat, get one that has a very narrow probe.
Also, look out for how easy it is to change the display from degrees F to degrees C, if at all, and how easy it is to clearly see the screen display. You may want to get a model that will store the temperature for a while, giving you time to take the probe out of the meat before reading it. This saves you from having to lean into the smoker or over the BBQ to read the temperature which can be very uncomfortable. A non-slip case is also a bonus.
Rotating Screen
Manufacturers try to make the digital display of thermometers as clear as possible. For that reason, many screens are quite large and they often have a backlit display so that they can be used in low light conditions. However, we often have to use digital read thermometers in awkward positions and therefore many of them have a rotating screen that allows you to get a good look at the temperatures from any angle no matter how you are holding the thermometer. This is a very useful feature and is usually available in the more expensive models.
Maximum/Minimum Temperature
You need a thermometer that reads the temperatures that you think you will be cooking your food at. Some devices have been tested at a wider range than others. The temperature range will be indicated using a lower and upper limit. Deep fat frying uses very high temperatures to cook food so if this is something that you do frequently, you will need a thermometer that can cope with very high temperatures and still maintain accuracy.
Speed
These devices are called instant-read thermometers for a reason! They deliver digital instant-read results - some you can read in 4 seconds to 6 seconds but others are as quick as one second. Speed is very important when you are checking the inside temperature of food in some situations. Smokers are a particular concern. As soon as you open the door of the smoker, you lose smoke and heat and this will affect the results of your meat of fish. The quicker the thermometer stabilizes on an accurate reading the better.
When you are barbecuing food, you will have to lean over the heat to use the thermometer and that is not very pleasant! It is a highly desirable feature for the temperature to be available quickly. It is a good idea to check out the reviews for a product before you buy it because, in practice, some devices are not as quick as the specifications would suggest.