Erin Elizabeth
If you’re like me, you’ve probably been using a dial-read meat thermometer for years. They’re reliable, and you know what you’re getting into when you use them.
But can I tell you something? My entire cooking experience changed when I upgraded to instant read meat thermometers. That sounds corny, but it’s true.
With an instant read meat thermometer, you can get the temperature of your food in a second. That means no more standing there, potentially with your arm in the oven or over the grill waiting for the dial to read the temperature as your arm grows increasingly hotter.
Fast, highly accurate, and easy to read. These instant read meat thermometers are a vast improvement.
Instant Read Meat Thermometers
If you’re wondering which to choose, don’t. I’ve got you covered with a list of the best.
Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo
The Javelin PRO Duo is a fantastic instant read meat thermometer. Its ambidextrous display will automatically orient itself for easy reading. It also has a motion-activated backlight, so you just need to give it a little shake to get it to turn on when you're wearing gloves. In addition to having an auto-sleep and motion-wake, this thermometer can last on a single battery for up to 4,000 hours.
The display is excellent, the rendering is clear, and the numbers are large and easy to read. Available in eight flashy colors, you'll be able to use this on anything in your kitchen, just as well as a shoulder of lamb or roast chicken.
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
The Thermapen ONE is a highly accurate thermometer with super fast reading speeds, picking up the temperature in one second or less. An improved backlight makes the Thermapen much easier to read inside a dim oven.
This thermometer comes with an auto-rotating screen, easy access settings compartment by the battery, and a 5-year warranty. The outer case is also waterproof up to IP67. With a clear display and comfortable grip, I enjoyed this one a lot.
It's somewhat pricier than other models on the list, but this is where you get what you pay for in terms of quality and utility.
ThermoWorks ThermoPop
The ThermoPop is another excellent instant read meat thermometer from Thermoworks. Some other styles are larger, which isn't necessarily a negative. But when you're a professional chef, this can be cumbersome.
With the ThermoPop, you have a slimmer model but with all the same features that make other models great. A fast read, has big digits, and a nice backlight that makes it easier to read when you're arm-deep in the oven.
This thermometer will fit neatly in your chef's jacket and is also splash-proof with durable construction. If you're a busy food specialist, you'll appreciate this efficient and cost-effective model.
Habor Instant Read Thermometer
The Harbor Instant Read Thermometer is inexpensive, but you wouldn't know it. This thermometer is slim, well-made, and can hold its own in the kitchen. Its read time is slower than the ThermoWorks or LavaTools, but five seconds is decent.
If you're a budding culinary enthusiast and you're reluctant to lay out the money for a more expensive model, the Harbor is one I recommend. It will get you a similar utility to the upper-range thermometers, but it won't break the bank.
The one downside that you'll want to look out for is that the Harbor is not water or splash-proof, and it's possible for liquid to get in past the buttons.
OXO Good Grips Instant Read Thermometer
The OXO Good Grips is a sturdy thermometer at a reasonable price. What makes this one different from the others is the pivoting head. You'll be able to quickly turn it this way or that to read the clear digital display.
Overall, this thermometer is quick and delivers accurate measurements. Like others on this list, it has a slimmer profile and works for food service professionals who want a thermometer they can keep in their jacket.
The Good Grips also provides a handy list of recommended temperatures. Though as of this writing, the USDA does recommend you cook all poultry to 165 ºF.
Taylor Thermocouple Thermometer
The Taylor Thermocouple is a more pricey model than some others. However, with this thermometer, you get the best of both worlds.
It has the slimmer profile that some less expensive models sport, but it has a larger display than them. These two combined features are great together. It means you can easily keep your thermometer on you in the kitchen, but you won't be hampered by trying to read tiny digital numbers.
The Thermocouple has an easy-to-use calibration feature, which is fantastic; you'll never have to worry or question that your digital thermometer isn't working because you'll be able to check.
ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Meat Thermometer
Effective, economical, and intuitive are three words that come to mind when describing the TP20 from ThermoPro.
This thermometer offers a lengthy wireless range, dual probes for accurate ambient and internal temperatures, and audible alarms when your meat reaches temperature or if there’s an issue with the thermometer.
Setting up the thermometer is a breeze, and there’s no syncing required. All you need to do is throw in four AAA batteries, and you’re ready for action.
The dual step-down probes offer accurate temperature measurements to 572°F, and it’s correct to within 1.8°F. For home cooks looking for accuracy and a fair price, the TP20 could be ideal for you.
Instant Read Meat Thermometers
- Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo
- ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
- ThermoWorks ThermoPop
- Habor Instant Read Thermometer
- OXO Good Grips Instant Read Thermometer
- Taylor Thermocouple Thermometer
- ThermoPro Digital Wireless Meat Thermometer
Elevate Your Cooking With These Kitchen Tools
Use these meat thermometers to quickly tell temperatures and improve your skills in the kitchen!
Check out our blog for other useful kitchen tools, from electric wine openers to knife sharpeners and more.
This page may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we'll earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
