Here's a secret that you wouldn't know by watching celebrity cooks on TV: everyone who is serious about grilling and barbeque uses an instant-read thermometer.
Even if you have years of cooking experience, the only way to know for sure that your meat is cooked properly is to use the best instant-read thermometer. Instant read thermometers will take the guesswork out of all your cooking adventures, which will make you more confident and your food more delicious.
Having the best instant-read thermometer is essential for any kitchen, and not just because it can mean the difference between an overcooked steak or a burnt pastry and the perfect juice entrée or fluffy dessert.
Instant read thermometers will also help you make sure that the food you're serving is cooked to the right temperature to protect those you love from foodborne illnesses.
The best instant-read thermometer will measure your food's temperature and show it on the display that's most often digital. Digital thermometers have the edge over old analog thermometers because it can give you a more accurate and quick temperature reading. In contrast, an analog will provide you with a temperature reading but will take a minute to give you a reading.
With so many on the market, how do you know which one is the best instant-read thermometer? In this article, we will go over the top eight best instant-read thermometers on the market today.
Best Overall - Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read Thermometer
This mid-priced instant-read thermometer is undoubtedly the best instant-read thermometer overall. The Javelin Pro Duo is easy to store because it's magnetic, which means you can hang it from your fridge and always have it handy.
Another great thing about this thermometer is that it's highly accurate, reading within 0.2 degrees F of the target temperature.
The handle and the probe, which fold into each other, allows you to keep a safe distance from the heating element while still maintaining control over the thermometer.
You can press a button on this instant-read thermometer to turn on an optional backlight, and if you hold the button for a couple of seconds", a "hold" setting is turned on.
This lightweight and sturdy digital thermometer might feel cheaper than some of the more expensive models on this list, but that's because it is.
Pros:
- The maximum temperature is 482 degrees F
- Fold-out probe
- Optional backlight
- Magnetic
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Quickly reads temperature
- Extremely accurate
Cons:
- Feels cheap
Best Premium – ThermoWorks Thermapen MK4
If you're a serious home cook or chef, the Thermoworks Thermapen MK4 is the best instant-read thermometer for you. It's extremely quick to read temperatures and is extremely accurate. It can measure precise temperatures in under two seconds.
Like the instant-read thermometer listed above, the handle is long enough that your hands will be away from the heating element but short enough to help you maintain control. It can read to a maximum temperature of 572 degrees F.
This thermometer will automatically power on when you fold it out and auto-sleeps when you don't touch it for more than 30 seconds, which is perfect for anyone who forgets to turn off their thermometers.
The display is easy to read and will automatically light up on a low setting when you unfold the device. The Thermapen MK4 is also waterproof; it's been tested underwater for 15 seconds and still worked fine.
Pros:
- A maximum temperature reading of 572 degrees F
- Automatic on/off
- Easy to use
- Automatic backlight
- Waterproof
- Feels comfortable and sturdy
- Quickly reads temperature
- Extremely accurate
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Budget – Thermopro TP19
If you're on the hunt for an inexpensive thermometer, this is the best instant-read thermometer for you. This sturdy instant-read thermometer will provide you with an extremely accurate temperature reading in just five seconds.
The display is bright and legible, which makes it easy for anyone to read. However, the probe is slightly difficult to pull out of the meat, and the rotating number function is too sensitive.
But these downsides aren't dealbreakers because, for this low price, you're not going to find a better instant-read thermometer.
Pros:
- A maximum temperature reading of 572 degrees F
- Magnetic
- Easy to use
- Sturdy
- Extremely accurate
Cons:
- Hard to pull out of your food
- The rotating number function is too sensitive
ThermoWorks Thermapen IR
This sturdy instant-read thermometer has all the accuracy and speed of the MK4 but has an added infrared sensor that gives you" an "instant no contact surface reading." However, the infrared sensor is less accurate than the probe end.
The probe can give you a temperature reading that's as accurate as the MK4, but the sensor can be off by two degrees F. However, the infrared sensor can read temperatures up to 661 degrees F – this is the highest maximum temperature of an instant-read thermometer on this list.
Pros:
- Probe reads a maximum temperature of 572 degrees F
- The sensor reads a maximum temperature of 661 degrees F
- Easy to use
- Fold-out probe
- Extremely accurate probe
- Quickly reads temperature
- An infrared sensor can read temperatures from five inches away
Cons:
- The infrared sensor isn't as accurate as the probe is
- Expensive
OXO Good Grips Thermocouple
This instant-read thermometer is more challenging to open than some of the other best instant-read thermometers on this list. Still, the accurate measurements and legible numbers make up for it.
Another great feature of this instant-read thermometer is that the rotating display is sensitive to giving you an accurate reading.
This is an easy to use and reliable thermometer. However, the handle feels plasticky and cheap and isn't as sturdy as the Thermapen MK4, so it might not be worth the money.
Pros:
- A maximum temperature reading of 572 degrees F
- Automatic on/off
- Functional rotating display
- Quickly reads temperature
- Accurate
Cons:
- Handle feels cheaply made
ThermoPro TP18
For those who want the best instant-read thermometer without all the frills and those on a budget, the ThermoPro TP18 is the best choice. It's accurate and quick, and at the price you're paying, it gets the job done.
It features a magnetic handle and light-up display, but the handle isn't very sturdy, and the button that releases the probe isn't the best. This is probably a great option for a home cook that doesn't care about their thermometer's aesthetics or physical quality.
Pros:
- A maximum temperature reading of 572 degrees F
- Easy to read
- Magnetic
- Inexpensive
- Quickly reads temperatures
- Extremely accurate
Cons:
- Isn't very sturdy
Lavatools Javelin
This is a small-sized instant-read thermometer that's quick and gives off accurate temperature readings, making it the best instant-read thermometer for on the go readings. It's easy to use and very lightweight but feels sturdier than the other inexpensive thermometers on this list.
However, the display doesn't have a backlight, which can make it hard to read. This is more of a compact product instead of a thermometer meant for everyday use.
Pros:
- A maximum temperature reading of 482 degrees F
- Magnetic
- Easy to use
- Accurate
- Compact
Cons:
- The display doesn't have a backlight
ThermoWorks ThermoPop
This is a hugely popular instant-read thermometer. However, it doesn't fold up to a more compact size. The buttons can be hard to press, and the tiny handle doesn't give you much room to hold the thermometer to avoid the heat.
However, the plastic cover is great for storage, and it features a no-nonsense approach. Overall, the best thing about this instant-read thermometer is how simple and accurate it is.
Pros:
- A maximum temperature reading of 572 degrees F
- The plastic cover is included
- Easy to use
- Accurate
Cons:
- Small handle
- The probe doesn't fold into the handle
What is the Best Instant Read Thermometer?
The best instant-read thermometer is exactly how it sounds: a meat thermometer that instantly reads the temperature of your food. When you use one correctly, it can help ensure that the food you're cooking is safe and sanitary to serve.
Most instant-read thermometers feature a handle with a display that shows the temperature and has a stainless-steel probe at the end that gets inserted into the food.
Most of the instant-read thermometers on the market today are digital, which means that you have to insert the thermometer probe into your food and then take it out once you’re done with your temperature reading.
Simply put, an instant-read thermometer checks your food to make sure that it has been cooked to the right temperature, so it’s not overdone or underdone.
Why Do I Need One?
Having a kitchen thermometer is absolutely essential for any kitchen. Sometimes all that separates an airy and light dessert from a drab and dense mess are a few degrees.
More importantly, the best instant-read thermometer will prevent you from giving anyone food poisoning. This is because you always have to make sure that the meat you plan to eat or serve is cooked at the right temperature – otherwise, you'll be putting yourself and others at risk for illnesses spread from food, like e. Coli or salmonella.
Having the best instant-read thermometer will put any worries you might have about your food being cooked aside.
How Quick is Instant?
The best instant-read thermometer should provide you with an accurate reading within a few seconds of inserting it into your food. The thermometers on this list took between two to five seconds to give a temperature reading.
Meat Thermometer vs. Instant Read Thermometer
You must remember that an instant-read thermometer is very different than a meat thermometer.
Instant read thermometers are perfect for taking a quick temperature measurement, but meat thermometers tend to be meant for leaving inside the meat while it cooks (think Thanksgiving turkey).
Analog vs. Digital Instant-Read Thermometers
You can either get a digital or analog instant-read thermometer. A digital thermometer will show you the temperature in numerals, sort of like a digital watch. An analog thermometer uses a more classic face, like a clock.
Analog ones have to be calibrated to ensure that it's giving you an accurate reading. To calibrate your analog thermometer, you want to submerge the probe in ice water and let it sit there for a few minutes. If the dial doesn't read 32 degrees F, use a small wrench to loosen the nut behind the dial. Then rotate the dial to the right temperature.
How to Clean Instant Read Thermometers
Instant read thermometers are great tools for preventing foodborne illnesses, but you must clean them properly to prevent cross-contamination.
When you're done using your thermometer, make sure you're sanitizing the probe before putting it away or using it on another food item.
To clean your instant-read thermometer, wash the probe in warm water and then disinfect it using alcohol.
For specific cleaning instructions, read the instruction manual that comes with your instant-read thermometer.
Using an Instant Read Thermometer
Instant read thermometers come in handy in several different ways. But the most important way is that it quickly tells you the internal temperature of your food.
To use an instant-read thermometer to read the chicken's internal temperature, simply insert the probe into the chicken's thickest part – typically on the thigh.
One thing to avoid is piercing the chicken too many times, this can cause the juices to leak out and the chicken to become dry.
What to Look for in the Best Instant Read Thermometer
Type of Probe
The best probes are thermocouple probes because they provide you with accurate and fast temperature readings. They typically have two tiny wires at the very tip of the probe.
When the probe is inserted into the food you're cooking, the heat will cause the voltage to appear across the meat tips, and a meter uses the voltage to calculate the temperature.
The Thermanpen MK4 has a thermocouple probe and is one of the most accurate instant-read thermometers on this list.
The other type of probe is called the thermistor probe. These aren't suited for quick temperature readings and have a large margin of error.
Precision and Accuracy
If you aren't able to trust what your thermometer is telling you, then you might as well throw it away and take a guess.
The best news is that even the most affordable instant-read thermometers, such as the Lavaworks Javelin, you can expect an accurate reading of +/- 0.90 degrees F.
Temperature Reading Speed
Instant read thermometers that take longer than ten seconds to give you a reading are just going to cause you a headache in the long run. This is because you don't want to be waiting a long time with the oven door open while you wait for a reading. It isn't even about heat loss.
You need to get up close and personal with the oven/grill and even stick the thermometer into the food. The sooner you get a reading, the less time you will spend reaching into the hot heating element.
Price
You might want to fork out some money to get a high-quality leave-in thermometer that has a ton of functionality, but the best instant-read thermometer is a much smaller and simpler tool to use. You can find instant-read thermometers that are extremely affordable that are also accurate.
So, why would you spend hundreds of dollars on a leave-in thermometer when you can have the convenience of an instant-read thermometer for a more affordable price?
Temperature Range
What will you be using your instant-read thermometer for? If you're mostly going to be using it for meat, then an instant-read thermometer with a temperature range of 32 degrees F to 392 degrees F will be just fine.
But we can honestly say that once you have an instant-read thermometer, you'll be checking the temperature of everything. So, if you start to do this, having a wide temperature range is a must.
Build Quality
Just as you buy anything, you want it to last for years to come no matter how much you spend on it. Instant read thermometers might be small, but most are built to withstand moisture and high temperatures.
You don't want to spend a bunch of money on an instant-read thermometer just to have it break within the first use because it's not durable. It's best to purchase a durable, high-quality instant-read thermometer the first time around to avoid this disaster.
Additional Features
There are some additional features that you might want to have in your instant-read thermometer. Some of these might include an auto shut on and off function, a backlit screen, and water-resistant. But choosing what features you want your instant-read thermometer to have is all based on personal preference and your cooking habits.
How to See if Your Instant Read Thermometer is Accurate
There are a couple of easy tests that you can do to test if your instant-read thermometer is accurate. They're called the boiling water and ice water tests. It's
It's always a good idea to check your thermometer's accuracy when you first open it to make sure that it has been appropriately calibrated. You should check the accuracy of your instant-read thermometer every year or after it's been put through some abuse (i.e., getting wet or dropped).
By checking your thermometer's accuracy, you won't have to ever worry about overcooking or undercooking your food because you'll know that it's accurate within a specific temperature range. This, again, takes the guesswork out of your cooking experience and will make your food even more delicious.
Boiling Water Test
Before starting this test, there are a few additional measurements that you have to take into consideration. Water boils at different temperatures depending on the altitude you're at and the atmospheric pressure that day.
If you like a little bit of math, then go ahead with this method. It's also worth noting that hard water boils at about one to two degrees higher than soft water, and if you use a narrow, tall pot to boil your water, it will boil about one degree higher than if you boil it in a wider, shorter pot.
How to Check the Accuracy of Your Thermometer Using the Boiling Water Method:
- Figure out your boiling point
- Pour about four inches of water into a wide-mouthed pot
- Bring the water to a boil
- Insert the instant-read thermometer probe about two inches into the water, then gently stir the water with the probe for about ten seconds, then take a reading
Don't forget that you need to account for the accuracy level your thermometer has been rated for. If the temperature reading you get from this test is within the +/- accuracy limit of your thermometer, you have a thermometer that's working great.
Ice Water Test
This method is less complicated than the boiling water test because atmospheric pressure and altitude don't come into play. If you've prepared your ice water correctly, then the reading should always be 32 degrees F.
How to Check the Accuracy of Your Thermometer Using the Ice Water Method:
- Using a tall glass, fill it to the top with ice cubes. If possible, always use ice cubes instead of crushed ice
- Fill the glass with cold water
- Gently stir the ice water for around 15 seconds – this makes sure that the temperature is even throughout the glass
- Place the thermometer probe into the glass about two inches deep
- Gently stir the water with the thermometer probe for around 15 seconds before you take a reading
Make sure that you keep the probe moving. Don't let the probe sit against the ice, leave it in the water below the ice, or touch the glass's surface, as this can affect the reading.
What to Do if Your Instant Read Thermometer Isn't Accurate
Before we get started, we must clarify what inaccurate means. Even the high-quality thermometers can be off by one or two degrees, so if this is the case with your thermometer, there's absolutely no reason to contact the manufacturer with a complaint.
This is very normal; you just have to consider that difference when you're performing your test. You'll find that if your instant-read thermometer is old or a cheaper model, you can expect a difference up to +/- five degrees. If this happens and the difference bothers you, you might want to upgrade.
Take into consideration how accurate you need your instant-read thermometer to be. If yours isn't as accurate as you need it to be, it might be time to invest in the best instant read thermometer.
It's always a good idea to keep track of the calibrations so you can monitor the performance of your instant-read thermometer over a period of time.
Misuse of your thermometer can lead to the tool falling out of spec more often. Keeping a record of temperature readings can help you take action to preserve your thermometer's useful lifespan.
So, if your thermometer is off by +/- 20 degrees F, then you're going to have some problems. If you have a high-quality thermometer, you should have the ability to contact the manufacturer.
They should have the tools that are necessary to recalibrate the thermometer for you. However, a few models out there will allow you to recalibrate them by yourself – read the instruction manual for your thermometer.
Unfortunately, if you've purchased a cheaper model, recalibration might not be an option. But it's always worth checking your instant read thermometer's warranty to see if you have recourse.
Final Thoughts
You'll find that spending a little extra on the best instant read thermometer is the best decision you can make. If you can afford to spend more money on an instant read thermometer, go with one of the premium options listed above.
We hope that you've learned from this article how to pick the best instant read thermometer, how to care for it, and how to calibrate your thermometer to ensure that it will last for years to come.
The products listed above are deemed the best instant thermometers on the market today and will hopefully guide your instant read thermometer buying experience.
Understanding how and when to use instant-read thermometers will take out any guesswork in cooking your favorite meals, which means that you'll be more confident in what you're cooking and serving to your family and friends. It also means that you'll be reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Choosing the best instant read thermometer doesn't have to be a difficult decision. If you use this guide, you'll be able to find the best instant read thermometer for your cooking needs.
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