The Best Instant Read Thermometers In 2022
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Knowing the internal temperature of food is the only sure way of ascertaining whether it's ready to eat. In the case of steak, for instance, this means the level of doneness — think medium rare, medium, or well-done. But there's much more to the story. Undercooked meat and fish can give you a serious case of food poisoning. This is why the USDA has released the "Safe Internal Temperature Chart" as a reference point.
Monitoring the internal temperature of food with a kitchen thermometer can be a game changer in the kitchen. Unlike standard food thermometers that track changes in temperature over time, instant read thermometers let you make quick temperature checks throughout the cooking process. They are generally inserted through the thickest part of the meat but can also be used to make spot checks to prevent overcooking. And rather than being left in the food, instant read thermometers are meant to be taken out after each measurement.
Ranging from old-school analog-style thermometers to modern gadgets that can be connected to a smartphone, here's our list of the best instant read thermometers of 2022.
How we selected products
Aside from the price, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying an instant read thermometer. First is the body — most instant read thermometers are either splash or waterproof. Then there's the response time and accuracy. After all, no matter how fast, inaccurate readings have the potential of turning your meal into a complete disaster. Some other features to look at when making your investment include probe length, automatic on and off functions, and the size and resolution of the thermometer's display.
We are all too aware that when it comes to kitchen utensils, brand promises don't always match reality. And instant read thermometers are no exception. This is why our thermometer selection takes into account not just each gadget's features but also expert and customer reviews. Ready to take your culinary endeavors to the next level? Here is our roundup of the best instant read thermometers of 2022.
Best overall instant read thermometer
There's a good reason why the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo digital thermometer has been rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by over 5,000 Amazon shoppers. Ultra-fast and versatile, the thermometer delivers results within three seconds on a large 2-inch backlit display. Plus, the device is ideal for lefties since the display reorientates automatically depending on the way it's handled (via Amazon).
The Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo is also very easy to use. Simply unfold the 4.5-inch probe to turn it on. While the device features an automatic sleep function to conserve energy, it can be easily put back to work with a quick wiggle. The Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo is splashproof and features a built-in magnet for easy storage — you can easily stick it to your fridge. Perhaps best of all, you'll only need to replace the thermometer's battery every 4,000 hours.
The Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo has received an overwhelmingly positive reception from reviewers. Mark Jenner from Food Fire Friends praises the thermometer's rotating LCD display, adding that it can be easily read from any angle. He also comments that, while the device is lightweight, it feels sturdy and solid in the hand. One Amazon reviewer echoes this sentiment, saying, "Easy to use, easy to clean, and it's durable. I don't mind the more expensive price tag cause the cheaper ones don't last."
Purchase the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo digital thermometer from Amazon starting at $54.99.
Best budget instant read thermometer
With a price tag of around $10, the KIZEN Digital Meat Thermometer is a steal. Available in three color variations, the kitchen utensil takes temperatures in approximately three seconds. Plus, it comes with a backlit LED screen and displays temperature in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. Some other of the thermometer's features include a hanging loop and an internal magnet for easy storage, an automatic on-and-off function, and a temperature chart for quick reference. Last but not least, the KIZEN Digital Meat Thermometer is waterproof so you can easily clean it under running water (via Amazon).
So how does the KIZEN Digital Meat Thermometer measure up in the kitchen? Chris Riley, who tested the gadget for Smoked Meat Sunday, says that on average the KITZEN took 4.5 seconds to provide readings, adding that he appreciates the device's long folding probe and backlit display. On the downside, Riley doesn't seem so impressed with the fact that the kitchen thermometer runs on button cell, rather than AAA, batteries. Perhaps the reviewer for the website Thermo Meat summed up the KIZEN best when they called it a "decent" but not great thermometer that could potentially have some durability issues down the line.
Purchase the KIZEN Digital Meat Thermometer from Amazon starting at $10.08.
Best instant read thermometer for a splurge
With a $149 price tag, the FireBoard Spark Instant Read Thermometer may be a pricey choice for the average home chef. However, for the tech-savvy who take their culinary creations seriously, it may just be worth the cold hard cash.
There are two main things that set the FireBoard gadget apart from the thermometer pack. Firstly, aside from delivering ultra-fast one-second readings, it comes with the possibility of temperature tracking — all you need to do is purchase the leave-in probe. Secondly, it can be paired with the FireBoard Mobile App, letting you monitor the temperature of your gastronomic masterpiece remotely. The FireBoard Spark Instant Read Thermometer is waterproof and runs on a rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
According to Jordan Hanger from Smoked BBQ Source, the FireBoard Spark instant read thermometer is revolutionary, offering features never before seen in an instant read thermometer, including the aforementioned smart connectivity and leave-in probe. Hanger also notes that the FireBoard Spark is also extremely intuitive to use, meaning that you won't have to spend hours delving into an instruction manual before putting it to work.
Purchase the FireBoard Spark Instant Read Thermometer from the brand's website starting at $149.
Best compact instant read thermometer
Available in a variety of appealing colors, the ThermoWorks ThermoPop is a tiny thermometer that packs a powerful punch. Despite its compact size, the kitchen utensil features a surprisingly large backlit display, which can be rotated at a touch of a button for easy readings. It also delivers measurements within three and four seconds in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. The thermometer's 4.5-inch probe comes with a protective case for easy storage and portability.
Joe Clements, who tested the ThermoWorks ThermoPop for Smoked BBQ Source, says that it has most of the features of its bigger counterparts without the hefty price tag. Aside from its ergonomic design and relatively speedy response time, Clements compliments ThermoPop's battery life, saying that its lithium battery lasts up to 5,000 hours. And while it may not be as fast or accurate as some other instant read thermometers on the market, Clements says that the ThermoPop is a solid choice in its price range.
Purchase the ThermoWorks ThermoPop from the brand's website starting at $21.
Best talking instant read thermometer
Let's face it, even relatively large thermometer displays can be tricky to read. This is where the Surround Point Digital Thermometer can help. The gadget's claim to fame is the fact that it doesn't just display measurements but also broadcasts them — to our knowledge, it's one of only a few talking instant read thermometers on the market. At just over $15, the Surround Point is also very affordable (via Amazon).
So how does the Surround Point Digital Thermometer stack up against the competition? At the first glance, the gadget seems to have the standard features of many other instant read thermometers, including a backlit display, a long 4.7-inch folding probe, and an automatic on-and-off function. It also comes with a free recipe ebook. Despite its features and relatively low price, the Surround Point has been awarded an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, which is a tad on the low side. Pointedly, one Amazon reviewer has said, "I am blind and have used many talking thermometers. This one is OK. The speech is a little scratchy. Compared to the many others it's a little loose and flimsy [...] It is accurate though."
Purchase the Surround Point Digital Thermometer from Amazon starting at $15.99.
Best designed instant read thermometer
Designed for both right- and left-hand use, the OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer comes with a backlit LCD display that rotates depending on how the gadget is handled. This means that it can be easily viewed from most angles. The waterproof thermometer also features a dial that unfolds and folds the rotating probe without the need to touch it — this both keeps your hands clean and prevents bacteria transfer. Better still, the gadget delivers temperatures within three seconds in either Celsius or Fahrenheit and runs on AAA batteries that can be easily purchased at most supermarkets.
The OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer has received favorable reviews on multiple platforms, rating 9.2 on Don't Waste Your Money and 9.4 on OveReview. It has also scored an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from Amazon shoppers, with 82% of reviewers awarding it the perfect rating of 5 out of 5. Praising the gadget for its ease of use, one Amazon customer has said, "I love this thermometer. It's very easy to use, [has a] simple design [...] The display automatically flips over for lefties or righties, shows Fahrenheit temps, and opens and closes easily, with an auto-shutoff!"
Purchase the OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer from Amazon starting at $87.45.
Best non-touch instant read thermometer
When it comes to measuring the surface temperature of food, the Cuisinart CSG-625 Infrared Surface Thermometer is one of the best on the market. Usually used for measuring the temperature of pre-heated surfaces such as a baking stone or a pizza oven — rather than food itself — the gadget minimizes the risk of accidentally burning your meal. It can also help you identify any hot or cold spots in your grill (via Amazon).
The Cuisinart CSG-625 Infrared Surface Thermometer is very easy to use. Simply point it at an object and squeeze the handle. The temperature will be displayed on the large backlit display in either Celsius or Fahrenheit within seconds.
Overall, customers on Amazon give the Cuisinart CSG-625 Infrared Surface Thermometer favorable ratings, awarding it 4.3 out of 5 stars. They particularly like the fact that it's solidly built, easy to use, and accurate, with an Amazon reviewer commenting, "[It's] very useful to get a better idea of the actual temperature inside your grill. [It's better] than trying to rely on the notoriously inaccurate built-in grill thermometer."
Purchase the Cuisinart CSG-625 Infrared Surface Thermometer from Amazon starting at $33.17.
Best analog instant read thermometer
The OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Meat Thermometer blends analog technology, functionality, and old-fashioned appeal. The handy kitchen tool features a rapid-responding, bi-metallic coil that delivers fast and accurate measurements in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. To use the gadget, simply insert the probe into the meat until the shaded area is no longer visible and wait for the reading. The OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Meat Thermometer comes with a cover that displays USDA-recommended meat temperatures for quick reference.
The OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Meat Thermometer rates a solid 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon, with shoppers mentioning that it's both easy to use and read. One satisfied Amazon customer who gave the thermometer 5 out of 5 stars has said, "This [thermometer] is really easy for me to see without my reading glasses. The fact that the head tilts is also useful to check the food at different angles. So far it is a fairly accurate [thermometer]."
Purchase the OXO Good Grips Chef's Precision Meat Thermometer from Amazon starting at $12.99.