In every home kitchen, an instant read thermometer is essential…
…and not just because it can mean the difference between a sunken pastry…
…or overcooked steak and the perfect fluffy dessert or juicy entree.
By using this device, you can also ensure that what you’re about to eat…
…or serve was cooked to a temperature that is safe for eating…
…(protecting you and your family from foodborne illnesses like salmonella).
Besides displaying your food’s temperature on digital displays…
…instant-read thermometers have another advantage…
…over traditional analog ones: instant temperature readings…
…can be obtained quickly and more accurately than those with a minute’s wait.
We’ve compiled a list of the top instant read thermometers…
…on the market to make your decision a little easier.
Let’s hear Danield’s story before moving on to the next section…
The gift I wanted to give my girlfriend is a special gift, as she is a junior cook.
A pastry chef uses this instant-read thermometer in a YouTube video and I found it interesting.
The only one my girlfriend had was one of those digital ones you have to insert
into whatever you are testing. She found it to be fantastic and uses it frequently.
According to her, it’s a true professional tool.
It’s time to get started…
What to Look for in an Instant Read Thermometer
Temperature Range
When choosing instant read thermometers…
…you should consider the range of temperatures the thermometer can read.
Cooking meat requires a fairly narrow range of temperatures…
…(115-165 degrees Fahrenheit), but if you plan to use the thermometer…
…to make candy or regulate frying oil temperatures (300-375 degrees Fahrenheit)…
…a broader range of temperatures is required.
The rule of thumb is that thermometers…
…with a wide temperature range tend to be more reliable.
Digital vs. Analog
Choosing between digital and analog thermometers is a matter of personal preference.
Many cooks like to see the needle on the analog moving…
…whereas others prefer to see the numbers spelled out…
…(and they’re usually quite large, making them easy to read).
The downside of analog thermometers is that they are typically out of date.
In other words, their probes are often a bit thicker…
…which means every time you probe the meat, you lose more juice.
Keep reading…
Water Resistance
You should consider whether this feature is important to you…
…if you are looking for an instant read thermometer.
Make sure you buy a completely waterproof thermometer…
…if you’re worried about excessive splashing, heavy steam, or outdoor cooking (rain).
Although the probes can withstand water…
…if the body of the thermometer is not waterproof and you drop it accidentally…
…that can be the end for a lot of thermometers.
Price
Instant read thermometers come at a wide range of prices…
…just like most other kitchen tools.
Consider splurging a little if you think you’ll be cooking a lot of protein…
…and want to make sure it’s food-safe and cooked to your desired doneness.
Making deep fried food or making candy is much easier with the right thermometer…
…so if this is something you’d like to do frequently…
…it’s definitely worth the extra cash.
However, if you are simply trying to confirm…
…that your Thanksgiving turkey and an occasional roast are fully cooked through…
…a $100 instant read thermometer might be a bit excessive.
Rather than spending that kind of money…
…there are so many other great alternatives at a much lower cost.
Here’s the main part…
Our Top Picks for Instant Read Thermometer
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Grill and Cooking. Best Waterproof Ultra Fast Thermometer with Backlight & Calibration. Digital Food Probe for Kitchen, Outdoor Grilling and BBQ! | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Digital Thermometer Talking Instant Read- Electronic BBQ- Great for Barbecue, Baking, Grilling, Cooking, All Food & Meat, Liquids- Collapsible Internal long Probe (Orange) By Surround Point | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Ambidextrous Backlit Professional Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Kitchen, Food Cooking, Grill, BBQ, Smoker, Candy, Home Brewing, Coffee, and Oil Deep Frying | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer
- Features a thermocouple temperature range of -67°F to 626°F/-55°C to 330°C
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As well as measuring internal temperatures with its probe..
…it also measures surface temperatures with infrared technology.
You can use the probe to check your roast, monitor hot sugar for candy…
…or to check your frying oil since it measures temperatures up to 626 degrees.
It is 5 inches long, so you can reach deep into a roast, and it folds for safe storage.
It can measure temperatures between -67 and 482 degrees Fahrenheit…
…so you can use it to check the surface temperature of a hot pan…
..or to check the temperature of food in the freezer.
Additionally, our reviewer found it helpful that the thermometer…
…included an extra feature: It tells you when your food is at the proper cold…
…or hot holding temperature, or when it is unsafe to eat.
Due to the reflectivity of light-colored shiny surfaces…
…the thermometer works best on dark surfaces.
It runs on two AAA batteries and has an auto-shutoff feature.
Splashproof, but not waterproof, so it should not be submerged in water.
Pros:
- Infrared setting measures surface temperature.
- Splash-resistant design
- 5-inch probe
Cons:
- Display isn’t backlit
- Display is upside down when fully extended
“From the step-down tip of the probe to the large display, the Taylor Splash-Proof Infrared Thermometer is well designed.”
Rebekah Joan — Writer & Blogger
Alpha Grillers Instant Read Thermometer
With a backlight that allows you to read the thermometer in any light…
…this thermometer is ideal for grilling after dark.
Because it’s easy to see in any light, grillers know that there are many reasons…
…to fire up the grill after dark.
Simple to use, the thermometer turns on as soon as you unfold the probe…
…so you don’t have to look for a switch…
…and it turns off when you fold the probe back down.
With the ability to hold the displayed temperature…
…you don’t have to lean over a hot grill to see it.
Additionally, you can set the thermometer to display either the minimum…
…or maximum temperature you’ve read.
The reviewer notes, however, that it takes anywhere…
…from 4 to 7 seconds to get a steady reading.
This may not seem to be an issue…
…but if you’re looking for split-second readings, know this.
The probe is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about steam, splashing…
…or cooking in the rain. On the thermometer is a handy cooking guide…
…that points out the appropriate cooking temperatures for most meats…
…so you won’t have to remember what rare or medium-well means.
The range is -58 to 572 degrees, so you can use it for all your cooking needs.
Pros:
- Display is back-lit
- Automatic shut-off
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not actually an instant-read thermometer
Go on…
Surround Point Digital Talking Instant Thermometer
- BECOME A MASTER CHEF: TAKE YOUR COOKING TO THE EDGE: Measuring from -58F to 572F (-50C- 300C), this tool can be your best friend in the kitchen or BBQ. Use it to make the most delicious turkey, deep frying goods, hot bread and amazing ribs. You can also use this versatile tool for the temperature of baby liquids!
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you grill at night or your oven light is dim…
…this thermometer speaks the temperature…
…so you don’t need a flashlight or to squint at the numbers.
Its LED night option helps you see the numbers at night…
…a feature that many reviewers who wear glasses appreciate.
The thermometer takes about four seconds to read an accurate temperature…
…and it has an automatic shut-off feature so you won’t drain the battery.
The range is -58 degrees Fahrenheit to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros:
- Audible temperature readings
- Back-lit display
- Auto-shutoff feature
Cons:
- Quite large compared to some others
Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo
- 1-3 second ultra-fast response time with an accuracy better than ±0.9°F.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo comes with a 2-inch…
…auto-rotating, ambidextrous display that makes it easy to see the temperature…
…no matter what angle you insert it.
You can also receive an alert once the reading has settled…
…once the stabilization feature has been activated.
Additionally, the Javelin PRO Duo boasts a 3-second readout…
…to within 1 degree of the final temperature in moving boiling water…
…a feature that has earned it top marks from many customers.
Safety-wise, it meets strict international food-safety guidelines…
…and is free of lead, mercury, and cadmium.
This makes it suitable for commercial use as well.
This thermometer can be used in the oven, on the grill…
…for brewing coffee, making candy, and more.
A convenient magnet makes storing the item simple…
…and you can also choose from a wide variety of colors.
Pros:
- Auto-rotating, back-lit display
- Faster read than others
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on strength of magnet
Sum Up!
A thermometer in the kitchen is an essential piece of equipment for any cook.
A few degrees can make all the difference between a light and airy dessert…
…and a dense and drab mess.
The most important benefit of a good thermometer is that it will prevent food poisoning.
You should always cook meat to safe temperatures…
…before eating or serving it to others.
Otherwise, you will leave yourself and others at risk of food borne diseases…
…such as salmonella or e. Coli.
In a matter of seconds, an instant read thermometer will put your worries to rest.
Conclusion
We chose the Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Infrared Thermometer…
…as our top pick because of its accuracy and convenience.
Plus, it’s splash-resistant. Your thoughts?
Have we missed any major thermometers on the market…
…that should be included in this guide?
Comment below to let us know what you think. Have fun grilling!
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
