Best Instant Read Thermometer

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You are probably on this page because you want to get yourself an instant read thermometer.  Perhaps you are tired of the guess work, which can be a hit or miss since sometimes you will end up with over cooked or under-cooked food.

With a digital read thermometer, you get to know the exact temperatures of things like meat, cakes, soups, candy, and beverages – you can even take it a notch higher by using your instant read thermometer to take temperatures of cars heater ducts.

Also, you could be here because you have been messing around with faulty electronic thermometers, which give false readings and take forever to register readings.

Stay with me; you will most certainly figure out what to get from Big Daddy (Amazon) by the time you are done going through our list of best instant read thermometers.

Let’s begin.

Top Instant Read Thermometers Reviews & Comparison

Comparison Chart

41trWcqkQTL. SL500
ThermoPro TP18 Ultra Fast Thermocouple Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer for Grilling BBQ Smoker Kitchen Food Cooking Thermometer for Oil Deep Fry Candy Thermometer
51VoEbHUosL. SL500
Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer – Waterproof Kitchen Food Cooking Thermometer with Backlight LCD – Best Super Fast Electric Meat Thermometer Probe for BBQ Grilling Smoker Baking Turkey
31X4FSFMwsL. SL500
UEi Test Instruments PDT650 Folding Pocket Digital Thermometer,Yellow
31lE6+fld L. SL500
OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer
41He2BVDPyL. SL500
Taylor Precision Products Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer
51vAYtFiWQL. SL500
Instant Read Thermometer Best Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer with Backlight and Calibration Functions Food Thermometer for Outdoor and Kitchen Cooking
31lDOblaiYL. SL500
OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer
21CytBs9JSL. SL500
Cooper Atkins DPP400W-0-8 Digital Pocket Test Waterproof Part
31 PCMW5maL. SL160
MAVERICK Pro-Temp Commercial Smoker BBQ Probe Meat Thermometer, 5-Inch, White/Gray
31q7avfIcRL. SL500
Taylor Precision Products Digital Turbo Instant Read Thermocouple Meat Food Grill BBQ Cooking Kitchen Thermometer, Folding Probe, Black

ThermoPro-TP18 Digital Thermometer 

41trWcqkQTL. SL500

First on the list is the ThermoPro TP18 instant read thermometer.  Featuring a smart design, one of the things you will love about this thermometer is that it delivers accurate readings, at an ultra-fast response time.

Within three or so seconds of inserting it your meat or soup, it displays the current temperature readings gauge. To enhance accuracy, this unit is calibrated.

The frame is made of strong ABS material and the probe is stainless steel.

Weighing around 4.2 ounces, this unit feels weightless; which means it is easily portable. You can even stick it in the breast pocket.

 A bright LED read out allows you to easily read temperatures at any given time. You can view the readings in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.

The stainless steel probe rotates all the way to 180 degrees, and it is 4-iches in length. When it is not in use, you can fold this step-down probe for convenient storage.  Also, it has a kitchen hook for hanging together with other kitchen wear.

When the digital thermometer stays around 90 seconds without being used, it will automatically power off. The Lock Function setting lets you freeze the temperatures when a reading registers.

On the side, it labeled with a temperature chart, which comes in handy when you want to know how to cook food at the right temperatures. On the other side of the LED screen, it is fitted with two round magnets; this makes it easy stick it on the surface of refrigerators or cooktops.

PS: With this model, you cannot check readings after leaving the thermometer inside an oven cooking. Instead, you have to remove your dish, check the temp, and then proceed with the cooking.

Pros

  • Accurate readings
  • Fast response
  • It’s calibrated
  • Stylish design
  • Low-priced
  • Magnetic back
  • Auto-power off
  • Lock function
  • Portable
  • It rivals high-priced units

Cons

  • Screen is LED
  • One-year warranty
  • It is not water-proof

Smak Instant Read Thermometer

51VoEbHUosL. SL500

Next, on the list is the Smak Instant Read Thermometer, incredibly lightweight but it outrivals the ThermoPro-TP18 in its own ways. First, it has versatile uses.  Aside from grilling or barbeque, it can be used for baking, candy, beer, milk, soup and Crockpot.

When it comes to registering temperature readings, the Smak instant thermometer is ultra-fast.  Unlike conventional gadgets that take forever to display readings, you get accurate readings within three seconds.

This one has an LCD screen; bright and big with dimensions of 1.75 inches.  This digital display is backlit to make it easy-to-read even when you are outside at night or in poorly lit spaces. Its housing is constructed with superior ABS plastic casing that is waterproof (rated IP65) while the step-down probe is designed from Food Grade Stainless Steel (Grade 304).

It has an ultra-slim design and it is lightweight, with dimensions of 6.1 x 1.5 x 0.7 inches and weighing 0.8 ounces.  The ultra-sim design makes it portable. On one side, it has a hanging hole so you can safely hang it together with other kitchen utensils like fry pans.  Also, it is foldable; instead of hanging it, you can store it in tiny spaces like kitchen drawers.  Because its backside has an internal magnet, it will stick on metal-like surfaces, such as the refrigerator.

A large handle makes it possible to stick to pierce a hot piece of meat without your hand getting scorched.  Once 10 minutes have lapsed without the thermometer being used, it automatically powers off.  It has a calibration switch, and you can alternate Fahrenheit and Celsius readings.

On top of that, you can switch between MAX and MIN temperatures or put the readings on HOLD.

Pros

  • Magnetic back
  • Fast and accurate
  • Pocket-friendly price
  • Quality design
  • Portable
  • Bright LCD screen
  • Auto-shut off feature
  • Pre-calibrated
  • Easy to clean and store
  • It’s waterproof

Cons

  • You cannot leave it in an oven cooking

UIE Test Instrument PDT650

31X4FSFMwsL. SL500

This one adds to the variety of low-priced units in the market. Although this digital thermometer is tiny it is splendid at what it does – registering precise temperature readings in a fast response time.

It has a temperature range of between -50 to 300 degree Celsius. While that may not be an extended temperature range, it makes up for that in other ways: accuracy. An exposed tip on one side gives accurate readings even when the device is closed.

The PDT650 has a compact body with an average-sized probe. This frame is plastic, and although this material is not superior grade, the body feels solid.

We can’t speak much for the looks, but the PDT650 delivers reliable temperature readings.  While this temperature probe gives accurate readings, the response time is not ultra fast.  Still, it registers readings in a convenient time – we could say up to six seconds.

Although it is a compact unit, the probe is foldable to make it convenient to carry around, store in drawers or boxes. That size perfectly fit in small places.  With a built-in magnet, you can mount it on refrigerators, cooktops, or any metallic surface.  That’s not all; it has a peg-like hook that enables you to peg it on particular surfaces.  Then, a large handle means you can grill your meat without getting burned.

Lastly, this unit is not waterproof. Yes, it is water-resistant; but don’t submerge it in water.

Pros

  • Magnetic mount
  • Auto power off
  • Wide Temp range
  • 3-year warranty
  • Folding probe
  • Record Max/Min temperatures
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Not suitable for high-temperatures
  • Cannot be calibrated
  • Takes time to register temp’ readings
  • Digital display not backlit
  • It is not waterproof

OXO Instant Read Thermometer  

31lE6+fld L. SL500

Meet the OXO instant read thermometer with a stainless steel body, a piquant LCD screen, a lengthy probe, and a built in temperature chart.  It can be used for both meat and liquid temperatures; but not for things like candy.

With the OXO instant read thermometer, you get accurate readings of your roasted meat although it is not the most ultra-fast probe. At most, it returns readings within 10 seconds. That can be long for some people given some instant read thermometers give you readings within 3-4 seconds.

Although the probe is longer than some models it can be uncomfortable to stick your hand inside a hot oven. Another disadvantage is that because the temperature probes toggles before it captures accurate readings, when you are checking your cake or meat in the oven, you are forced to leave the oven door open for a few seconds, which causes heat to escape.

You will have no trouble reading the figures displayed on the Large LCD display.  Plus, the readings on the LCD screen can be read from any angle since the face is rotating.  The display toggles until it captures the right readings.  On the backside, it has a reset button, a dial switch for locking and unlocking the device, and a button for alternating between degrees and Fahrenheit.

Despite being compact-sized, the frame is rugged since it is designed from stainless steel. Many gadgets have a plastic body. On one side, it has a built in chef consensus temperature guide; then on the opposite side, it has USDA temperature guide.

The OXO differs from many temperature probes because it registers a temperature range of between -40 C and 150 C, which we could say is a half the temperature range for most gadgets. When not in use, fold the probe for convenient storage.

Remember, this thermometer probe is not water resistant. Also, it should not be left to cook inside the oven. However, you can wash with a wet cloth.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Foldable probe
  • Fast and accurate
  • Bright LCD display
  • Automatic power-off
  • Built-in temperature guide
  • Stainless steel body

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Not suitable for other purposes other than meat
  • Cannot be left to cook inside an oven
  • It is not calibrated
  • Battery does not last long

Taylor Precision 9306N Instant Read Thermometer 

41He2BVDPyL. SL500

No more guess work when taking out your meat from the oven or grill with the Tylor Precision 9306N instant read thermometer. It is both a probe and an infrared thermometer. The infrared thermometer has a temp range ranging between -67 and 482 degrees F; however, the temperature probe can reach up to 626 degrees F.

While the probe checks the temperature for delicacies like meat, the infrared scan function helps you determine whether the cooking surface is hot enough for something like browning or frying.

This temperature probe is one of the fastest you will ever use. The step-down probe obtains readings in less than 2-3 seconds at most. It is bulkier and a bigger compared to other models out there as it weighs 22 ounces (with batteries inserted); the dimensions are 6.4 x 1.5 x 1 inches.

Although its LCD screen is not backlit, readings displayed are easy to comprehend. However, it can be problematic to see in poor lit rooms. However, it has a warning light system that can be used to aim or illuminate in dark spaces. Also, it is installed with a sensor to help adjust the emissivity setting, thereby allowing you to take temperature readings of dark-reflective surfaces like oil.

The hold button lets you freeze the last readings to be displayed on the LCD screen. When the device is not in use, the Thermocouple automatically shuts off after about four minutes. As for the Infrared Scan function, it auto powers off after about 15 seconds.

The step-down probe, all stainless steel and measuring five inches long, easily pierces through meat. When not in use, this temperature probe can be folded. Plus, the batteries last longer thanks to the auto shut off feature.

Pros

  • Foldable temperature probe
  • Auto shut off feature
  • Lengthy probe
  • Wide temperature range
  • Dual purpose thermometer
  • Stylish design
  • Water proof (IP65)
  • Comes with a casing
  • Easy to operate and clean
  • Hold feature settings

Cons

  • Costly
  • It is cannot calibrated
  • Cannot be used as a candy thermometer

Mister Chefer Instant Read Thermometer

51vAYtFiWQL. SL500

Mister Chefer is next on the list. The elegant-looking digital thermometer captures readings within three seconds after probing your meat or soup. No more wasting time at the grill or BBQ, doing all the guess work. Plus, you get a wide temperature of between -58 degrees F and 572 degrees F.

With the Mister Chefer probe thermometer, you save time while cooking food to optimal temperatures – and the accuracy is spot on; we are talking about an accuracy of +/- 1 degree. Plus, this unit is calibrated to boost your confidence in the readings captured.

Because the probe is thin, it pierces through cooked food without food juices sticking on it. Also, this probe is long; you don’t have to worry about bruises from burns when grilling. When fully extended, it measures about 10.6 inches. Plus, the probe can rotate all the way to up to 180 degrees.

A large display panel lets your view readings even in poorly lit spaces because it is backlit. Other than that, it has several convenience buttons: there is a button to toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit; there is a button for choose from MAX, MIN and HOLD functions; and, there is a backlight button that lets you capture readings at anywhere, anytime.

When you are not using it, you can fold it, and attach it on the refrigerator thanks to the infused magnet. Alternatively you could hang it together with other kitchen wear because it has a hanging hook, or you could store it inside the tiny kitchen drawers. As soon as you fold the probe, it automatically powers off.

Unlike some flimsy BBQ thermometers that you have to toss away once it drops on the floor, this unit can take a beating.  The body is designed with strong ABS plastic material while the probe is all stainless steel. On the back, it is imprinted with a temperature chart to ease your cooking experience.

Also, cleaning it is quite straightforward because this digital thermometer is waterproof.

Pros

  • Ultra fast
  • Elegant design
  • Simple to operate
  • Calibration function
  • Hold function
  • Waterproof
  • Low-priced
  • Backlit LCD screen
  • Magnetic back
  • Sturdy frame
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • We couldn’t think of one

OXO Good Grips Thermometer

31lDOblaiYL. SL500

This OXO digital thermometer is way advanced compared to the previous model we reviewed above – however, it is not stainless steel.  It boasts of a large LCD display, a waterproof body, a rapid response, and it is accurate – even so, you will have to shell out more in cash.

It features a tough construction, which is built from robust plastic.  The stainless steel probe is lengthy, making it comfortable to use away from the heat.  A large, backlit LCD screen makes it easy to read temperatures at any given time.

This means you can grill at night without any trouble. Because the screen rotates automatically, it is convenient to use at any angle. Plus the probe rotates up to 225 degrees.  This means you can take readings at any angle without touching the probe whatsoever.

Being a step-down probe, the end is narrower, making it easier to insert the probe in meats, piercing just the right depth to capture the readings.

The device switches to sleep mode after three minutes have elapse; if left for 10 minutes, it powers off.  Moving the probe, powers on the probe – it has no ON/OFF button. A center dial makes it simple to operate the probe without the need to touch it.

Inside the battery compartment, it has two tiny switches. The first switch lets you toggle between Fahrenheit and Centigrade while the other switch lets you choose the format of the readings – whether you want 1 or 1.0.

Having a rating of IP66, the frame is waterproof tight.  Thus, cleaning it is no trouble.

Pros

  • Rapid response
  • Captures accurate readings
  • Compact, sturdy design
  • Backlit LCD screen
  • Comes with a microfiber storage pouch
  • Simple to use

Cons

  • It is expensive
  • You need to adjust settings using a sharp pointed object
  • It is not pre-calibrated

Cooper Atkins DPP400W-0-8 Digital Thermometer

21CytBs9JSL. SL500

The Cooper DPP400W will impress you, whether you are a professional cook or a beginner. With a temperature range of between -40 degrees and 392 degrees F, you can be versatile.

It is shaped just like a pen, and it captures precise temperatures, lightning fast.  The readings are displayed within three seconds after inserting the probe in your meat or beverage.  On top of that, the readings are accurate.  It is equipped with Thermistor sensors to enhance accuracy of readings.

Its frame is constructed with superior ABS plastic material, combined with Anti-Microbial Additive that fights bacterial growth. This ensures the probe remains hygienic throughout. It will withstand hard falls because of the bullet proof body.

The small-sized design means you can easily fit it inside your pocket or stick it inside the small kitchen drawers where you keep things like spoons and forks. It has three tiny buttons: the ON/OFF button; a button to switch between Centigrade and Fahrenheit readings; and the MODE button.

​The cooper certainly has a short probe, which might give you the idea that it is not suitable for particular uses. However, the plastic casing covering the probe can be detached and conjoined with the other end of frame (at the opposite end of the probe).  Doing so extends your hand further from the heat, making it comfortable to use.

With a rating of IPX7, this unit is water-proof tight. Being waterproof, cleaning this unit is straightforward. You can quickly rinse it in water, thereby washing off dirty germs.

The digital display automatically powers off after 10 minutes to extend battery life.

Pros

  • Fast response time
  • Accurate readings
  • Easy-to-read digital display
  • Affordable price
  • Pen-style design
  • Auto-shut off feature
  • Life-time warranty
  • Waterproof body/dishwasher safe
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Cannot withstand extreme temperatures

Maverick Pro-Temp Thermometer

31 PCMW5maL. SL500

Accuracy, speed, and convenience are some of the goodies the Maverick Pro thermometer probe brings to the table.  It captures readings as fast as three seconds, and you get precise temperature readings.

  It is simply one of those devices that will make you feel like a ‘pro’ cook, even if you are not one already.  Just so you know: this device has been certified by the NFS, and it meets NIST accuracy standards. It will measure temperatures within ranges –of 40F – and 450 F.

Its body is constructed with tough plastic material, plus this frame is covered with a protective Microbial plastic covering, which ensures that bacteria do not find a home inside the frame.  Compared to some units, this model is heavier and big too.

It weighs 5.6 ounces, and it has dimension of 7.5 x 0.8 x 2 inches.  The probe is stainless steel, and it is 5-inches in length; when the probe is not in use, you can fold it to make it compact.

With a rating of IP44, we could say this device is resistant to dust and water splashes.  Because it is not safe to submerge it in water, you only need to use a damp cloth or sponge to clean it.

Its LCD panel is well lit, and numbers are easy-to-read.  The LCD measures 0.6-inches, with a blue, backlit readout.  Even during times where there is not sufficient illumination, your eyes will not strain to read the readings. The front-faced digital display does not rotate, however, that is not a problem because whether you are left-handed or right handed, you can still view the readings.

You don’t have to worry about the device breaking because of multiple drops; that’s because the frame is designed to be shock resistant.

To top it up, this unit’s body is engraved with a meat cooking chart. This chart gives you an idea of how your meat will come out before you even prepare it, thereby making easy to know what temperatures to observe.

Pros

  • Bright LCD display
  • Auto shut off
  • Cooking temperature chart
  • Foldable probe
  • NFS/NIST certified

Cons

  • It is an expensive

Taylor Precision Digital Thermometer 

31q7avfIcRL. SL500

Last on the list is the Taylor Precision digital thermometer, model 9867B.  If you are looking for a probe that strikes the right balance between price and capturing precise temperature readings, this makes a decent alternative.

This digital temperature unit registers readings in less than three seconds.  Also, it is accurate; hence, no more guess work. It is equipped with a superior thermocouple sensor to improve accuracy of results.  The accuracy is probably off by +/-2 degrees F.  You can take temperature measurements falling between -40/572 degrees; -40/300 degrees C.

The body is constructed with an Antimicrobial material to keep the thermometer hygienic to use. Moreover, this unit is NFS certified. For easier storage, and too keep it hygienically safe when not in use, this probe can be folded. The probe is stainless steel, measuring 4-inches long with a step-down design; the piercing tip has dimensions of approximately 1.5mm.

A backlit digital display (blue in color), measuring 0.6 inches lets you pick up readings with trouble. It does not have an OFF/ON: to operate it, you only need to open-up the probe to operate; to power it off, fold the probe in place.

Compared to most units on the list, this one is lightweight, weighing 3.68 ounces. Also, it is not overly big; having dimensions of 5.6 x 1.1 x 1.2 inches, the thermometer has a compact size.

The HOLD button enables you to conveniently freeze temperature readings when taking the probe off the meat or otherwise. Also, you can have the digital display show readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius.

Pros

  • Fast and accurate
  • Backlit digital display
  • Foldable probe
  • It is calibrated
  • Easy to operate
  • Antimicrobial housing
  • Compact, sturdy design
  • Pick between F/C degrees
  • Freeze temperature readings

Cons

  • It is has not water-resistant rating

Final Thoughts 

There you have it – our list of top-10 best instant read thermometers.  Whether you are upgrading from a faulty thermometer or you are exploring digital thermometers for the first time, it is now much simpler to zero in on your best catch.

You can now pick a device that will suit your preferences – whether it is the OXO, Mister Chefer, the Tylor Precision or the Mavericks brand – you will find something to suit the occasion.

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