The Best Instant Read Thermometers In 2022
Steve Heap/Shutterstock By Anita Surewicz/Updated: Jan. 31, 2023 4:01 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. 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
Anton Starikov/Shutterstock
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 instant read thermometer for a splurge
FireBoard
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
ThermoWorks
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.
The Best Instant Read Thermometers In 2022
Steve Heap/Shutterstock
By Anita Surewicz/Updated: Jan. 31, 2023 4:01 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. 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.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
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
Anton Starikov/Shutterstock
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.
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
Lavatools
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.
Best budget instant read thermometer
KIZEN
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.
Best instant read thermometer for a splurge
FireBoard
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.
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
ThermoWorks
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.
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
Surround Point
Best designed instant read thermometer
OXO
Best non-touch instant read thermometer
Cuisinart
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.
