The 6 Best Meat Thermometers We Tested for Grilling, Roasting, and Stovetop Cooking

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to knowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Nick Simpson

People / Nick Simpson

Whether you’re a beginner cook or can sear an award-worthy filet, having a quality meat thermometer in yourapron pocketcan be the difference between a show-stopping meal and a disappointing one (not to mention whether or not everyone gets food-poisoning).We put 10 top-rated meat thermometers to the test, including instant-read and leave-in models from ThermoWorks, ThermoPro, Meater, and more. Our team of expert testers considered how the thermometers performed, felt, and looked while they took the temperature of everything from ice water to grilled chicken.What We LearnedMeat, poultry, and fish will continue cooking after you pull them from the heat, so set your thermometer a few degrees below your target to avoid overcooking.Keep reading for the best meat thermometers we tried.Our Top PicksBest Meat Thermometer Overall:Thermoworks ThermoPop 2 at Amazon$41Jump to ReviewBest Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost):ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Budget Meat Thermometer:Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer at Target$14Jump to ReviewBest Leave-In Meat Thermometer:ThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer at Thermoworks.comJump to ReviewBest Bluetooth Meat Thermometer:MEATER Pro Meat Thermometer at Amazon$130Jump to ReviewBest Value Meat Thermometer:ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Whether you’re a beginner cook or can sear an award-worthy filet, having a quality meat thermometer in yourapron pocketcan be the difference between a show-stopping meal and a disappointing one (not to mention whether or not everyone gets food-poisoning).

We put 10 top-rated meat thermometers to the test, including instant-read and leave-in models from ThermoWorks, ThermoPro, Meater, and more. Our team of expert testers considered how the thermometers performed, felt, and looked while they took the temperature of everything from ice water to grilled chicken.

What We LearnedMeat, poultry, and fish will continue cooking after you pull them from the heat, so set your thermometer a few degrees below your target to avoid overcooking.

What We Learned

Meat, poultry, and fish will continue cooking after you pull them from the heat, so set your thermometer a few degrees below your target to avoid overcooking.

Keep reading for the best meat thermometers we tried.

Our Top PicksBest Meat Thermometer Overall:Thermoworks ThermoPop 2 at Amazon$41Jump to ReviewBest Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost):ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Budget Meat Thermometer:Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer at Target$14Jump to ReviewBest Leave-In Meat Thermometer:ThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer at Thermoworks.comJump to ReviewBest Bluetooth Meat Thermometer:MEATER Pro Meat Thermometer at Amazon$130Jump to ReviewBest Value Meat Thermometer:ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Best Meat Thermometer Overall:Thermoworks ThermoPop 2 at Amazon$41Jump to ReviewBest Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost):ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE at Amazon$115Jump to ReviewBest Budget Meat Thermometer:Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer at Target$14Jump to ReviewBest Leave-In Meat Thermometer:ThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer at Thermoworks.comJump to ReviewBest Bluetooth Meat Thermometer:MEATER Pro Meat Thermometer at Amazon$130Jump to ReviewBest Value Meat Thermometer:ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Best Meat Thermometer Overall:Thermoworks ThermoPop 2 at Amazon$41Jump to Review

Best Meat Thermometer Overall:Thermoworks ThermoPop 2 at Amazon$41

Best Meat Thermometer Overall:

Best Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost):ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE at Amazon$115Jump to Review

Best Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost):ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE at Amazon$115

Best Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost):

Best Budget Meat Thermometer:Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer at Target$14Jump to Review

Best Budget Meat Thermometer:Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer at Target$14

Best Budget Meat Thermometer:

Best Leave-In Meat Thermometer:ThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer at Thermoworks.comJump to Review

Best Leave-In Meat Thermometer:ThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer at Thermoworks.com

Best Leave-In Meat Thermometer:

Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometer:MEATER Pro Meat Thermometer at Amazon$130Jump to Review

Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometer:MEATER Pro Meat Thermometer at Amazon$130

Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometer:

Best Value Meat Thermometer:ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer at Amazon$18Jump to Review

Best Value Meat Thermometer:ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer at Amazon$18

Best Value Meat Thermometer:

Best Meat Thermometer OverallThermoworks ThermoPop 2PHOTO: Thermoworks$41 at AmazonView on Thermoworks.com

Best Meat Thermometer OverallThermoworks ThermoPop 2

Best Meat Thermometer Overall

Thermoworks ThermoPop 2

PHOTO: Thermoworks

$41 at AmazonView on Thermoworks.com

Star QualitiesEasy to useIncludes probe coverAccurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 5 degrees)Display rotates four waysRed FlagsNo special features

Star QualitiesEasy to useIncludes probe coverAccurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 5 degrees)Display rotates four ways

Easy to use

Includes probe cover

Accurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 5 degrees)

Display rotates four ways

Red FlagsNo special features

No special features

This is a simple, modern-looking instant-read thermometer. It’s shaped like a lollipop and comes in fun, bright colors. The temperature reading appears on a rotating digital display, so it’s easy to see, even at awkward angles. The thermometer comes with a cover to protect the probe during storage, and the only button is a simple on/off toggle.

Power Source:LR44 battery |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:-58 to 572 degrees F |Auto-Off:Yes |Display Type:Rotating backlit

PHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick Simpson

Best Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost)ThermoWorks Thermapen ONEPHOTO: King Arthur Baking$115 at AmazonView on Thermoworks.comView on Kingarthurbaking.comStar QualitiesEasy to useAmbidextrous displayAuto shutoffAccurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 6 degrees)Red FlagsPricey for simple featuresLess sleek than other optionsThis is a more traditional-looking instant-read thermometer with a fold-away stainless steel probe. The body is coated in a grippy material that prevents slips, and the thermometer is light and maneuverable enough to take a quick temperature reading from any angle. The backlit display rotates automatically as you move the device and is bright and legible.This simple thermometer doesn’t have a single button or toggle to press — you simply fold open the probe, stick it into your product, and wait a few seconds for the reading. It’s accurate to within 1 degree, though it was 6 degrees off in our boiling water test. Still, this is a high-quality, straightforward thermometer that’s slightly heftier than the ThermoPop — but it still comes in several nice colors.Power Source:AAA battery |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:-58 to 572 degrees F |Auto-Off:Yes |Display Type:Backlit rotating LCDPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick Simpson

Best Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost)ThermoWorks Thermapen ONEPHOTO: King Arthur Baking$115 at AmazonView on Thermoworks.comView on Kingarthurbaking.com

Best Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost)ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

Best Meat Thermometer Overall (Almost)

ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

PHOTO: King Arthur Baking

$115 at AmazonView on Thermoworks.comView on Kingarthurbaking.com

Star QualitiesEasy to useAmbidextrous displayAuto shutoffAccurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 6 degrees)Red FlagsPricey for simple featuresLess sleek than other options

Star QualitiesEasy to useAmbidextrous displayAuto shutoffAccurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 6 degrees)

Ambidextrous display

Auto shutoff

Accurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 6 degrees)

Red FlagsPricey for simple featuresLess sleek than other options

Pricey for simple features

Less sleek than other options

This is a more traditional-looking instant-read thermometer with a fold-away stainless steel probe. The body is coated in a grippy material that prevents slips, and the thermometer is light and maneuverable enough to take a quick temperature reading from any angle. The backlit display rotates automatically as you move the device and is bright and legible.

This simple thermometer doesn’t have a single button or toggle to press — you simply fold open the probe, stick it into your product, and wait a few seconds for the reading. It’s accurate to within 1 degree, though it was 6 degrees off in our boiling water test. Still, this is a high-quality, straightforward thermometer that’s slightly heftier than the ThermoPop — but it still comes in several nice colors.

Power Source:AAA battery |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:-58 to 572 degrees F |Auto-Off:Yes |Display Type:Backlit rotating LCD

Best Budget Meat ThermometerKizen Digital Meat ThermometerPHOTO: Amazon$14 at Target$16 at Walmart

Best Budget Meat ThermometerKizen Digital Meat Thermometer

Best Budget Meat Thermometer

Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer

PHOTO: Amazon

$14 at Target$16 at Walmart

Star QualitiesToggles between F and CNight mode lightGrippy ergonomic handleMagnetized with loop for storageMost readings were accurate ±1 degreeRed FlagsDesign feels clutteredButton was difficult to figure out

Star QualitiesToggles between F and CNight mode lightGrippy ergonomic handleMagnetized with loop for storageMost readings were accurate ±1 degree

Toggles between F and C

Night mode light

Grippy ergonomic handle

Magnetized with loop for storage

Most readings were accurate ±1 degree

Red FlagsDesign feels clutteredButton was difficult to figure out

Design feels cluttered

Button was difficult to figure out

This is another fold-out thermometer with a backlit digital display. The thermometer turns on as the probe is folded out and shuts off when closed. Users can quickly toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and it has a doneness temperature guide for meat printed on the front.

Power Source:CR2032 battery |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:0 to 190 degrees F |Auto-Off:No |Display Type:LED

PHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick Simpson

Best Leave-In Meat ThermometerThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and TimerPHOTO: ThermoWorksView on Thermoworks.comStar QualitiesVersatileHighly accurateFun flip-phone-like designIncludes carrying caseToggles between C and FRed FlagsSome features feel unnecessary to the average cookHas a bit of a learning curveThis is a more advanced thermometer with a 47-inch heat-safe (up to 700 degrees) wire attached to the probe. You can stick the probe into a roast in the oven or smoker and have an accurate reading as it cooks for several hours. That said, there’s a lot going on with this thermometer — more than some cooks may need.  Users can lock in a minimum and maximum target temp with an alarm, so the thermometer will ping when the meat hits a certain temperature. There’s also a cooking timer, which is handy.More data-driven, advanced cooks may appreciate the feature-rich design of this device, but we found it a little overwhelming at first. This was one of the few meat thermometers that we needed the instruction manual to use. However, once we got the hang of it, it was accurate within a degree or two, and the constant reading was helpful during grilling to avoid overcooking our chicken.Power Source:2 AAA batteries |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:-58 to 572 degrees F |Display Type:BacklitPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick Simpson

Best Leave-In Meat ThermometerThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and TimerPHOTO: ThermoWorksView on Thermoworks.com

Best Leave-In Meat ThermometerThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer

Best Leave-In Meat Thermometer

ThermoWorks Chef Alarm Cooking Alarm Thermometer and Timer

PHOTO: ThermoWorks

View on Thermoworks.com

Star QualitiesVersatileHighly accurateFun flip-phone-like designIncludes carrying caseToggles between C and FRed FlagsSome features feel unnecessary to the average cookHas a bit of a learning curve

Star QualitiesVersatileHighly accurateFun flip-phone-like designIncludes carrying caseToggles between C and F

Versatile

Highly accurate

Fun flip-phone-like design

Includes carrying case

Toggles between C and F

Red FlagsSome features feel unnecessary to the average cookHas a bit of a learning curve

Some features feel unnecessary to the average cook

Has a bit of a learning curve

This is a more advanced thermometer with a 47-inch heat-safe (up to 700 degrees) wire attached to the probe. You can stick the probe into a roast in the oven or smoker and have an accurate reading as it cooks for several hours. That said, there’s a lot going on with this thermometer — more than some cooks may need.  Users can lock in a minimum and maximum target temp with an alarm, so the thermometer will ping when the meat hits a certain temperature. There’s also a cooking timer, which is handy.

More data-driven, advanced cooks may appreciate the feature-rich design of this device, but we found it a little overwhelming at first. This was one of the few meat thermometers that we needed the instruction manual to use. However, once we got the hang of it, it was accurate within a degree or two, and the constant reading was helpful during grilling to avoid overcooking our chicken.

Power Source:2 AAA batteries |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:-58 to 572 degrees F |Display Type:Backlit

Best Bluetooth Meat ThermometerMEATER Pro Meat ThermometerPHOTO: Amazon$130 at Amazon$130 at Home DepotView on Meater.comStar QualitiesStylish walnut storage/charging baseOffers hands-free readings to the minuteLong battery lifePrice reflects valueRed FlagsUser needs to be a little tech-savvyThe stainless steel probe here connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth to give you real-time data on what’s happening inside your oven, smoker, or grill. The probe can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees, so it’s perfectly safe even to use over the open flames of agas grill.The connected app is user-friendly and provides just the right amount of detail in a bright, colorful display. You can opt for alerts when the probe hits a certain temperature to prevent overcooking, plus, it’s loaded with helpful tips for cooks in need of guidance.This is a great thermometer for tech-savvy chefs who value precision and want to nail the perfect roast. Though the thermometer was slightly inaccurate (about 6 degrees) in our tests, we’d caveat that with the note that we used the probe in water for that trial, not meat, which is what it’s designed for.Power Source:Rechargeable battery |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:Up to 1,000 degrees F |Display Type:AppPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick SimpsonPHOTO: People / Nick Simpson

Best Bluetooth Meat ThermometerMEATER Pro Meat ThermometerPHOTO: Amazon$130 at Amazon$130 at Home DepotView on Meater.com

Best Bluetooth Meat ThermometerMEATER Pro Meat Thermometer

Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometer

MEATER Pro Meat Thermometer

$130 at Amazon$130 at Home DepotView on Meater.com

Star QualitiesStylish walnut storage/charging baseOffers hands-free readings to the minuteLong battery lifePrice reflects valueRed FlagsUser needs to be a little tech-savvy

Star QualitiesStylish walnut storage/charging baseOffers hands-free readings to the minuteLong battery lifePrice reflects value

Stylish walnut storage/charging base

Offers hands-free readings to the minute

Long battery life

Price reflects value

Red FlagsUser needs to be a little tech-savvy

User needs to be a little tech-savvy

The stainless steel probe here connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth to give you real-time data on what’s happening inside your oven, smoker, or grill. The probe can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees, so it’s perfectly safe even to use over the open flames of agas grill.

The connected app is user-friendly and provides just the right amount of detail in a bright, colorful display. You can opt for alerts when the probe hits a certain temperature to prevent overcooking, plus, it’s loaded with helpful tips for cooks in need of guidance.

This is a great thermometer for tech-savvy chefs who value precision and want to nail the perfect roast. Though the thermometer was slightly inaccurate (about 6 degrees) in our tests, we’d caveat that with the note that we used the probe in water for that trial, not meat, which is what it’s designed for.

Power Source:Rechargeable battery |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:Up to 1,000 degrees F |Display Type:App

Best Value Meat ThermometerThermoPro Digital Meat ThermometerPHOTO: Amazon$18$17 at Amazon

Best Value Meat ThermometerThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer

Best Value Meat Thermometer

ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer

$18$17 at Amazon

Star QualitiesLight and lock buttonsLoop for storage and internal magnetAccurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 4 degrees)Red FlagsNo extra features

Star QualitiesLight and lock buttonsLoop for storage and internal magnetAccurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 4 degrees)

Light and lock buttons

Loop for storage and internal magnet

Accurate ±1 degree except for boiling water (off 4 degrees)

Red FlagsNo extra features

No extra features

The thermometer is magnetized and has a loop for hanging, and it automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of inactivity to save battery. The device is water-resistant and the food-grade stainless steel probe is easy to keep clean. This is a basic, budget-friendly option if you’re looking for something simple, reliable, and easy to use.

Power Source:AAA battery |Waterproof:Yes |Temperature Range:-58 to 572 degrees F |Auto-Off:Yes |Display Type:Backlit digital

Other Meat Thermometers We Tried

What to Know About Meat Thermometers

Types of Meat Thermometers

Temperature Range

Each thermometer has a specific temperature range that it operates within. All of our picks exceed the maximum temperature of most common items. For example, poultry needs to be cooked to 165 degrees F, while bread is done baking when it registers 190 degrees F. If you want your thermometer to also cover cold dishes likehomemade ice cream, for example, opt for one with a temperature range that dips below 0 degrees F, like theThermoWorks ThermoPop 2.

Display Type

It’s best to look for a meat thermometer with a clear, legible display — even better if it automatically rotates depending on where you stick the thermometer. Sometimes you have to work at awkward angles with large cuts of meat or inside a grill, so a rotating display makes it easy to always get a clear temperature reading. It’s also handy if a mix of righties and lefties are using the device. Having a backlit display is also key. It makes things easy to read indoors but is essential if you plan to bring your thermometer to a grill after dark.

Price Range

The cheapest meat thermometer on our list, theKizen Digital Meat Thermometer, costs $14 and offers excellent value for a pared-down device. For a little more, theThermoWorks ThermoPop 2is our favorite for its accuracy and quick readings and costs $35. On the upper end of the spectrum, the more feature-richMeater 2 Pluscosts $130 and would make a greatgift for an avid griller.

To find the best meat thermometers, we researched the most trusted brands and top-rated options. We tested 10 devices over 13 hours in our PEOPLE Tested lab, including seven digital probe thermometers, one Bluetooth thermometer, and two wired probe thermometers. Each device was scored on its design, accuracy, ease of use, and features.

Ultimately, our top-ranking device, theThermoWorks ThermoPop 2, scored 4.51 out of 5. We most liked this thermometer’s accuracy, speed, looks, and ease of use.

What We LearnedEight of these devices were consistently accurate to within 1 degree, but most were off on the boiling water test. We suspect this could have been due to the testing process rather than the thermometers themselves.

Eight of these devices were consistently accurate to within 1 degree, but most were off on the boiling water test. We suspect this could have been due to the testing process rather than the thermometers themselves.

Lizzy Briskinis a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE. She is also a trained chef, recipe developer, and food writer. She has a culinary degree from Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and was formally the food editor at Real Simple and Food Network Magazines. She now contributes recipes and food content to outlets including Wirecutter, Delish, The Kitchen, and SELF. She regularly relies on meat thermometers when cooking everything fromfresh breadto burgers, and she’s used — and loved — herThermoWorks ThermoPop 2for years.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com