Do you want to cook your food perfectly to the recommended temperature? Well, you need to get a good digital thermometer for that.
Having a good thermometer will make your cooking experience much easier, telling you when is the right moment to remove the meat from the grill or oven, achieving that delicious, juicy pink center and enhanced flavor.
In this guide, we will take a look at some of the most popular models on the market today and choose which one is truly the best digital meat thermometer among them all.
We will take a look at their construction, how they work, features, warranty and everything else you need to know.
Note: If you are in a hurry, you can use the table below for quick navigation or just click here to jump directly to our editor’s conclusion.
In a Rush? Here's Our Editor's Conclusion:
Quick Comparison Table
Name | Temperature Range | Dimensions (in) | Price Range | Our Rating | | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 - 572 °F | 2.5 × 1 × 4.8 | $$ | ||||
| -40 - 482 °F | 4.5 × 1.4 × 0.8 | $ | ||||
| 32 - 572 °F | 6.4 × 2.4 × 5.9 | $$ | ||||
| 32 - 392 °F | 9 × 4.8 × 1.2 | $$ | ||||
| 32 - 572 °F | 6.4 × 2.4 × 5.9 | $$ | ||||
How We Choose Products on This List?
To narrow down the hundreds of options available on the online market, we based our main selection on three main principles and then continued on a vertical scale on other factors.
The three main factors we based our research are the Functionality, Customer Reviews & Price.
After the products pass all the three main factors, then we considered them based on their features, warranty, construction, etc.
Finally, on these lists, we decided to add in total five models, each for being unique and great on its own way and really being the best digital meat thermometer for its target niche and purpose.
Some are compatible with oven, some are best when used on the grill while some others are good at both.
We have included a winner for each category and It is up to you to choose which one suits your purpose better.
Reviews of the Best Digital Meat Thermometers
1. Maverick ET-733 - Best Smoker/Grill Thermometer
Technical Details:
As a first option to consider we have the Maverick ET-733 model.
This model has become one of the most popular and most sold bbq thermometers on the market today.
Maverick is a well-known manufacturer to produce high-quality products and consistently getting good reviews has brought it to become the best choice by everyone.
This particular model comes with two probes included, which will allow you to monitor the temperature of the food and the cooking chamber at the same time.
The maximum range of transmitting is up to 300 feet away so you won’t have any problem if you plan to use it around your home.
The probes wires are three feet long and they are rated to resist a maximum temperature of 716 Degrees Fahrenheit.
When you first take this unit out of the box, the setup is pretty straightforward. If you have used a wireless meat thermometer before, you will easily figure it out. The transmitter connects to the two probes, which you will put inside the smoker or grill.
After the probe is connected and selected, you can choose the temperature that you want.
Maverick ET733 model has 15 pre-programmed presets for different types of meat for you to choose from. They include beef, lamb, pork, chicken, veal, deer, elk, moose, buffalo, rabbit, boar, duck, bird, and fish. As you can see, it is suitable for beginners and for master cookers which like to try and cook not-so-common meats.
Also, if you want to set a custom temperature, you can do it using the manual settings offered.
One cool feature of this model is the audible alarm sound which notifies you when the temperature goes more or less the preferred point. If you want, you can turn this feature off even though we find it very helpful.
Maverick ET-733 Package
As the unit is battery powered, the backlight goes out after about 5 seconds. For a lot of people, it may be good as it saves battery life and is enough to read the temperature but if you are using the thermometer in the dark, it may take a bit more than 5 seconds to fully understand the temperature from the display.
Overall, the Maverick ET-733 is a very good option and one of the best smoker thermometers you can find. We think that this is very suitable for you that are planning to use the smoker often as the low and slow cook will enhance the features of this model even more.
- Also Read: Maverick ET-733 Full Review
Pros
Cons
2. Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo - Best Digital Meat Thermometer
Technical Details:
Next, we have the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo model.
We think that this is one of the best digital thermometers in the market today. Based on our tests, this model was consistently accurate and quicker in reading temperatures than most of the other models featured in this list.
It has a simple to use design, just like any other instant read thermometer, but what makes this model stand out is its IP65 Splash Resistant Construction, making it very durable for everyday use.
It features a 2” LCD backlit screen on top, which is also anti-fog for easier readings and has a power saving mode, which automatically turns the backlighting off. The unit also goes into sleep mode if you don’t use it for one hour but wakes up as soon as you move it.
The power saving and sleep mode are very useful especially if you forget to fold down the probe, which automatically turns it off.
As for the temperature range, the Javelin Pro has one of the widest variety of measuring temperatures, ranging between -40°F and 482°F, with the ability to show and save the maximum and minimum temperatures detected on your current session.
One small touch we like is the beeping sound it does when the temperature stabilizes, so you don’t have to wonder and check if the unit has detected the temperature or not. It has the ability to read the temperature in 2-3 seconds, so it is pretty fast.
It doesn’t have a push button neither, but it shows automatically the temperature rising or falling. In the back, it has an integrated magnet for convenient storage.
Overall, the Javelin Pro is simple to use and very accurate digital meat thermometer. It is one of the best overall options you can get, all coming at an affordable price point and with a 3-year warranty as well.
Pros
Cons
3. ThermoPro TP20 - Best Overall Food Thermometer
Technical Details:
Next, we have another classic option on the list. The ThermoPro TP20 is also a very well known and established model when it comes to digital food thermometers.
It comes with dual probes and transmitter, giving you the ability to monitor multiple foods at the same time.
You can leave the transmitter and probe on the grill without any problem and go up to 300 feet away. If the transmitter goes more than that, it will signal you using a built-in alarm feature.
As for construction, the ThermoPro TP20 features a shockproof, durable design, capable of resisting everyday use and high temperatures.
It has a clear and backlit LCD display, with a simple interface, suitable for everyone.
This model can read temperatures ranging between 32°F to 572°F, more than enough for most types of meat.
If you plan to measure anything frozen, this model is not compatible below freezing point temperatures.
ThermoPro TP-20 Package
Just like its direct competitor, Maverick, this model has pre-programmed meat temperature presets, which will help you set up and start cooking faster. All you have to do is connect the probes and select the desired temperature for the type of meat you are cooking.
The unit has also an alarm feature, which will notify you when a certain temperature is reached.
And if the desired type of meat is not pre-programmed, you can choose the exact temperature you want the unit to alarm you for.
Overall, the ThermoPro is a top of the line digital meat thermometer. It has everything you may ask from such a device: durable design, long range, pre-programmed profiles, and affordable price.
- Also Read: ThermoPro TP20 Full Review
Pros
Cons
4. Taylor Precision - Best Digital Oven Thermometer
Technical Details:
The Taylor Precision can be considered the best oven digital meat thermometer.
It is capable of providing great results for beginners and professional cookers.
The construction makes it very suitable for this product to be used in the oven as it has a durable stainless steel probe with a 4-foot silicone cord, which will allow you to monitor your food without removing it from the oven.
The stand-up display makes it easy for countertop use or if you want, you can use the magnet to attach it to the oven door.
I would prefer to leave it inside the oven as the countertop display can be easily read even if you keep the oven’s door shut.
The thermometer is capable of measuring temperatures from 32 degrees to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. Although we think that the temperature range is not too wide as the other competitors, most of the people find it more than enough for their recipes.
Two additional features which we found interesting are the automatic time and temperature alarm for you to notify when the temperature is reached and the foldable display for easy storage.
The unit comes with one year of warranty from the manufacturer and has included two AAA batteries in the box, which are required to power up the main unit.
Overall, it is a great oven digital thermometer to have in your kitchen and what is also important is that it has a very affordable price too.
Pros
Cons
5. ThermoPro TP21 Meat Thermometer
Technical Details:
As the last option to consider as the best digital meat thermometer we decided to feature another product from the ThermoPro, their TP21 model.
The ThermoPro TP21 is a reliable, feature-packed thermometer which is good for smoker, grill, or oven.
It has a simple roundish design, with an LCD display in the middle and eight buttons on the side; four for each side. The LCD display has a nice feature where it changes colors depending on how far is the meat’s temperature with the set temperature, going from blue, green and red when is nearly done.
It comes with a super long 8.5” stainless steel probe, about 2” longer than the traditional probes, which is capable of precisely and quickly reading temperatures ranging from 15.8°F to 572°F, at about +(-) 1.8°F accuracy.
It comes with 9 pre-programmed preset temperatures of different types of meat and poultry and they all can be customized to suit your personal taste.
The wireless range is impressive too, making the device work even when you pass the 300-foot-listed range.
The unit is made to be used on grill or oven as it is durable to up to 700°F, a lot more than the 400°-500°F on most of the other models.
When you take the unit out of the box, there is no need for synchronization as it will work as soon as you put in the batteries.
And, ThermoPro includes a 1-year warranty with this product, which can be extended to 3 years, if you register it. Also, a new probe sensor will be provided to you for free is the one you have is having issues.
ThermoPro TP-21 Modes
Overall, the ThermoPro TP21 is a very durable model, suitable for high cooking temperatures and extended warranty.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
Our Editor's Conclusion:
So, what is the best digital meat thermometer among the five products featured on this list?
While each product is the best overall choice for its target niche and purpose, we think that the best overall meat thermometer is the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read. Yes, long name, I know. It is a pretty good choice, has tons of different features, it is very easy to use and has continuously proven that can produce accurate readings.
As a runner-up and if the instant-read model is not your preferred choice, we would consider the Maverick ET-733. It is a classic winner and it has been on the market for a long time. It has continuously great customer reviews and has tons of different features you may want from such a device.
Digital Meat Thermometer Buying Guide
For all those readers who are not convinced and are looking for a detailed guide on picking meat thermometers, here it is everything you need to know.
What is a Digital Meat Thermometer?
If anyone doesn’t even know what is considered a digital meat thermometer then let me pre-phase it shortly: ‘A digital meat thermometer is a cooking thermometer which measures the internal food’s temperature, also known as doneness level, to let you know if it is cooked at the desired point or not.
Knowing the internal food temperature is also useful because when cooked at the recommended temperatures, the heat will kill harmful bacteria and pathogens found on meat, preventing foodborne illness.
Why Do You need to Pick a Thermometer?
If you take cooking and grilling seriously, then a food thermometer is definitely a gadget you should have on your kitchen tools arsenal.
It will tell you with accuracy the exact internal temperature, allowing you to know when the desired doneness level is reached.
And the digital thermometers do this job even more conveniently as they don’t need to be constantly calibrated and are much easier to deal with.
Also, the latest meat thermometers have started to become more and more accurate, with up to +(-)1.8°F, which is pretty good when compared to some traditional +(-)5°F accuracy.
Digital thermometers are also capable of reading temperatures on hot and cold beverages, making them even more useful.
And a small benefit which makes the job much easier especially when you have found an international recipe online is the ability to convert the reading to either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Types of Digital Meat Thermometers
Currently, we would divide the meat thermometers into three main categories: The Instant read digital meat thermometers, Wireless probe thermometers, and Infrared Thermometers.
Instant Read vs Digital Thermometer
The instant-read thermometers are the most straight forward and simple to use. You just have to insert the tip of the thermometer into the meat and it will instantly tell you the temperature on the LCD screen. The main drawback of these types is that you cannot leave inside the grill or oven while cooking.
The wireless probe models are the most popular one for anyone who needs to have an eye on the temperature all the time. They are more durable and can be left inside the oven or grill while the meat is cooking and you will get a real-time reading on your transmitter in a range of up to 300 feet away.
These models also have the most features included, such as pre-programmed presets, smartphone apps, alarms, timers, etc.
The infrared thermometers are the last category of meat thermometers. They don’t need to touch the surface of the meat to read the temperature but use the infrared technology to read it from distance.
Factors to Consider when Buying
Here are a couple of important factors to consider when picking a meat thermometer:
- Measuring Range
- Wireless Range
- Connectivity
- Warranty
- Pre-Programmed Presets
- Alarm Features
Price
Price is a very important factor when it comes to choosing a meat thermometer.
Most people consider these devices unnecessary and simply go for the cheapest solution. Once you start using it and you cook more occasionally, you will notice how helpful this simple device may be.
Don’t go for the cheapest solution and later notice that it is not accurate or is not working at all.
Just for a couple of extra dollars, you can get the best-rated model which will continuously provide you with accurate readings, making your cooking experience more enjoyable.