The 5 Best Meat Thermometers
A meat thermometer is a very important tool to have in the kitchen. By keeping an eye on the temperature, you avoid the risk of undercooking your food, leading to the possibility of food poisoning, salmonella, or E. coli. Conversely, you also avoid overcooking your food which would lead to a sad, dry, tasteless piece of meat.
Meat thermometers have come a long way since the traditional dials with a needle, so here is our list for the top 5 modern meat thermometers.
What Is a Meat Thermometer?
A meat thermometer is a thermometer that is used to measure the internal temperature of meat and other foods. Meat thermometers are used especially in roasting or grilling, where the level of "doneness" plays an integral role to the quality of the final dish.
A meat thermometer can help ensure that food is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria, but not so high as to lose the flavor and texture of the meat. Different types and cuts of meat have different levels that they need to be cooked to, so make sure to look into those numbers when cooking with a meat thermometer.
Best 5 Meat Thermometers
CDN ProAccurate Thermometer DTQ450X
This is a great instant-read thermometer for those looking for a device that is basic and inexpensive. According to professional tests, the CDN ProAccurate thermometer returns readings that are accurate to two degrees Fahrenheit. This thermometer is also capable of returning a reading within 6 seconds, which is just as fast as many thermometers that are significantly more expensive. Users also appreciate how easy it is to calibrate and clean this thermometer.
Polder Digital In-Oven Thermometer/Timer
While there are plenty of instant-read thermometers available, if you're going to do any kind of slow cooking with an oven, then you'll need a leave-in thermometer. Recommended by Consumer Reports, not only does the Polder Digital In-Oven thermometer help you keep track of temperature without needing to open the oven door, but it also features a timer, so you can just set the desired temperature and wait for the device to notify you when you've reached it. Users appreciate that the controls for the thermometer and timer are intuitive and easy-to-learn as well.
ThermoWorks Super-Fast Thermapen
The first thing to note is that the ThermoWorks Super-Fast Thermapen comes with a high price-tag. But despite that, it has garnered rave reviews from professionals and users alike, with nearly a five-star rating out of nearly 700 reviews on Amazon. This instant-read thermometer returns a temperature reading within 3 seconds and is exceptionally accurate. The sensor is located at the very tip of the probe, allowing greater accuracy in determining what part of the meat is at what temperature. Finally, the ease-of-use is something that is well-loved by both professional chefs and amateur cooks.
Taylor Weekend Warrior Digital Thermometer
For those that find themselves cooking outdoors, the Taylor Weekend Warrior is a great instant-read thermometer. Recommended by Consumer Reports, the waterproof design and backlit LCD screen on this thermometer makes it perfect for outdoor use. This Taylor thermometer also includes additional features such as automatic shut-off to save battery life, and an antimicrobial sleeve.
ThermoWorks ChefAlarm Cooking Probe
We round off our list of meat thermometers with another pricier, but highly well-reviewed model by ThermoWorks. The ChefAlarm Cooking Probe is a leave-in thermometer that is extremely loved by users for its high quality and durability. The probe is capable of measuring temperatures of up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit and the cable can withstand heat up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, this thermometer can return temperature readings within 4 seconds, making it as fast as many instant-read thermometers.
And those are our recommendations for the best meat thermometers. As always, be sure to check out the Wise Bread Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!
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